Nasa has implemented restrictions, effectively barring Chinese nationals with valid US visas from accessing its facilities, due to national security concerns. This move, confirmed by Nasa officials, limits Chinese nationals’ access to the agency’s facilities, materials, and networks. The decision intensifies the existing decline in scientific collaboration between the US and China, which has been fueled by the growing technological competition and mutual suspicion between the two nations. This restriction is part of a broader context of a space race between the two countries, with a focus not just on reaching the moon, but also on controlling its valuable resources.
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Honda’s surprise reusable rocket test marks a bold entry into the space race, aiming for full-fledged spaceflight capabilities by 2029. This unexpected move has ignited considerable excitement, particularly given Honda’s reputation for reliable and innovative engineering across various sectors, from motorcycles and automobiles to even the HondaJet. The company’s proven track record suggests that a Honda rocket might indeed offer a level of dependability that surpasses expectations.
The announcement has generated a wave of enthusiastic support, fueled by Honda’s long-standing reputation for durable products. Many people point to the longevity and consistent performance of Honda’s lawnmowers and cars as evidence of the company’s engineering prowess, suggesting that a Honda rocket could similarly defy typical aerospace reliability issues.… Continue reading
China and Russia have partnered to construct a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2036, powering their jointly led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). This unmanned construction will support the ILRS’s long-term research and technological testing, eventually paving the way for a human presence. The ILRS, planned for the moon’s south pole, will be a permanent base and has already attracted seventeen international partners. This ambitious project, part of a larger plan to establish a comprehensive lunar base by 2050, represents a significant advancement in both nations’ space programs.
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The European Union’s ambitious €10.6 billion ($11.1 billion) investment in its Iris² satellite constellation marks a significant step towards achieving digital sovereignty and challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink dominance. This public-private partnership, initially estimated at €6 billion, saw its cost inflate by 76% during negotiations, ultimately resulting in a 61% public funding contribution. The remaining funds will come from SpaceRise, an industry consortium featuring prominent players like Eutelsat, a company that recently merged with OneWeb.
This substantial investment highlights the EU’s determination to establish an independent and secure satellite communication network for its governments. The project aims to launch nearly 300 satellites into low and medium-Earth orbits by 2030.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood