Author: Resham Bhambani

SpaceX Prepares for First Private Spacewalk in Landmark Mission Innovative Equipment and High Stakes Define SpaceX’s Next Venture SpaceX is set to undertake one of its most daring missions yet, featuring the first-ever private spacewalk. Scheduled for next week, this mission will push the boundaries of space exploration with cutting-edge equipment, including lightweight spacesuits and a modified Crew Dragon capsule lacking a traditional airlock. Trailblazing Crew and Mission Details at SpaceX The mission, named Polaris Dawn, is spearheaded by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who also financed the mission. Joining him are mission pilot Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force…

China Achieves New Milestone with Test Flight of Heavy-Lift Civilian Drone China’s aviation industry marked a significant milestone with the successful test flight of an unmanned civilian drone capable of carrying up to 3.2 metric tons of cargo. This achievement reflects the country’s growing focus on larger drones to meet the anticipated rise in domestic demand. SA750U: A New Era in Cargo Drones The SA750U, developed by a drone manufacturer based in Hunan province, completed a 40-minute test flight on Thursday morning. As reported by the official Hunan Daily on Friday, this drone can operate at altitudes as high as…

India Allocates $300 Million for Urban Flood Mitigation and Water Conservation India is set to invest nearly $300 million over the next two years to enhance water bodies and build drainage systems in seven major cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, to address flooding and conserve water. This initiative, approved by the federal government, marks the first flood control measure in India that focuses specifically on water bodies. Tackling Urban Flooding and Water Shortages Flooding, particularly during the monsoon season, is a frequent and often deadly occurrence in Indian cities. Rapid urbanisation has led to the loss of natural water…

On Friday, India will mark the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission to the Moon by commemorating that day as National Space Day. Ahead of that event, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), in collaboration with ISRO and the Indian Space Association (ISPA), hosted an event titled “Creating a Space Ecosystem: A New Era – Igniting Young Minds for Space Exploration.” It is intended to inspire young minds to pursue careers in space science and technology. A key highlight was the launch of a new curriculum on Space Technology, designed to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to further…

South Korea Urges Automakers to Disclose EV Battery Details Amid Fire Safety Concerns South Korea is set to urge automakers operating in the country to identify the batteries used in their electric vehicles (EVs). This move comes as authorities aim to address growing public safety concerns following a series of fires involving EVs. The government’s decision follows an incident on 1 August, where a fire broke out in an underground parking lot in Incheon, a city west of Seoul. The blaze, which started in a Mercedes-Benz EV equipped with Farasis Energy batteries, caused extensive damage, destroying or damaging around 140…

China’s Ride-Hailing Drivers Face Uncertain Future as Robotaxis Proliferate In Wuhan, Liu Yi, a 36-year-old resident, has been working part-time as a ride-hailing driver after construction work slowed down due to a glut of unsold apartments across China. However, Liu now fears another crisis looms as driverless taxis, or robotaxis, gain popularity in his city. The Rise of Robotaxis in China China is rapidly advancing in the field of autonomous vehicles, with robotaxis becoming more common on the streets. Liu, along with other ride-hailing drivers, is concerned about the impact of this technology on their livelihoods. “Everyone will go hungry,”…

China Advances in Civilian Drone Technology with Largest Unmanned Cargo Aircraft China, the world’s leading drone manufacturer, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful flight of China’s largest civilian cargo drone designed for civilian use. This marks a major step forward in the nation’s push to expand the use of autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs) across various sectors, from deliveries to passenger transport. Unmanned Cargo Aircraft Takes Flight The twin-engine drone, capable of carrying a payload of 2 metric tons, took to the skies on Sunday for its maiden flight in Sichuan province, according to state media reports. Developed by…

Space-Grown Seeds: China’s Idesia Polycarpa Plants Thrive in Yunnan China’s first batch of Idesia polycarpa tree seeds, sent into space by the Shenzhou-16 manned spacecraft, have successfully sprouted and begun their growth in Yunnan Province, southwest China. This achievement marks a significant milestone in China’s ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural and forestry practices through space breeding. From Space to Earth: The Journey of Idesia Polycarpa Seeds The seeds were launched into space in 2023 and returned to Earth after their journey. They were then transported to a space breeding demonstration site in Xuanwei City, Yunnan, which was established in April…

China Launches First Batch of Satellites to Rival SpaceX’s Starlink A Chinese state-owned enterprise launched the first batch of satellites for a megaconstellation on Monday, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink network. This move is a significant step for China to create its version of the near-global internet network, currently dominated by Starlink. The state-backed newspaper reported this development. China’s Strategic Ambitions and Military Implications The launch signifies an essential advancement in China’s strategic ambitions. Starlink, a commercial broadband constellation with around 5,500 satellites, serves consumers, companies, and government agencies globally. China’s initiative aims to match and potentially surpass this…

Space-Themed Tourism Gains Popularity in Northern China Space-themed tourism is becoming increasingly popular in northern China. Regions like Gansu and Inner Mongolia are capitalising on their unique landscapes, which resemble Mars, to attract space enthusiasts eager to experience simulated space exploration. Mars-Like Experiences in Gansu Gansu’s Jinchang City, known for its expansive Gobi Desert, has established a Mars Simulation Survival Experience Center. This centre mimics Mars-like conditions and offers a variety of interactive modules. These modules include the main control cabin, biological cabin, and medical cabin, providing a realistic simulation of living and conducting research on Mars. Visitors can explore…