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.**
Summary
Financing & Investments: Malaysia’s Paywatch Raises $20 Million to Expand Fintech Platform; SEDANIA As Salam Capital Disburses $480 Million for Gig Economy Financing; Bursa Malaysia and AmInvest Launch First FTSE4Good SRI ETF; Catcha Digital to Acquire TechNave for $1.47 Million; Singapore’s Lighthouse Canton Raises $40 Million in First External Funding; Singapore AI Video Startup Video Rebirth Closes $50 Million Funding Round; Singapore’s WIZ.AI Raises Tens of Millions in Series B Round; and Vietnam’s FPT Partners With Taiwan Banks to Upgrade Digital Banking Platforms
Environmental Sustainability: China Enacts New Ecological Environment Monitoring Regulation; European Commission Launches €2.9 Billion Sustainable Transport Investment Plan; Singapore Appoints Carbon-Rating Providers for International Carbon Credit Framework; Bangkok Introduces New Measures to Curb PM2.5 Pollution; and Ceres Power Signs License Agreement With Weichai to Produce Solid Oxide Fuel Cells in China
Aviation: Qantas Unveils First A350-1000ULR for Project Sunrise; Air T and Australian Government Back Rex Airlines Acquisition; Sinopec in Talks to Acquire China National Aviation Fuel; ANA to Phase Out Air Japan and Consolidate Operations; and Singapore Airlines Opens New First Class SilverKris Lounge at Changi
Advanced Air Mobility: Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Aviation Orders 50 eVTOLs From AutoFlight; China’s Volant Aerotech Secures 95 eVTOL Orders; Vertaxi Wins 200 Global eVTOL Orders; INFLYNC Unveils Full-Size Tiltwing eVTOL; XPeng AeroHT Begins Flying Car Trial Production; Air New Zealand and BETA Launch Electric Aircraft Tests; Korean Air Completes Urban Air Mobility Demo; and Archer Aviation and Japan Airlines Selected for Tokyo eVTOL
Marine: Denmark Invests $3 Billion in Philippines Offshore Wind Project; Global Port Authorities Launch Sustainability-Linked Loan Initiative to Decarbonize Shipping; Japan Trials Space Suit-Inspired Apparel for Maritime Crews; Eni and Petronas Form $15 Billion Oil and Gas Joint Venture in Southeast Asia; and South Korea Tests AI-Based Firefighting System for Naval Vessels
Space: China Delays Shenzhou-20 Return Over Possible Space Debris Strike; India Blocks Chinese Satellites Citing National Security Concerns; Japan Plans 60-Minute Space Flights Between Tokyo and U.S. by 2030s; Japan Funds Lunar Base Tech Development With Ritsumeikan University and ispace; and Luxembourg’s SES Leases Full Capacity of Japan’s Superbird-C2 Satellite for In-Flight Connectivity
Financing & Investments
Southeast Asia’s fintech, AI, and digital sectors are seeing strong investment and expansion, from Malaysia’s Paywatch and SEDANIA supporting fintech and gig workers to Singapore’s AI startups raising significant funding. Regional tech growth is further supported by M&A activity, new ESG-focused financial products, and cross-border digital banking partnerships.
Malaysia
Malaysia-based fintech Paywatch has raised $20 million in a Series A equity round led by Artem Ventures, backed by FWD Group, and South Korea’s Kakao Pay. Additional early investments came from New York-based Third Prime and a consortium of U.S. investors, including endowment funds from Vanderbilt University and the University of Illinois. Combined with prior credit facilities, Paywatch has raised over $50 million to date to expand its employee benefit and earned wage access (EWA) offerings across Southeast Asia.
The funding will support the development of Paywatch’s multi-product fintech platform, integrating EWA, micro-insurance, cross-border remittances, employee rewards, and fee-free bill payments.
