Beyond Horizons
Trailblazing Tales from Asia
Your exclusive gateway to the latest developments across transportation and space, and most importantly, how to finance it all - debt, equity, and defi! We follow and forecast where the money’s at.
Join us as we navigate through the latest roundup to uncover key developments across the region.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**
Events
2nd Low Carbon Fuels Summit
The 2025 Low Carbon Fuels Conference returns to Singapore on 20-21 February, building on last year's success. The event will focus on advancements and challenges in scaling a low-carbon fuels economy, with a key emphasis on decarbonizing aviation and maritime sectors.
The summit will also explore sustainable solutions, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), renewable marine fuels, biofuels, ammonia, and green hydrogen, to help meet net-zero targets while minimizing infrastructure disruption.
Learn more about the event here.
Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx)
The first-ever Business Aviation Asia Forum and Expo (BAAFEx) will take place from March 4-6, 2025, at the Changi Exhibition Center in Singapore. Organized by Xperia Events, BAAFEx is set to be the premier gathering for the business aviation sector, bringing together key stakeholders.
BAAFEx will feature aircraft on static display from major players, including Boeing Business Jets, VistaJet, and Amber Aviation. VistaJet will showcase its flagship Bombardier Global 7500, while Amber Aviation will present a Gulfstream G450.
The event will feature a dynamic exhibition, offering the latest innovations and services from top aviation companies. Expert panels and keynote speakers will provide insights into the trends and challenges in business aviation.
Summary
Financing & Investments: Japan, U.S. Agree to Consult on Foreign Exchange Moves; Japan’s €770M Green Loan Boosts India’s Renewable Energy Transition; ADB and Ayala Corporation Partner for $100M Electric Mobility Ecosystem in the Philippines; Singapore-Based Fintech 129Knots Secures $10 Million; Shift4Good’s First Fund Closes at €220M to Boost Sustainable Transportation; Pine Wind Power Acquires Stake in Taiwan’s Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm; and Vietnam Proposes Financial Sandbox for Fintech and Digital Assets
Environmental Sustainability: Australia Commits $1.24 Billion to Green Aluminium Production; Australia’s Super Funds Rethink Climate Goals Amid ESG Backlash; Green Bond Sales in China Remain Strong, Supported by Long-Term Policy Goals; IREDA Approves ₹5,000 Crore Fundraising to Boost Green Energy Financing; DHL Express to Procure SAF in Japan; Yanmar Power Technology Receives Approval for Hydrogen Engine Production; Vestas Secures 315MW Order for Oga Katagami Akita Offshore Wind Project; and South Korean Researchers Develop Efficient Biocatalyst for PET Plastic Recycling
Aviation: China’s Big Three Airlines Report Continued Losses in 2024; Mumbai Airport to Redevelop Terminal 1, Boosting Capacity and Sustainability; ANA Receives JFTC Approval for Nippon Cargo Airlines Takeover; Changi Airport Eyes Growth Amid Rising Competition in 2025; Santos Awards $40M Helicopter Transportation Contract to Weststar-GAP Aviation in Timor-Leste; and Thai Court Rejects Bid for Additional Thai Airways Administrators
Advanced Air Mobility: AutoFlight Receives Production Certificate for CarryAll eVTOL Aircraft; SkyDrive Partners with JetSetGo to Introduce eVTOL Aircraft in India; and Sona Comstar Partners with ePlane Co. to Develop Powertrains for eVTOLs and Drones
Marine: CU Lines Files $96M Claim Against Amazon for Wrongful Termination; India Announces $2.9 Billion Maritime Fund; NYK Line to Purchase Carbon Removal Credits by 2025; Imabari Shipbuilding to Acquire Stake in Daihatsu Diesel for Alternative-Fuel Engine Development; A.P. Møller – Mærsk Receives Maersk Fukuoka Vessel; and Tidal Transit Partners for South Korean Offshore Wind Support
Space: Astronauts Create Rocket Fuel and Oxygen Using Artificial Photosynthesis; Nayuta Space Secures Early Funding to Develop Reusable Rocket Technology; India’s Gaganyaan Crew Capsule Takes Major Step Toward Human Spaceflight; and Japan Joins NASA’s "Habitable Worlds Observatory" to Search for Life Beyond Earth
Financing & Investments
Japan-USA
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have agreed to closely consult on foreign exchange movements, though details were not disclosed. Kato and Bessent also reaffirmed cooperation on global and bilateral economic challenges.
