According to CEO Takaya Taguchi, the Japanese startup Helical Fusion plans to launch the world's first steady-state nuclear fusion reactor by 2034, with commercial operations beginning in the 2040s. Despite 70 years of global research, developing a commercially feasible fusion reactor that powers the sun remains a challenge. Helical Fusion intends to develop a pilot reactor utilising the helical approach, which is a magnetic process capable of producing 50-100 megawatts. If successful, Japan, a major energy importer, might transition to energy production and export, considerably increasing
On Tuesday, Bengaluru-based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) proudly announced the successful inaugural flight of India's first domestic unmanned bomber, the FWD 200B. According to FWDA Founder and CEO Suhas Tejaskanda, this cutting-edge Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is capable of flying at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet and is outfitted with advanced optical payloads for surveillance as well as missile-like weapons for precision air strikes and bombing operations. "The FWD 200B's aerodynamics, airframe, propulsion systems, control systems, an
Bayanat AI PLC and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) have successfully launched the UAE's first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite in partnership with ICEYE. On August 16, 2024, SpaceX launched the satellite aboard Transporter 11 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It has established communication and started early activities. The SAR satellite represents a key milestone in the UAE's Earth Observation capabilities, allowing for high-resolution, continuous monitoring in all weather situations, day or night. ICEYE's technology outperform
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to deploy the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), a platform designed to facilitate seamless credit flow, particularly for small and rural borrowers. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced ULI during the RBI@90 Global Conference, describing it as a game-changer for India's digital infrastructure, complementing the Unified Payments Interface. ULI will facilitate the frictionless and consent-based sharing of digital information, like land records, between multiple data providers and lenders. This program is projected to dramatically reduce the time necessar
India achieved a significant milestone in its space adventure with the launch of RHUMI-1, the country's first reusable hybrid rocket. RHUMI-1, developed by Tamil Nadu startup Space Zone India in partnership with Martin Group, was launched from Chennai's Thiruvidandhai. It carried a payload of three CubeSats and 50 PICO satellites designed to collect data on global warming and climate change. The rocket, which is built for a suborbital trajectory and launched from a mobile launcher, has an innovative hybrid propulsion system that combines liquid and solid fuels to increase efficiency and lo
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced that India's Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) will be operational by 2035. Currently, in the conceptualisation phase, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is developing the overall architecture and module configuration for the space station, which will be launched in stages. Once the feasibility studies are completed, ISRO will submit a proposal to the government for permission and funding. In the meantime, ISRO is developing a roadmap for future Moon missions, such as robotic exploration and lunar sample return missions. As part o
Friday marked a major accomplishment for the UAE space program as the country's first synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite was successfully launched into low Earth orbit (LEO). Bayanat, a developer of AI-driven geospatial solutions, owns the Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat) that launched the satellite. We are already beginning the initial actions after successfully establishing connectivity with the satellite. Bayanat, Yahsat, and ICEYE collaborated on the launch, which significantly enhanced the region's ability to monitor Earth. Using active sensing to highlight the E
ISRO is scheduled to launch the third developmental mission of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on August 16 at 9:19 a.m. from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. SSLV-D3/EOS-08 will test the small satellite launch vehicle and send the EOS-08 Earth observation satellite into orbit. If successful, the SSLV will finish development as ISRO's small-lift launch vehicle, capable of transporting payloads weighing up to 500 kg into Low Earth orbit. This milestone will enable Indian industry to use this rocket for future missions, according to NewSpace India Limited. The mission's objectives i
Buddhist nations, Nepal and China have teamed up to use heavy-lift drones to clean trash from Mount Everest's slopes. Experienced Sherpas will operate the drones that Da Jiang Innovations, China's largest drone manufacturer, is providing. This project seeks to lessen the risk to Sherpas, who have traditionally collected trash on foot in dangerous environments. The local municipality of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu, which includes Everest, and the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) have signed an agreement of understanding to employ drones for cleanup. Following a successful test in April
On Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and state-run New Space India Limited (NSIL) signed an agreement to enable the launch of Nepal's Munal satellite, which was developed by students and the space startup Antarikchya Pratishan Nepal (APN). The satellite, operated by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), seeks to develop a database of vegetation density on the Earth's surface. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Anurag Srivastava, the MEA's Joint Secretary (North), and NSIL Director Arunachalam A. The event was attended by NAST Secretary Rabindra