Malaysia
SEDANIA As Salam Capital (SASC), a subsidiary of SEDANIA Innovator Berhad, has disbursed MYR 2 billion ($480 million) to support Malaysia’s gig economy through its Shariah-compliant GoHalal Financing Program (GHP). The program delivers embedded microfinancing via partnerships with major digital platforms, aiming to enhance income stability and financial inclusion for the country’s three million-strong gig workforce.
💡The initiative leverages SEDANIA’s proprietary As-Sidq Tawarruq digital trading platform to integrate Islamic financial products directly into partner systems, enabling 24/7 transactions and instant documentation.
Malaysia
Bursa Malaysia and AmInvest have launched the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia ETF, the country’s first and only sustainable and responsible investment (SRI)-qualified exchange-traded fund. The ETF tracks the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, which selects companies from the FTSE Bursa Malaysia EMAS Index based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria and liquidity standards developed by FTSE Russell in collaboration with the exchange.
💡The launch aligns with Malaysia’s push toward a lower-carbon, more sustainable economy and expands the range of ETFs on Bursa Malaysia to include ESG-focused investments.
Malaysia
Catcha Digital Berhad said it will acquire Malaysia-based online tech media company TechNave for MYR 6.13 million ($1.47 million) through its subsidiary iMedia Asia Sdn Bhd. The deal involves a completion sum of MYR 1.8 million ($430,000) and a post-completion sum of MYR 4.33 million ($1.04 million), funded from internal resources. The acquisition includes a net asset guarantee of MYR 885,000 ($211,849) and is expected to be immediately accretive, with operational consolidation generating cost synergies.
💡TechNave operates multilingual platforms covering consumer technology news, product reviews, and digital services, reaching over 2 million monthly users on social media and 1.5 million monthly video views. The acquisition gives Catcha Digital a foothold in the consumer tech vertical, enabling revenue and cross-selling opportunities by leveraging TechNave’s brand relationships and audience alongside iMedia’s lifestyle portfolio.
Singapore
Singapore-based investment firm Lighthouse Canton has raised $40 million in its first external funding round, led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Nextinfinity and continued support from early investor Qatar Insurance Company (QIC). The capital will be used to enhance technology infrastructure, recruit senior talent, expand product offerings, and pursue geographic growth in key markets.
💡Founded in 2014, Lighthouse Canton manages over $5 billion in assets across Singapore, India, the UAE, and the UK. The firm provides wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and family offices, alongside institutional-grade asset management strategies across public and private markets, positioning it for its next phase of growth and institutional expansion.
Singapore
Singapore-based AI video startup Video Rebirth has closed a $50 million funding round, backed by global financial and strategic investors. The capital will be used to develop a high-fidelity, controllable AI video platform targeting professional creators in advertising, e-commerce, film, and animation, with the company planning a 1.0 product launch in December 2025.
💡Founded by former Tencent scientist Dr. Wei Liu, Video Rebirth aims to address limitations in existing generative video models, including lack of fine-grained control, motion consistency, and realistic physics.
Singapore
Singapore-based AI company WIZ.AI has closed a Series B funding round, raising tens of millions of dollars. The round was led by SMBC Asia Rising Fund, the corporate venture arm of Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, with participation from Beacon Venture Capital, SMIC SG Holdings, and existing investors including Singtel Innov8 and Granite Asia.
💡The capital will be used to enhance WIZ.AI’s core AGI platform, expand AI Partner Solutions, and support market growth in Southeast Asia and new regions such as Latin America.
Vietnam-Taiwan
Vietnam-based IT firm FPT has partnered with Taiwan’s OBank and E.SUN Commercial Bank to upgrade digital banking platforms and core systems. Under the OBank collaboration, FPT is enhancing the bank’s internet and mobile banking experience through frontend development (Vue.js), backend services (Java), security implementation, and testing. The partnership will also explore Temenos T24 support, system upgrades, cloud migration, and digital innovation in AI, data analytics, and open banking.
