For the first time, a female astronaut from Hong Kong has launched into space aboard a Shenzhou mission. The flight to China’s Tiangong space station is intended to prepare for what will be the longest stay by a Chinese crew in orbit to date.
By Jörn Petring
Africa’s space industry is gathering in Gabon for the NewSpace Africa Conference, which is focused on the opportunities open to smaller countries in the fast-growing space economy.
By David Renke
The European Commission is proposing a separate founding act for the European Union Space Agency (EUSPA). The proposal establishes a permanent mandate and strengthens the agency’s operational role in EU space systems.
By Corinna Visser
Instead of presenting a united front, Europe is dividing itself: Germany and France’s competing bids for the ITU leadership role are weakening Europe’s position – and opening up new opportunities for rivals, says SpaceWatch.Global editor Torsten Kriening. With eight months to go before the election, the pressure is mounting.
By Torsten Kriening
Despite growing geopolitical tensions, Europe and China are cooperating on the space mission Smile. The goal is to lay the groundwork for early warning systems against geomagnetic storms.
By Fabian Peltsch
During his Asia trip, Macron is presenting Europe as a stable partner in uncertain times. He is strengthening ties with Japan and South Korea in a bid to build a strategic axis between the continents.
By Amelie Richter
In its new Five-Year Plan, China has clearly stated its ambition to become a leader in the space industry. The African continent plays a key role in this endeavor.
By David Renke
China’s ambitions extend beyond Earth into space, and Africa is an important partner in that effort. It is clear that China is also pursuing a deliberate strategy in the space sector.
By David Renke
If spacecraft are on a collision course, swift action is required. This means that their trajectories must be tracked precisely. New systems can also detect targeted approaches. One such system has been developed by Munich-based start-up Vyoma.
By Ralf Nestler
The bottleneck in the German Armed Forces’ space plans remains launch capacity. The head of the German Armed Forces Space Command does not yet consider US capabilities dispensable.
By Wilhelmine Stenglin
