Global Scans · Space · Weekly Summary

• [New] Every child who reads Astrophile could become the next scientist, engineer, or astronaut to carry Saudi Arabia's ambitions beyond Earth. ArabNews
• [New] Following the launch of a comprehensive space science plan for 2024-2050, China has marked important milestones such as pivotal experiments aboard its national space station and sustained momentum in planetary and deep space operations. Space Daily
• [New] The European Space Agency's ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover, scheduled to launch in 2028, will search for traces of ancient life on the planet. ScienceDaily
• [New] The UK would capitalize on advances in sensor technology, including surface, airborne, and space-based sensors, to extend detection and tracking ranges, increasing opportunities to engage and defeat threats through a system of layered defences. Business Insider
• [New] 5.91 billion earmarked for initiatives such as the creation of a Space Weather Application Center and continued progress toward Turkey's first Moon mission, led by TUBITAK UZAY, set for 2027. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• [New] Turkey has announced a record $214 million ( 8.73 billion) budget for space and aviation projects in 2026 - a nearly 75% increase from 2025 - to accelerate its National Space Program and expand domestic capacity in aerospace and defence. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• [New] In August the China National Space Administration test-fired the first stage of its own lunar rocket, aiming to place people on the moon by 2030. / China Scientific American
• [New] The space firm hopes to launch an upgraded Version 3 Starship into orbit in 2026 to test the basis for its moon lander. Scientific American
• [New] European firms will face greater competition for the space economy, which is expected to be worth USD 1.8 trillion by 2035. Merics
• [New] Economy: China's expanded presence and influence in the Arctic and space will increase competition for resources, access to trade routes and new economic opportunities. Merics
• [New] Europe risks strategic irrelevance in the Arctic and space if it fails to respond to China's dual-use footprint. Merics
• [New] Movandi co-founder Maryam Rofougaran highlighted plans to develop satellite and space terminal chipsets by 2027 and high-speed data-centre transceivers by 2030, positioning Oman as a regional hub for semiconductor innovation and advanced technology manufacturing. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• [New] Accelerating rollout of the ViaSat-3 global satellite constellation will substantially increase total bandwidth and coverage, opening up new customer segments and enabling service launches (notably in-flight, maritime, and rural fixed broadband). Simply Wall St
• [New] After many months or even years of validation and testing that goes into designing a space payload, Starcloud and NVIDIA have designed a 60 kg package the size of a small fridge, that will be installed in space satellite orbiting the planet Earth. TechPowerUp
• [New] NVIDIA will be a part of an AI-equipped satellite from Starcloud, powered by a single NVIDIA H100 Hopper GPU. TechPowerUp
• [New] The China National Space Administration will almost certainly walk on the moon in the next five years. Yahoo News
• [New] The EDF 2025 further envisages the deployment of an affordable space-based Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance constellation of small satellites, equipped with a wide range of sensors to deliver real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Defence Industry and Space
• [New] A European air and space shield will launch by mid-2026, connecting fragmented national air defences and protecting satellites from potential Russian attacks. Courthouse News Service
• [New] Florida's Space Coast will be the first area to offer space tourism, intertwining history with development. Travel And Tour World
• Devices using Qualcomm silicon with integrated Iridium services are expected to be eligible for activation through the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services program after commercial arrangements among Qualcomm, Iridium, and OEMs are finalized. Space War
• PLD Space expects its first fully integrated MIURA 5 before year-end, with demonstration flights beginning in 2026. Space Daily
• Several recent trends and technology developments will make GO-LoW possible in the near future, such as the declining cost of mass-produced small satellites, the rise of mega-constellations, and the return of large, high-capacity launch vehicles like NASA's Space Launch System. MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Last updated: 27 October 2025