💡FPT’s work with E.SUN Bank, completed in July 2025, modernized the bank’s T24 core banking platform, including operating system and database upgrades, improving system stability, security, and scalability.
Environmental Sustainability
Governments and companies are boosting environmental monitoring, clean energy, and emission-reduction efforts across Asia and Europe. Initiatives range from China’s new ecological regulation and Bangkok’s pollution controls to Europe’s green fuel investments and Singapore’s carbon credit oversight, alongside Ceres Power expanding fuel cell production in China.
China
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a State Council decree enacting a new regulation on ecological environment monitoring, effective January 1, 2026. The regulation, spanning seven chapters and 49 articles, aims to standardize monitoring activities, improve data quality, and enhance overall monitoring capabilities. It calls for the development of a modern ecological monitoring system with greater automation, digitization, and smart capabilities, alongside a public monitoring network designed for comprehensive coverage and shared access.
💡The regulation also strengthens supervision of pollution sources, requires early-warning systems for ecological risks, and mandates a management framework for emergent environmental incidents.
Europe
The European Commission has launched a €2.9 billion ($3.1 billion) Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) to accelerate adoption of eSAF and green maritime fuels through 2027, including €300 million for hydrogen-based fuels via the European Hydrogen Bank. The initiative aims to de-risk early-stage production and mobilize up to €100 billion ($113 billion) in investment to meet ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime targets by 2035, requiring 20 million tonnes of sustainable fuels annually.
Key funding channels include €2 billion via InvestEU, €446 million from the Innovation Fund for initial commercial-scale synthetic aviation and maritime fuel projects, and €133 million under Horizon Europe for R&D into production processes, system integration, and standards.
💡A €500 million Early Movers Alliance pilot will launch in 2026 to provide revenue certainty for producers and buyers, while the EU is also considering tradeable fuel certificates, book-and-claim systems, and potential expansion of the EU ETS to support EU-produced maritime fuels.
Singapore
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has appointed three carbon-rating providers—BeZero Carbon, Calyx Global, and Sylvera—to conduct independent assessments of carbon credit methodologies and projects. The panel will advise on environmental integrity, helping ensure that carbon credits purchased under Singapore’s International Carbon Credits (ICC) framework meet rigorous standards. ICCs are part of Singapore’s strategy to achieve its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution and 2050 net-zero target.
💡The ICC framework, launched in November 2022, allows carbon tax-liable companies to offset up to 5% of taxable emissions using ICCs. As of October 31, Singapore has signed implementation agreements with 10 countries—including regional partners Thailand, Vietnam, and Bhutan, as well as Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Ghana, Peru, Paraguay, and Chile—for the generation and trade of carbon credits under Paris Agreement Article 6
Thailand
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced new measures to tackle PM2.5 pollution as the city enters its “Dust Season.” Key contributors include stagnant weather, diesel emissions, and biomass burning in nearby provinces such as Nakhon Nayok. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has tightened black smoke vehicle standards, reducing permissible opacity from 30% to 20% starting November 1, 2025.
💡Early inspections found 21 of 900 vehicles failing the standard, with legal action and mandatory repairs enforced. Trucks and diesel vehicles not meeting emissions criteria must now join the Green List to operate during high-pollution days, while a voluntary “Green List Plus” program encourages private car owners to reduce PM2.5 by changing engine oil and filters, potentially cutting emissions by up to 42%.
UK-China
Ceres Power Holdings plc has signed a manufacturing licence agreement with Weichai Power, a Shandong-based OEM, to produce Ceres’ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology in China. The deal expands Ceres’ global manufacturing partnerships to four and allows Weichai to supply cells and stacks for stationary power systems targeting AI data centres, commercial buildings, and industrial applications.
💡Key components will be supplied by Ceres, with Weichai integrating SOFCs alongside its existing power generation portfolio of gas engines and powertrains.
