Asia Pacific

China has launched the Beijing-3C satellite constellation aboard the Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, launching four Beijing-3 optical remote sensing satellites into orbit. This was the 523rd flight mission of the Long March rocket series. The Long March-2D carrier rocket also previously launched Beijing-3A and Beijing-3B satellites into orbit.

Serbia has become the latest country to join the China-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program. The Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in cooperation with the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) earlier this week. The MoU comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Serbia from May 7-8 2024.

mu Space has recently secured two Board of Investment (BOI) approvals from the government of Thailand. These approvals mark a pivotal moment for the company and underscore its commitment to driving innovation and investment in cutting-edge sectors. mu Space’s receipt of these BOI approvals signals a new era of innovation and growth for the company and the nation

This episode features an interview with Takeshi Hakamada, the founder and CEO of ispace, discussing Japan's significant role in lunar exploration, following the news that Japan will be the first country to send non-Americans to the Moon.

Sequel to Russia's veto of the UN Security Council resolution to prohibit the placement of nuclear weapons in space, Russia has defended its veto decision and also called for support of its rival resolution to prohibit the placement of any kind of weapons in outer space for all time.

China has successfully launched four satellites, including Neptune 01, into orbit aboard its Long March 6C carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. This mission is the first flight of the Long March 6C launch vehicle, marking the addition of a new member to the Long March rocket family. It improves the model spectrum of China's new generation Long March series of launch vehicles and promotes the accelerated upgrading of China's active launch vehicles. 

ispace, inc. has announced its cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on a lunar mission intended to preserve humanity’s language and cultures on the Moon. At the Information Meeting on Universal Acceptance, held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on May 6, 2024, UNESCO announced its mission to transport and safeguard languages and cultural treasures on the lunar surface.

In this week's Space #Nuggets Dr Emma Gatti talks about the growing space capabilities in China and its last impact in the region. A quick reflection on the latest news from the country suggests a focus on manned missions and military partnerships.

China has launched its Chang'e 6 mission from the Wenchang Space Launch Center to the far side of the moon. The Chang'e probe will tentatively land in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, with the aim of collecting about two kilograms of lunar samples, including lunar soil and rocks, which it will subsequently try to return back to Earth. 

The European Space Agency (ESA) has secured the launch of "Smile" on a Vega-C from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, currently expected for late 2025. Smile is a collaboration between ESA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Standing for "Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer", its goal is to enable a better understanding of the interaction between the Sun and Earth. The launch is a major European contribution to the mission.