Space

Chinese New Space satellite launch company OneSpace Technology, China’s first private rocket producer, has raised a RMB300 million (U.S.$44 million) series B investment round that was led by CICC Jiatai Equity Funds, according to an official announcement made by the company.

UAE's Yahsat, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered commercial satellite communications operator, has partnered with Tanaza to launch a new enterprise Wi-Fi solution for reliable service in remote areas, further helping to bridge the digital divide in many parts of the world.

Spire Global, the New Space company that provides meteorological, maritime, and aviation awareness data from low-Earth orbit, has selected Arianespace’s Vega launch vehicle to loft its LEMUR-2 Cubesats.

According Igor Arbuzov, General Director of NPO Energomash, the production of the engines for the Proton-M heavy-lift launch vehicle is to be ceased by the end of 2018. However, it is possible to resume production if there are new contracts for these launch vehicles.

The UAE Space Agency is wrapping its Space Investment Strategy that should provide the regulatory environment necessary to attract local and foreign investments into the Emirati commercial space sector, making the UAE a regional and hemispheric hub for New Space activity.

Qatar’s Es’hailSat satellite communications company has purchased outright the satellite it has been sharing with Eutelsat - EUTELSAT-25B/Es'hail-1 - taking full control of the satellite now just named Es'hail-1. The purchase comes as the Qatari company awaits the launch later this year of Es'hail-2, built by Japanese satellite manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric Company (MELCO).

Russian Soyuz rockets will be launched from the European Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana on November 6 and December 14, 2018, a source in the rocket and space industry outed to RIA Novosti.

UK-based Effective Space is set to launch its first Space Drone spacecraft in 2020 which will introduce life extension services to satellite operators. The company has received very encouraging feedback on its plans and other potential lines of business such as accommodating new constellations in LEO.

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is teaming up with leading U.S. commercial satellite imagery company DigitalGlobe to launch the South Africa Earth Observation Challenge that will seek innovative satellite applications idas from South African startups.

The Turkish minister for Science, Industry, and Technology, Mustafa Varank, said on 7 August 2018 that the Turkish government will establish the Turkish Space Agency this year in order to coordinate the country's space activities and manage international cooperation and relations.