Aviation
Aviation in the Asia-Pacific region is evolving with new aircraft, fleet restructuring, and terminal upgrades, from Qantas’ ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise and Singapore Airlines’ lounge expansion to Air T stabilizing Rex Airlines and ANA consolidating operations.
Australia
Qantas has unveiled its first A350-1000ULR aircraft for the Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights between Australia and London and New York. The aircraft, recently completed at Airbus’ manufacturing facility, has all major airframe components assembled and will next receive engines and flight test equipment ahead of a test program starting in 2026.
💡The A350-1000ULR is configured for flights up to 22 hours non-stop, enabled by an additional 20,000-litre fuel tank and enhanced systems. The 238-seat cabin is designed for passenger wellbeing, featuring a dedicated Wellbeing Zone, customised lighting, timed meals, and exercise stations. Project Sunrise aims to cut up to four hours off current one-stop travel times, with the first of 12 aircraft due for delivery in late 2026 and commercial services set to begin in the first half of 2027.
Australia
The Australian Government has backed Air T’s proposal to acquire and recapitalise Rex Airlines, with Air T contributing AUS$50 million and the Government providing debt restructuring and a new commercial loan of up to AUS$60 million. Air T has committed to maintaining essential regional air services, with the Government set to support the plan at the creditors’ meeting.
💡Air T, a Minneapolis-based aviation group, will stabilise Rex’s operations, address maintenance backlogs, and expand the fleet from around 30 to 44 aircraft. The plan includes retaining existing management, hiring additional pilots and engineers, and using Air T’s global parts network to ensure aircraft serviceability. Governance will be strengthened through independent Australian directors and regular reporting on regional service commitments.
China
China’s largest oil refiner, Sinopec, is reportedly in talks to acquire China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF), the country’s leading jet fuel distributor, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The negotiations, reportedly initiated by Beijing, remain ongoing with no set timetable or certainty of completion.
💡Sinopec, which refines both domestic and imported crude, currently supplies jet fuel to CNAF, which operates China’s airport fueling network and manages trading through entities such as China Aviation Oil. If finalized, the deal would see Sinopec absorb CNAF’s assets and operations.
Japan
ANA is set to phase out its subsidiary Air Japan as part of a brand restructuring. The airline said Air Japan’s aircraft and staff will be integrated into ANA’s operations to support the expansion of its international business.
💡Air Japan, which primarily serves Asian routes, will cease flight operations in March 2026, nearly two years after ANA launched the hybrid brand. Following the move, ANA Group will consolidate its operations under two brands—ANA and low-cost carrier Peach—citing the need to boost overall profitability and adapt to global challenges such as the war in Ukraine and aircraft delivery delays.
Singapore
Singapore Airlines has opened its new First Class SilverKris Lounge at Changi, completing the first phase of a two-year, S$45 million terminal renewal. The 1,050-square-metre lounge is 11% larger than its predecessor, accommodating around 130 guests, including First Class and Suites customers, Solitaire PPS Club members, and Star Alliance First Class passengers.
💡The lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, distinct zones for dining, work, and relaxation, upgraded shower and restroom facilities, and accessible design elements. Signature touches include a 20-metre batik wall, bespoke wingback chairs, a Signature Bar serving cocktails and coffee, productivity pods, private meeting rooms, semi-private resting pods, and a children’s playroom.
Advanced Air Mobility
Advanced air mobility is growing across Asia, the Middle East, and New Zealand, with major eVTOL orders, new factories, and urban flight trials driving the sector toward commercial use. Companies are pushing electric, hydrogen, and tiltwing aircraft, signaling a new era of low-altitude, sustainable transport.
Abu Dhabi-China
Falcon Aviation Services has ordered 50 eVTOL aircraft from AutoFlight, with the first batch due by the end of 2025 to support Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) operations. The order includes 15 V2000CG CarryAll cargo aircraft and 35 V2000EM Prosperity passenger aircraft, aimed at meeting growing regional demand for low-altitude cargo transport and premium air mobility services.
