Asia
China’s SAR satellite surge continues with new constellation plan
A new Chinese constellation for disaster prevention, early warning and natural resource monitoring will bring yet more players into developing small synthetic aperture satellites in the country.
India, Russia agree to enhance space cooperation
India and Russia agreed Dec. 6 to strengthen cooperation in the space sector, including human spaceflight programs and satellite navigation.
Chinese private firm Galactic Energy puts five satellites in orbit with second launch
Rocket company Galactic Energy launched its second Ceres-1 rocket late Dec. 6, becoming the first Chinese private firm to reach orbit twice.
South Korea’s Hanwha to expand space business portfolio with rocket development
Hanwha Aerospace unveiled the plan Dec. 6, saying it recently held a joint meeting with South Korea's space agency for preliminary requirement review on their envisioned rocket.
ADA Space raises $55.6 million in Series B round
Chinese satellite operator and remote sensing data firm ADA Space raised $55.6 million in a Series B investment round for its artificially intelligent satellite network plans.
Kuaizhou-1A rocket launches classified Shiyan-11 satellite
A Chinese Kuaizhou-1A rocket launched the experimental Shiyan-11 satellite for China’s main space contractor from northwest China late Nov. 24.
Japan to recruit first new astronauts in 13 years to support Artemis program
Japan’s space agency is set to recruit astronaut candidates for the first time in 13 years as part of efforts to support the NASA-led Artemis lunar exploration program.
China launches new Gaofen-11 high resolution spy satellite to match U.S. capabilities
HELSINKI — China launched its third Gaofen-11 reconnaissance satellite Nov. 19, adding to a set of classified satellites with an optical resolution which may be comparable to top U.S. spy satellites.
Japan, Australia condemn Russia for ‘irresponsible’ anti-satellite missile test
Japan and Australia have joined international condemnation of Russia for testing an anti-satellite weapon Nov. 15 that created over 1,500 pieces of debris in low Earth orbit.
China silent, South Korea ‘concerned’ over debris created by Russia’s anti-satellite missile test
South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed concern over the “numerous pieces of debris” created in low Earth orbit when Russia destroyed a Soviet-era satellite with a missile strike earlier this week but stopped short of criticizing Russia.
Japan to launch 2nd space defense unit to protect satellites from electromagnetic attack
Japan will stand up a second space defense unit within the next 18 months to monitor electromagnetic wave threats to its satellites.
South Korean ground station operator orders its first EO satellite
Contec signed a contract with NanoAvionics for an Earth observation satellite that will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in the second half of 2023.
South Korea to develop reusable rocket with 100-ton thrust engines
The plan to develop a reusable rocket came as a surprise because “reusability” was nowhere to be seen in the government’s budget request for 2022 — in which South Korea’s next-generation rocket was supposed to be an expendable rocket.
Chinese rocket firms make new moves toward launch
A number of Chinese launch firms have taken steps towards realizing plans in recent days with a series of agreements, engine tests and launch vehicle deliveries.
