China is set to enhance its Beidou positioning and navigation system, with key technology research expected to be completed by 2025 and three test satellites launching around 2027. The upgraded system, featuring satellites in various orbits, aims to provide high-precision navigation services and could surpass U.S. GPS capabilities, bolstering China's global influence and military capabilities by 2035.
Europe's IRIS² satellite communication project aims to enhance sovereignty and security but faces significant challenges, including delays, high costs, and competition from established players like SpaceX. Set to launch by 2030, concerns about affordability and scalability persist, particularly as private-sector solutions expand rapidly. The project must navigate a complex landscape of stakeholders while fostering a more innovative and risk-tolerant culture to succeed.
The space industry is hindered by exclusivity, with 80% of astronauts from just three countries and significant gender and racial disparities. To unlock the potential of space exploration, we must democratize access, foster global collaboration, and innovate funding models, ensuring diverse participation and perspectives. By breaking down barriers, we can accelerate scientific progress and address pressing global challenges.
Seems like the connection with the server has been lost. It can be due to poor or broken network. Please hang on while we're trying to reconnect...
Oh snap! Failed to reconnect with the server. This is typically caused by a longer network outage, or if the server has been taken down. You can try to reconnect, but if that does not work, you need to reload the page.
Oh man! The server rejected the attempt to reconnect. The only option now is to reload the page, but be prepared that it won't work, since this is typically caused by a failure on the server.