Falcon Aviation Services, a leading Middle East business aviation operator, provides VIP and charter flights, heli-tours, oil and gas support, MRO, and heliport management. The company also plays a key role in advancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) projects, including the Abu Dhabi Hybrid Vertical Landing vertiport network.
💡The AutoFlight V2000CG and V2000EM aircraft, certified or undergoing certification, will support logistics, commuting, and inter-base travel for oil platform personnel, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the UAE energy sector.
China
Volant Aerotech has secured major new orders totaling 95 aircraft worth RMB 2.375 billion (approx. $328 million) during the 8th China International Import Expo. The deals were signed with six strategic partners, including Beijing Yizhuang International Leasing, Beijing Shenzhou Car Rental, Dubai IC Leasing, Germany’s DC Aviation, China Feilong General Aviation, and Shanxi Chenggong General Aviation.
💡The agreements add to Volant’s growing portfolio, marking its fourth confirmed commercial order for its six-seat VE25-100 eVTOL aircraft.
China
Vertaxi showcased its upgraded M1 passenger eVTOL at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, securing 200 new global orders. Key deals include 100 M1B cargo eVTOLs for Saudi logistics operator Aerial Solutions and 100 M1 passenger eVTOLs through a strategic framework with BOC Financial Leasing and the Bank of China Shanghai Branch, underscoring growing demand for low-altitude mobility solutions.
💡The company also formed technology partnerships with Aerospace Hydrogen Energy Technology and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology to develop hydrogen-powered eVTOLs and intelligent flight systems
China
INFLYNC unveiled its INFLYNC L600 at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, of what it describes as the world’s first full-size tiltwing ducted-fan eVTOL. The aircraft has a 13.5-meter wingspan, 10-meter length, and 3.5-meter height, with a maximum take-off weight of 2.8 tons and a payload capacity of 620 kilograms.
💡Featuring a hybrid extended-range and full tiltwing ducted-fan design, it has a planned range of up to 600 kilometers at a top speed of 360 km/h, carrying one pilot and five passengers, while supporting multiple take-offs and landings on a single charge.
China
XPeng AeroHT, the flying car division of Chinese EV maker XPENG, has begun trial production at what it calls the world’s first intelligent factory for mass-produced flying cars in Guangzhou’s Huangpu district.
💡The 120,000-square-meter facility has rolled out its first detachable electric aircraft, part of the modular “Land Aircraft Carrier” system, and is designed for an eventual annual capacity of 10,000 aircraft modules, with initial output of 5,000 units.
New Zealand
Air New Zealand and BETA Technologies have launched a four-month Next Generation Aircraft technical demonstrator programme with the BETA ALIA CX300, the first electric aircraft to carry the Air New Zealand name. The aircraft will undertake test flights across New Zealand, including Hamilton, Wellington, and Cook Strait routes, to validate operations and gather data for future electric aircraft integration.
💡The programme involves Air New Zealand pilots working with BETA’s engineering team and the Civil Aviation Authority to test the aircraft in various conditions and flight profiles. It aims to inform regulatory frameworks, operational procedures, and training systems, while demonstrating New Zealand as a laboratory for next-generation, lower-emission aviation.
South Korea
Korean Air completed Phase 2 of the Korean Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM) Grand Challenge, marking South Korea’s first verified urban air mobility demonstration in a metropolitan area. The 12-day trial in Incheon tested flight operations, traffic management, and multi-route coordination using the airline’s ACROSS platform, which monitors flight paths and manages air traffic in real time.
💡Part of a national programme to establish UAM safety and operational standards, the initiative involves Korean Air’s “K-UAM One Team” consortium with IIAC, KT, Hyundai Motor, and Hyundai E&C. The airline plans to further develop ACROSS and commercialise Archer Aviation’s Midnight eVTOL in South Korea, potentially acquiring up to 100 aircraft.