The agreement comes as investors assess the impact of President Donald Trump’s policies on currency markets, particularly the potential effects of tariff hikes on the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen.
💡The yen continues to weaken amid expectations that U.S. interest rates will remain high despite Japan’s recent monetary tightening.
Japan-India
India's Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has secured a ¥120 billion ($770 million USD) loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to fund renewable energy projects. Signed on January 16, 2025, the long-term loan is JBIC’s largest green financing agreement in India. This collaboration will support India’s shift to renewable energy sources, with JBIC providing ¥72 billion ($462 million), while commercial banks will fund the remaining balance.
💡The deal is part of JBIC’s GREEN Initiative, aimed at promoting both economic growth and environmental preservation. PFC, which holds about 20% of India’s energy market share, will manage the funds to aid the country’s transition to clean energy.
Philippines
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed up to $100 million to support Ayala Corporation in developing the Philippines' electric mobility ecosystem. The financing package includes a concessional loan from the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia (CANPA), aimed at establishing a network of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) and procuring electric vehicles (EVs) for commercial use. The initiative will address key barriers to EV adoption, such as limited charging infrastructure and high initial costs.
💡Ayala Corporation, through its subsidiary ACMobility, is accelerating its electric mobility investments as part of its broader climate goals. Established in 2024, CANPA supports private-sector projects focusing on climate and nature-based solutions, furthering ADB's mission of promoting a prosperous and sustainable Asia.
Singapore
Singapore fintech startup 129Knots has launched with $10 million in funding led by Sing Fuels, specializing in real-world asset origination-to-distribution (OTD) technology. The platform integrates asset tokenization, programmable money, and stablecoin-powered transactions to enhance transparency and streamline trade operations, helping businesses in emerging markets access capital previously out of reach through traditional lending.
Backed by a $500 million deal pipeline, 129Knots offers scalable liquidity solutions using blockchain technology. Its proprietary credit engine, Tribal Knots, leverages machine learning to analyze both structured and unstructured data, providing insights into transaction patterns and buyer behavior.
💡The startup targets the $2.5 trillion gap in trade finance requests and approvals, with support from McKinsey & Company, Enterprise Singapore, and IBM Consulting. Incubated under the Singapore Economic Development Board’s Corporate Venture Launchpad program, 129Knots is initially focusing on the marine energy transition sector but plans to expand into other industries.
Singapore-France
Shift4Good, a global impact venture capital fund focused on decarbonizing transportation, has successfully closed its first fund at €220 million, exceeding its fundraising target. This makes it one of the largest venture capital funds dedicated to sustainable transportation. The fund has already invested in 13 companies across Europe and Southeast Asia, spanning sectors such as fleet electrification, micromobility, battery recycling, and hydrogen technologies.
💡Investors include Renault Group, BNP Paribas, and the European Investment Fund. Shift4Good aims to support startups tackling global transportation emissions, with investments ranging from €4 million to €20 million. The fund has backed companies like Laka, Neu Battery Materials, and Shippeo, and plans to expand its portfolio to 25-30 companies.
Taiwan
Pine Wind Power, a subsidiary of J&V Energy, has reached an agreement with Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) to acquire a 26% equity and debt stake in the 376MW Formosa 2 offshore wind farm. The acquisition will be supported by financing from J&V Energy’s partners, Taiwan Life Insurance and He Jun Energy.
💡JV Asset Management, an affiliate of J&V Energy, will also provide long-term asset management services for the project. The Formosa 2 wind farm, located off the coast of Miaoli County, consists of 47 Siemens Gamesa 8.0MW wind turbines and has been powering approximately 380,000 Taiwanese households since its grid connection in March 2023.
