News

Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) has proposed the creation of a Multi-Mode Super Port at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport to provide a single hub for all sub- and supersonic air travel, space access, and hyperloop transportation in the UAE and the Middle East region.

The Australian federal government is set to announce on 8 May 2018 a AUS$50 million seed funding for the new national space agency, and is expected to name Dr. Megan Clark as the agencies first head. While the date of commencement of Australian Space Agency activities has not yet been announced, the allocation of AUS$50 million seed funding and the expected appointment of Dr. Clark as its director indicates that the agency will start operations soon.

Australia and France are set to cooperate in hyperspectral remote sensing for monitoring the environment and global warming, as part of France's quest to become a leading power in the use of space systems in the battle against climate change.

The China Meteorological Administration (CMA) has created a disaster response, mitigation, and monitoring mechanism for countries along its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) using its Fengyun Earth observation meteorological satellites.

Japan's space agency, JAXA, intends to enter the reusable space launch race to catch up with U.S. efforts. It has announced plans to develop a reusable rocket that can carry payloads into orbit on two consecutive days, aiming to cut the costs of space transportation, according to a report in Nikkei Asian Review.

May the Fourth Be With You!!!

Firefly Aerospace, the New Space launch company revamped by US investor of Ukrainian descent Max Polyakov, has received important support from the U.S. Air Force to use the launch facilities at Vandenberg AFB in California for its Alpha and Beta launch vehicles, marking a milestone in the company's quest to provide cheap launch options in the small- and medium-sized payload market.

Chinese microsatellite manufacturer Shenzhen Aerospace Dongfanghong HIT Satellite Ltd. opened its doors to journalists recently to showcase its products in an effort to promote the export of its technologies. Shenzhen Aerospace is one of China’s leading microsatellite manufacturers, with its satellites starting at U.S.$3 million.

A senior executive from Nigeria’s NigComSat has confirmed to the Nigerian press that the satellite communications company is to acquire two additional satellites from the China Great Wall Industry Corporation. This confirmation follows an agreement between NigComSat and Chinese development banks to provide Nigeria with U.S.$500 million in aid to acquire and launch the satellites over the next 36 months.

Leaders and senior officials from a number of Arab space agencies have committed themselves to further regional space cooperation, and provided updates on their national space programmes, at the Global Aerospace Summit 2018 held at the St. Regis Hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island on 30 April and 1 May 2018.