USA-Japan
Archer Aviation Inc. announced that its Japan Airlines-led consortium, featuring Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft, has been selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for phase one of Tokyo’s “eVTOL Implementation Project.”
💡The initial phase will evaluate the market and establish an operational ecosystem, paving the way for demonstration flights over Tokyo Bay and river routes as a precursor to commercial operations. The move follows Archer’s recent Asia-Pacific expansion, including an exclusive deal with Korean Air for up to 100 Midnight aircraft.
Marine
Energy and maritime sectors are pushing forward with innovation and sustainability, from Denmark’s offshore wind and greener ports to Japan and South Korea’s high-tech maritime solutions. Meanwhile, major oil and gas deals like the Eni-Petronas venture show that traditional energy remains a central focus alongside these new initiatives.
Denmark-Philippines
Danish renewables investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) will invest $3 billion in its first offshore wind project in the Philippines, located in Camarines Sur, in partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions of the Ayala Group. The project follows the 2022 lifting of foreign ownership restrictions for renewable energy and aligns with the Marcos administration’s plan to increase the country’s renewable power share to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
💡CIP, which manages over €28 billion ($32.2 billion) in global renewable assets, received 25-year service contracts in 2023 for three offshore wind projects in the Philippines: Camarines Norte and Sur (1 GW combined), Northern Samar (650 MW), and Dagupan (350 MW). The Camarines Sur project marks the first fully foreign-owned offshore wind investment in the country.
Global
C40 Cities, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) have launched the Global Port Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) Initiative, the first global framework for deploying sustainability-linked loans to support port decarbonisation projects. The program will provide market guidance, capacity-building, and direct financing access for port authorities, particularly in the global south, where barriers have limited green infrastructure development.
💡Ports are projected to need up to $2 trillion by 2050 for shore power electrification, alternative fuel bunkering, and zero-emission cargo equipment, yet roughly $200 billion in sustainability-linked capital remains untapped. The initiative aims to prepare over 50 zero-emission port and shipping projects for investment by 2030 and mobilize at least $1 billion in maritime infrastructure finance within three years.
Japan
Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is trialling space suit-inspired clothing for maritime and shipyard crews in collaboration with fashion-tech brand Moonrakers. The apparel, based on Moonrakers’ MOON-TECH fabric system used by JAXA, combines aerospace-grade materials with features such as sweat absorption, quick-drying, antibacterial protection, UV-cut, and stretch functionality.
💡The initiative aligns with NYK’s broader space strategy, including plans for an offshore reusable rocket recovery system approved in principle by ClassNK. A demonstration test of the vessel is scheduled for 2028 in partnership with companies including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Malaysia-Italy
Italian energy company Eni and Malaysia’s Petronas have signed a binding agreement to create a jointly owned independent company combining their upstream assets in Indonesia and Malaysia. The new entity will manage 19 assets—14 in Indonesia and five in Malaysia—and operate as a financially self-sufficient company with plans to invest over $15 billion in the next five years, supporting eight new projects and 15 exploration wells.
The combined portfolio includes gas-producing and development assets, with an initial production of more than 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) and a medium-term target exceeding 500,000 boepd. The venture aims to develop around 3 billion boe of discovered reserves and unlock an estimated 10 billion boe of exploration potential.
💡Eni expects the deal to close in 2026, pending regulatory and governmental approvals.
South Korea
South Korea has successfully tested an AI-based autonomous firefighting system capable of detecting and extinguishing oil fires on naval vessels without human intervention. Developed by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), the platform uses advanced sensors, AI analysis, and precision foam monitors to verify fire authenticity and target suppression only at the source, reducing collateral damage compared with traditional blanket systems.
💡The system achieved over 98% detection accuracy during land-based and at-sea trials, compensating in real time for ship motions up to sea state three. Tested aboard a South Korean Navy amphibious assault ship, it precisely extinguished fires up to 18 meters away, adjusting nozzle angles using six degrees of freedom acceleration data.