Vietnam
Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has unveiled a proposal to create a controlled testing environment (sandbox) for fintech businesses, aiming to build regional and international financial centres in the country. The proposal includes licenses and regulatory oversight for fintech platforms, including those trading digital and cryptocurrency assets.
💡The Government plans to regulate digital asset management, including NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and utility tokens, to mitigate risks related to energy security, environmental impacts, and money laundering. Regulations for the security, cybersecurity, and safety of digital asset service providers will also be implemented.
Environmental Sustainability
Australia
The Australian government has announced a $1.24 billion investment to support green aluminium production as part of a broader $2 billion initiative aimed at decarbonizing the aluminium sector. This move is aligned with the country’s carbon neutral strategy and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
💡A key element of the initiative is the Green Aluminium Production Credit, which will offer financial incentives to aluminium smelters transitioning to renewable energy by 2036. This initiative is expected to position Australia as a global leader in low-carbon aluminium, fostering job creation and economic growth, particularly in regions like Central Queensland and Northern Tasmania.
Australia
Australia’s largest superannuation funds are reassessing their climate commitments due to rising opposition to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. Leaders warn that shifting political sentiment, especially in the U.S., could hinder their climate targets. ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty noted that while funds remain committed to climate goals, anti-ESG movements could complicate progress. Changing U.S. policies are seen as a key risk.
💡Funds like AustralianSuper, with $350 billion in assets, maintain their focus on net zero by 2050, though they acknowledge that policy and corporate commitments are crucial. Australian Retirement Trust (ART) plans to reduce emissions by 2030, while HESTA stands by its 50% reduction target by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
China
Green bond sales in mainland China are expected to continue growing in 2025, driven by the government's long-term policy support for achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. In Q4 of 2024, China led the world with $19.14 billion in internationally aligned green bonds, slightly down from the previous quarter but still showing significant growth over the first half of 2024.
The total green bond sales, including both internationally aligned and nonaligned bonds, reached $29.28 billion in the December quarter, a 1.7% increase year-over-year. Nonaligned bonds, conforming to local green finance regulations, made up a substantial portion, with $10.14 billion sold in Q4.
💡Experts believe China’s green bond market will benefit from long-term policy support as the country works toward its carbon neutrality goals, despite potential shifts in focus due to domestic economic challenges. The alignment with international standards, such as the EU-China Common Ground Taxonomy, is expected to reduce greenwashing and strengthen the market's credibility.
India
The Board of Directors of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has approved raising up to ₹5,000 crore through a Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) of equity shares. The move aims to strengthen IREDA’s financial resources to meet the growing demand for green energy financing.
💡The issuance will proceed after obtaining necessary approvals from shareholders and regulatory authorities
Japan
DHL Express will purchase 7,200 kilolitres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually from Cosmo Energy Holdings, starting in April. The fuel will be used for air cargo flights from Chubu Centrair International Airport, making it the first airport in Asia where DHL procures SAF. DHL aims to increase its SAF consumption to 30% or more by 2030 and plans to expand procurement to three more airports this year, including another in Asia.
💡Cosmo, Japan’s third-largest oil refiner, will begin full-scale SAF production at its Sakai refinery in Osaka, targeting 30,000 kilolitres per year using used cooking oil, marking Japan’s first large-scale SAF initiative.
Japan
Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has been approved for its "New Production Plan for Hydrogen-Fueled Engines and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems" under Japan's zero-emission ship initiative. The approval, granted on January 9, 2025, supports the development of hydrogen-powered and battery-operated zero-emission ships, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and enhance industrial competitiveness.
💡As part of its YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050, Yanmar is advancing hydrogen fuel technology. In 2023, the company introduced a marine hydrogen fuel cell system and completed onshore tests of a hydrogen 4-stroke engine. Yanmar now plans to expedite its hydrogen engine production timeline, targeting carbon-neutral marine power products by 2045, well ahead of the IMO's greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Japan-Denmark
Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has secured a 315MW order for the Oga Katagami Akita offshore wind project, located in Akita Prefecture, Japan. The project is led by a consortium including Oga Katagami Akita Offshore Green Energy, JERA, Electric Power Development (J-POWER), Tohoku Electric Power (Tohoku EPCO), and ITOCHU.
