Axelspace to Join Surge of Space Startups Listing on Tokyo Exchange Tokyo-based Axelspace is preparing to go public as early as June, according to sources familiar with the matter. The satellite manufacturer is expected to receive approval for its initial public offering (IPO) from the Tokyo Stock Exchange later this month, marking the fifth listing by a Japanese space venture in just two years. Founded in 2008 by aerospace researcher Yuya Nakamura, Axelspace has launched five Earth observation satellites and built custom satellites for clients such as Weathernews. The company plans to launch seven more satellites next year, further expanding…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Lawmakers Question Elon Musk’s Dual Roles at SpaceX and Federal Oversight Body Democratic lawmakers on key US House committees have raised alarms over a possible conflict of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s dual positions as CEO of SpaceX and a Special Government Employee overseeing major reforms at NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD). Letter Highlights Conflict Concerns Tied to DOGE Oversight In a letter sent Tuesday to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro, House Democrats expressed concern over Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity driving significant structural changes across federal…
Zelenskiy Urges Western Support to Develop Drone Interceptors Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on his government to seek increased support from Western allies for developing interceptor drones, which he says are essential for protecting Ukraine from ongoing Russian air attacks. Focus on Drone Interceptors to Counter Russian Threats In his nightly video address on Tuesday, Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s top military command had discussed the strategic need for drones capable of intercepting and destroying enemy drones—particularly the Iranian-designed Shahed models frequently used by Russia. “This is one of the most advanced technologies of modern warfare,” Zelenskiy stated. “I instructed the…
Toyota Eyes Steady Profits Amid Hybrid Demand, But US Tariffs Loom Large Toyota Motor Corp is expected to post stable profits this Thursday, supported by strong global demand for its hybrid vehicles. However, investors remain cautious about the potential impact of US tariffs, especially with looming policy shifts under former President Donald Trump. Hybrid Sales Support Steady Performance The world’s largest automaker is predicted to report a modest 2% increase in fourth-quarter operating profit to 1.13 trillion yen ($7.86 billion), according to analysts surveyed by LSEG. This would be Toyota’s first quarterly profit growth in three quarters. Sales have remained…
EU Unveils €500 Million Plan to Attract Top Global Scientists European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a €500 million package to strengthen scientific research across EU. The initiative, covering the 2025–2027 period, aims to attract leading global scientists, especially those disillusioned with the US under President Donald Trump. Europe Positions Itself as a Hub for Innovation Speaking in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, von der Leyen described science as a vital investment. “We need to offer the right incentives,” she said, introducing the funding plan. “We are choosing to be the continent where universities are pillars…
Hacking of Signal Alternative Raises Alarms Over Government Communication Security A recent report has revealed that a Signal-like messaging app used by former US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz was hacked. This development has increased worries about the safety of communications within the highest levels of government. Hacker Exploits Weakness in TeleMessage App Tech outlet 404 Media reported that a hacker accessed TeleMessage, a messaging platform resembling Signal in design and function. A Reuters photo from a cabinet meeting last Wednesday showed Waltz using the app. According to the report, the hacker gained access through a vulnerability in TeleMessage’s backend…
Trump Makes Major Cuts to NASA’s Lunar Missions US President Donald Trump in his 2026 budget proposal, aims to cut $6 billion from NASA’s funding, a 24% reduction from its current $24.8 billion. This significant cutback targets the Artemis moon program, a central part of NASA’s plans to return humans to the lunar surface. Under the proposal, NASA’s costly Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion crew capsule will be phased out after their third mission in 2027. These systems, developed by Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin, have long been criticised for their high costs and delays. The White House…
Strategic Vizhinjam Port Marks Milestone in Trade Infrastructure Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Friday, calling it a major step forward in India’s maritime development. Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), the Vizhinjam Port is a key project under a public-private partnership with the government. The port, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹8,900 crore, is expected to transform India’s shipping capabilities. Following a successful trial run, it received full commercial clearance in December last year. At the launch event, attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Pinarayi…
SES in Talks to Support Europe’s Satellite Independence Amid Starlink Concerns European satellite operator SES is in active discussions with the EU and other governments to offer services that can complement Elon Musk’s Starlink. As the region rethinks its reliance on foreign providers, SES aims to play a key role in building secure, Europe-based space communications. Strategic Shift in Satellite Planning SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh revealed that conversations have moved beyond short-term needs. Governments are now considering mid- and long-term solutions. “The discussions are much more strategic in nature,” he told Reuters. “We are seeing European nations seriously boosting their…
Electric Humanoid Robot Targets Physically Demanding Factory Jobs Boston Dynamics is preparing to deploy its advanced humanoid robot, Atlas, in Hyundai Motor Group’s U.S. manufacturing operations later this year. The robot will begin trial use at Hyundai’s Metaplant in Georgia, testing its capabilities in real industrial environments. The electric version of Atlas, revealed in April 2024, is designed for high-performance tasks such as lifting heavy components and sorting car parts. Its agility and strength, enabled by custom-built motors, position it as a potential game-changer in manufacturing. Scott Kuindersma, Senior Director of Robotics Research at Boston Dynamics, said Atlas is built…