Space
Asia is rapidly expanding its presence in space, balancing bold commercial ventures—like Japan’s 60-minute Tokyo-to-U.S. flights and lunar base tech—with increased safety and security concerns, as China’s Shenzhou-20 faces debris delays and India restricts Chinese satellites, highlighting a trend of innovation alongside strategic caution.
China
China’s Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft has delayed its return to Earth after potentially being struck by space debris, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) reported. The return mission, originally scheduled for November 5 in northern China, is under review while impact analysis and risk assessment are conducted. CMSA did not specify whether the debris hit occurred in orbit or while the spacecraft was docked at the Tiangong space station.
💡The incident marks the first time a Shenzhou return mission has been postponed due to space debris, highlighting the growing risk posed by orbital junk. If Shenzhou-20 cannot be safely repaired aboard Tiangong, the newly arrived Shenzhou-21 could be used to bring the crew home. Backup spacecraft and rockets remain on standby at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre to respond to emergencies.
India
India’s space regulator IN-SPACe is reportedly blocking Chinese-linked satellite operators from offering services in the country, citing national security concerns. Citing ETTelecom, IN-SPACe has rejected applications from Chinasat, APT Satellite (Apstar), and AsiaSat to provide services on certain satellites, including AsiaSat 6, 8, and 9. Broadcasters and teleport operators, such as JioStar and Zee, have begun migrating traffic to alternative satellites, including ISRO’s GSAT-17 and GSAT-30, as well as Intelsat-20.
AsiaSat and its Indian partner, Inorbit Space, are reportedly in discussions with IN-SPACe to extend authorisations for AsiaSat 5 and 7, which expire in March 2026. India’s previous openness to foreign satellite operators was driven by capacity constraints, but the government’s focus has shifted toward national security, particularly regarding China.
💡The shortfall is being addressed through upcoming LEO broadband services from Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb, and Amazon Kuiper, which are awaiting final regulatory approval.
Japan
Japanese travel company Nippon Travel Agency Co. announced plans to launch a space-based transport service capable of flying passengers from Tokyo to U.S. cities in 60 minutes, targeting the 2030s for initial operations. The company is partnering with reusable rocket startup Innovative Space Carrier Inc., with round-trip fares projected at ¥100 million ($652,000). The vehicle would launch from an offshore platform, with early operations focused on fast point-to-point international travel.
💡The project will roll out in stages, beginning April 2026 with advance applications, space-themed tours, and tasting experiences. Nippon Travel aims to expand the service in the 2040s to include orbital stays, offering tourists full space hotel or habitat experiences. The companies plan to reduce costs by increasing flight frequency per vehicle, while Nippon Travel handles product design and marketing.
Japan
Japan’s Space Strategy Fund has backed a consortium led by Ritsumeikan University and lunar exploration firm ispace to advance technologies for future lunar base construction. The initiative focuses on developing surveying and ground investigation systems to support civil engineering activities on the Moon, including land leveling, road construction, and ground improvement, using high-precision topographic data and lunar regolith analysis.
💡Ritsumeikan University will lead research and technology development, building on its planetary surface simulation capabilities, while ispace will provide operational expertise from its Hakuto-R lunar missions, including lander and rover operations, surface mapping, and regolith characterization. The project, running through March 2032, aims to support Japan’s cislunar economy ambitions and strengthen international leadership in lunar exploration.
Luxemburg-Japan
SES has leased the full Ku-band capacity of Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Superbird-C2 satellite to meet rising in-flight connectivity demand across Asia, despite expanding its fleet through Intelsat’s acquisition. The geostationary satellite, launched in August 2008, will be repositioned from 144° East to an undisclosed orbital slot for services starting this winter. SES anticipates using Superbird-C2 for two to three years as it nears the end of its operational life.
💡SES now operates around 90 geostationary satellites, roughly a third more than competitors Eutelsat, Viasat, and Telesat combined.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**