The order includes 21 units of Vestas’ V236-15.0 MW turbines. Turbine delivery is scheduled for 2026, with commissioning expected in 2027 and full operations to commence in June 2028.
💡The project marks the first firm order in the Asia Pacific region for Vestas' V236-15.0 MW turbine and is also the first project developed under Japan’s Renewable Energy Sea Area Utilisation Act.
South Korea
Researchers from Kyungpook National University, led by Professor Kyung-Jin Kim, have created an advanced biocatalyst, Kubu-PM12, to efficiently break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The enzyme, identified through a novel landscape profiling method, outperforms previous PET-degrading enzymes by working effectively at low temperatures and under industrial conditions.
💡PET, commonly used in bottles and packaging, can be broken down by microbial enzymes like PETases. Kubu-PM12 offers a promising solution to improve PET recycling by breaking down contaminated plastics while producing high-purity monomers. The study was published in Science on January 3, 2025.
Aviation
China
China’s three largest airlines—Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines—have reported continued losses in 2024, citing supply chain disruptions, intense domestic competition, and a slow international recovery.
Air China expects a CNY160-240 million ($22-33 million) net loss, improving from CNY1 billion ($140 million) in 2023. China Eastern forecasts CNY3.3-4.3 billion ($460-600 million) in losses, citing weak business travel demand. Meanwhile, China Southern projects a CNY1.25-1.87 billion ($175-260 million) loss, blaming rising aircraft material costs and slow international market recovery.
💡Despite narrowing deficits, the airlines warn of ongoing operating pressures in an increasingly competitive environment.
India
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) is set to redevelop Terminal 1 (T1) at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), increasing capacity by 42% to handle 20 million passengers annually. The phased project, starting with demolition in November 2025, will minimise disruptions, with Terminal 2 (T2) and the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport managing the capacity gap.
💡The new T1, set for completion by 2028-29, will feature advanced infrastructure, a revamped passenger terminal, a multi-modal transit hub, and a biophilic, sustainable design. Upgrades include district cooling, a modern baggage handling system, and seamless metro and bus connectivity.
Japan
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has received approval from Japan’s Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) for its acquisition of Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA). JFTC initially rejected the deal over competition concerns on routes from Japan to Chicago and Los Angeles, where ANA and NCA would hold around 30-35% market share. To address these concerns, ANA and NCA agreed to provide block space to rival Polar Air Cargo and appointed a lawyer and economist to monitor compliance.
💡The deal still requires approval from competition regulators in China and Singapore. ANA first announced the acquisition from NYK shipping group in March 2023 but has faced multiple delays, now aiming for completion in March 2025.
Singapore
Changi Airport is poised for moderate growth in 2025 after handling 67.7 million passengers in 2024—99.1% of pre-pandemic levels. Analysts project a 3-5% growth rate, driven by increased connectivity, new airlines, and regional economic recovery. However, rising competition from hubs like Hong Kong, Incheon, and Middle Eastern airports poses challenges.
💡Key concerns include AirAsia’s capacity cuts, geopolitical uncertainties, and cost increases for airlines. Singapore Airlines’ expansion and ultra-long-range aircraft could bolster Changi’s role, but the airport must navigate competitive pressures as regional hubs invest billions in upgrades.
Timor-Leste
Santos has awarded a $40 million contract to Weststar-GAP Aviation LDA, a joint venture formed in 2020, for helicopter transportation services in Timor-Leste. The 12-month contract, with options for two six-month extensions, will support Santos’ offshore operations in the Bayu-Undan region. Weststar-GAP will deploy two Leonardo AW189 helicopters for crew changes and medevac standby services, operating between Dili, Timor-Leste, and Darwin, Australia.
💡The contract includes training and capacity-building initiatives to develop a skilled local workforce in Timor-Leste. The project pipeline for Weststar-GAP’s offshore aviation services in Timor-Leste is expected to exceed $400 million over the next decade.
Thailand
Bangkok’s Central Bankruptcy Court has denied the Thai Ministry of Finance’s request to add two administrators to oversee Thai Airways' rehabilitation, citing unnecessary costs. The court ruled that the current three administrators were managing effectively without incurring debt, while adding two more would cost 10 million Thai baht (£237,000) annually.
The proposal, which aimed to include government officials Pholjak Nimwattana and Panya Chuphanich, faced opposition from Thai Airways’ labour union and creditors, who feared increased government influence. Despite pushback, the Thai Cabinet had approved the rehabilitation plan after the airline accumulated 245 billion baht (£5.8 billion) in debt.
💡The court upheld the current structure but approved reducing the par value of shares to eliminate losses and aid debt repayment.
Advanced Air Mobility
China
AutoFlight has been granted a Production Certificate (PC) by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its CarryAll uncrewed cargo aircraft, making it the first 2-ton electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world to achieve this milestone. The certificate, issued on December 24, 2024, authorizes AutoFlight to begin mass production of CarryAll.
💡The achievement follows the granting of the Type Certificate (TC) in March 2024. AutoFlight has already secured multiple orders for CarryAll.
Japan-India
SkyDrive Inc., a Japanese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer, has partnered with India’s JetSetGo Aviation Services to introduce eVTOL aircraft in India, starting with the state of Gujarat. JetSetGo has pre-ordered 50 units of SkyDrive’s first commercially certified eVTOL, the "SKYDRIVE."
💡The partnership, facilitated by Suzuki Motor Corporation, aims to tackle urban congestion and high emissions from traditional transport. SkyDrive has been exploring the Indian market since 2022 and formalized a strategic partnership with the Government of Gujarat in January 2024. Together, SkyDrive and JetSetGo will assess the feasibility of eVTOL operations in Gujarat and expand routes across the country, transforming urban mobility with sustainable aviation solutions.
India
Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar) has signed an MoU with Ubifly Technologies (The ePlane Co.) to collaborate on developing powertrains for eVTOL aircraft and drones. The collaboration will focus on designing key components such as gearboxes, motors, and inverters needed for eVTOLs and drones.
💡The ePlane Co., an IIT Madras-incubated startup, recently received type approval from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It’s flagship product is a compact, fully electric air taxi, aim to address urban congestion and pollution.
Marine
China-USA
China United Lines (CU Lines) has filed a $96 million claim with the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), accusing Amazon of wrongful termination and failing to meet minimum quantity commitments (MQC) in a 2022 agreement. The claim, the largest FMC filing to date, alleges Amazon invoked a "for convenience" clause to terminate the contract as freight rates fell. Although Amazon initially agreed to a $31.5 million early termination penalty, CU Lines claims Amazon reclassified the termination to avoid paying.
💡Amazon cited confidentiality violations over WeChat posts, but CU Lines argues the information was already publicly disclosed. The claim includes the unpaid penalty and the difference between agreed and actual freight rates during the contract.
India
India will create a 250-billion-rupee ($2.9 billion) maritime development fund to boost shipbuilding and repair, with 49% of the fund provided by the government. The rest will come from ports and the private sector.
💡The initiative aims to expand India's shipping fleet and improve infrastructure, aligning with efforts to become a global manufacturing hub by 2047. The government will also promote shipbuilding clusters, offer credit notes for shipbreaking, and extend a 10-year import tax exemption for shipbuilding materials.
Japan
NYK Line has pledged to begin purchasing third-party-verified carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from voluntary carbon markets by 2025 as part of its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company aims to offset residual emissions that cannot be eliminated through energy efficiency, carbon capture, or alternative fuels.
The decision is part of NYK's broader decarbonization strategy aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s goal for net-zero shipping emissions by mid-century. Initially, NYK planned to retire 200,000 tonnes of CDR credits annually by 2030, but has revised the target to 100,000 tonnes due to the immaturity of CDR technologies and markets.
💡The company emphasizes the need for a global regulatory framework to support and expand the use of CDR in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like shipping.
Japan
Imabari Shipbuilding will acquire a 15.47% stake in Daihatsu Diesel Corporation by April 1, 2025, to strengthen its ties with the marine equipment manufacturer and secure a stable supply of key ship equipment. The acquisition aligns with Imabari's commitment to advancing alternative-fuel engine technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the IMO's 2050 zero-emissions target for international shipping.
💡Daihatsu Diesel's Himeji Plant is working on developing ammonia-fueled engines, part of Japan's "Zero Emission Ship Construction Promotion Project." The project aims to introduce ammonia-powered engines by 2028, with a production target of 60 engines per year by 2040, capturing a 40% global market share.
Japan-Denmark
A.P. Møller – Mærsk has taken delivery of the 5,800 dwt Maersk Fukuoka, built by Imabari Shipbuilding. The Panama-flagged vessel, measuring 254.94 meters in length and 40 meters in width, features advanced emission control systems to meet NOx Tier III standards, including exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).
💡The ship also incorporates energy-saving devices, low-friction paint, and complies with environmental standards like ballast water treatment and ship recycling regulations.
UK-Singapore-South Korea
Tidal Transit, a U.K.-based supplier of crew transfer vessels for the offshore wind industry, has signed an MoU with Singapore's Britoil Offshore Services and South Korea's Sky Offshore. The partnership aims to develop, fund, build, and operate offshore support vessels for South Korea’s rapidly expanding offshore wind sector.
💡South Korea, aiming for 14.3 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, is accelerating sector growth with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
Space
China
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have successfully used artificial photosynthesis to generate rocket fuel and oxygen in space. The technology, which mimics plant photosynthesis, converts carbon dioxide and water into essential resources, producing ethylene for fuel. Researchers believe it can also create methane and formic acid.
💡The innovation, requiring less energy than traditional electrolysis, could play a pivotal role in China’s lunar base plans by 2035, allowing astronauts to produce breathable air and fuel on the moon, reducing reliance on Earth-supplied resources. This experiment is part of China’s broader space exploration goals, including the development of a lunar power source and reusable rockets.
China
Nayuta Space has secured “tens of millions of yuan” in pre-A round funding, which will be used to enhance its team and further develop its rocket technology. The round was backed by Quanxin Investment, following a similar funding round in January 2024.
The company is working on its Black Bird series of stainless steel rockets, including the Xuanniao-1 (Black Bird-1), which will utilize nine methane-liquid oxygen engines from Beijing Aerospace Propulsion Technology. The company aims to achieve reusability for both rocket stages, with a unique aerodynamic recovery system for the first stage, saving fuel by forgoing reentry burns. It also plans to use a "chopstick-style" recovery method for the first stage, dubbed "eagle grab," to eliminate the need for landing legs.
💡Nayuta Space aims to launch a reusable suborbital rocket by 2025 and its first orbital flight by 2026, with plans for a 10-ton capacity to low Earth orbit.
India
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced on January 22 that it successfully equipped the Gaganyaan crew capsule with a liquid propulsion system. This system will control the capsule’s orientation and trajectory during reentry, ensuring a safe descent and parachute deployment for Earth return.
The crew module is now being transported to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala for the addition of essential electronics for communication, navigation, and power management. Before sending astronauts into low Earth orbit in 2026, India plans at least four uncrewed demonstrations, with the first (G1) set to test critical systems like reentry and splashdown, alongside a humanoid robot, Vyomitra, to validate the technology.
💡India aims for 10 orbital launches this year, though G2 and G3 crew capsule test flights are expected to come later.
Japan
Japan will contribute to NASA’s "Habitable Worlds Observatory" project, set to launch in the 2040s, aiming to explore exoplanets for signs of life. The telescope, located 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, will use infrared, visible, and UV light to detect planets with conditions that could support life.
💡Japan plans to provide observation equipment and maintenance technologies, building on its experience with the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**