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: Alibaba Launches Accio Agent to Automate Global Trade Workflows; IQue Ventures Unveils ₹50 Crore Startup Park to Support 200 Startups; Accenture to Acquire CyberCX in A$1 Billion Cybersecurity Deal; Catcha Digital to Acquire 60% of One International Exhibition for MYR 11.38 Million; Alpadis Group Buys Ingenia Consultants to Expand Compliance Services; and Antler Invests US$7.4M in Southeast Asian AI Startups Amid Funding Slowdown
Environmental Sustainability: Shanghai REFIRE Expands Hydrogen Operations with RMB 170 Million Investment; LONGi Green Energy Begins Construction of RMB 2.365 Billion Green Methanol Facility; Global Banks Provide $8.9 Trillion to Deforestation-Linked Companies, Forest 500 Finds; Indian Railways Tests ₹136-Crore Hydrogen-Powered Train for Heritage Routes; European Banking Authority Issues No-Action Letter on ESG Disclosure Requirements; South Korea Awards 52 Bidders in 2025 Hydrogen Power Competition; and Nuveen Secures $1.3 Billion for Energy & Power Infrastructure Credit Fund II
Aviation: Pertamina Delivers First Batch of SAF in Indonesia; Airbus Partners with Bogor Agricultural University to Develop Biomass-Based SAF; ANA Launches AI-Powered Turbulence Prediction System; Singapore to Roll Out No-Boarding Directive to Enhance Border Security; and Wing Bank, Singapore Airlines Launch Loyalty Points-to-Miles Exchange Program.
Advanced Air Mobility: Australia Issues Over 40,000 Remote Pilot Licences as Drone Sector Surges; Thailand Partially Lifts UAV Ban to Allow Agricultural Drone Flights; and Joby Completes First Piloted eVTOL Flight Between U.S. Airports.
Marine: China Deploys 100 Hydrogen Trucks at Zhapu Port; Japan Launches Battery EV Harbor Tug; Itochu and L&T Develop Green Hydrogen-to-Ammonia Plant; Malaysia’s Avangaad Sells FSO Nautica Tembikai; HD Hyundai Starts Philippine Shipbuilding; X-Press Feeders Challenges Sri Lanka $1B Court Order; and Turkey’s Karpowership Expands with Seatrium.
Space: Australia’s Waratah Seed-1 Wins SmallSat Award; Geespace Launches 11 GEESATCOM Satellites; China’s LandSpace Rocket Test Fails; Chinese Surgeons Perform Remote Robotic Liver Surgeries; India Invests $137M in EO Satellite Constellation; India to Launch BlueBird Communication Satellite; Google Unveils AlphaEarth AI “Virtual Satellite.
Financing & Investments
Recent developments in the global business and investment landscape highlight a surge in technology adoption, strategic acquisitions, and support for startups. Companies across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and beyond are leveraging AI, cybersecurity, and compliance solutions to streamline operations, expand market reach, and accelerate growth in a competitive environment.
China
Alibaba International has launched Accio Agent, billed as the world’s first AI agent for global trade, marking the next stage in its Accio B2B search platform. The tool automates around 70% of manual workflows—covering product ideation, prototyping, compliance checks, and supplier sourcing—reducing processes that typically take weeks to just minutes. Users can submit a product concept, receive a tailored development plan with insights and regulatory guidance, and instantly send inquiries to pre-vetted global suppliers on Alibaba.com.
💡Trained on 1 billion product listings and 50 million supplier profiles, Accio Agent applies procurement logic to assess suppliers, interpret customer feedback, and balance cost, quality, and compliance. Alibaba said the platform is aimed at SMEs and solo entrepreneurs facing resource constraints, providing them with faster, more efficient access to international supply chains.
India
IQue Ventures has announced the launch of its Startup Park initiative, starting with a ₹50 crore (US$5.7 million) facility in Bengaluru set to open this September. The program will offer early-stage startups workspaces, mentorship, infrastructure, and access to capital, aiming to support over 200 companies and create more than 10,000 jobs within 18 months.
The Startup Park model, part of a larger ₹600 crore (US$68.6 million) plan, will include co-working spaces, research labs, pitch studios, and mentorship programs, with plans to expand to other Indian cities and international locations.
💡IQue Ventures seeks to address structural challenges in India’s startup ecosystem, particularly the limited access to funding and support infrastructure compared with more developed markets.
Ireland-Australia
Accenture has agreed to acquire Australian cybersecurity firm CyberCX in a deal valued at approximately A$1 billion ($650 million), marking the company’s largest-ever investment in the cybersecurity sector. CyberCX, formed in 2019 through the merger of 12 smaller firms and backed by private equity firm BGH Capital, employs around 1,400 staff and operates security centers in Australia and New Zealand, with additional offices in London and New York. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.
💡Accenture shares have fallen about 23% from recent highs over the past two months, following reports of declining new bookings for its fiscal fourth quarter. Retail investor sentiment on Stocktwits remains bullish.
Malaysia
Catcha Digital Berhad announced that its subsidiary, Catcha Connect Sdn Bhd, has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire a 60% equity interest in One International Exhibition Sdn Bhd for MYR 11.38 million ($2.7 million). The cash consideration will be paid in three tranches over 24 months and is contingent on the company achieving profit targets of MYR 2.75 million in the first 12 months and MYR 3.16 million in the following 12 months after completion.
💡The acquisition price reflects a weighted-average forward price-to-earnings multiple of 4.92 times. Catcha Digital expects the transaction to contribute positively to its earnings per share and views the deal as a strategic entry into the trade exhibition industry, complementing its existing digital media advertising business.
Singapore
Alpadis Group has acquired 100% of Singapore-based Ingenia Consultants through a share exchange, strengthening its service offering for boutique and mid-sized financial institutions. Ingenia, a compliance advisory firm with more than 100 clients including asset managers, hedge funds, and fintech companies, will be integrated into Alpadis’ operations, forming a new Regulatory Compliance Services division.
💡Alpadis said the transaction enhances its ability to provide end-to-end services, from corporate administration and accounting to regulatory compliance, while also laying the groundwork for regional expansion into markets such as the UAE, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
Singapore-Southeast Asia
Antler has deployed US$7.4 million into startups across Southeast Asia in the first half of 2025, including US$2.8 million invested in seven companies through its newly launched AI Disrupt residency in Singapore. The program, designed for early-stage teams with market-ready products, provides each selected startup with US$400,000 in funding and over US$650,000 in AI-focused infrastructure and tooling credits. The seven companies—covering sectors such as workflow automation, manufacturing intelligence, radar imaging, and application security—are Iris, Nugen, IndustrialMind.ai, Lambdai Space, Anamaya AI, AppSecAI, and 5.Y (GLUCOSE).
The investment push comes amid a sharp decline in Southeast Asia’s startup funding environment, with seed funding down 68% year-on-year and overall early-stage investment dropping 53% in the first half of 2025. Antler said it is responding by writing larger initial checks and offering targeted support to help AI startups scale despite the slowdown.
💡The firm, which led 74 AI investments globally in 2024, described itself as the world’s most active AI investor and has opened applications for the next AI Disrupt residency, scheduled to begin in Singapore in October 2025.
Environmental Sustainability
The global push for environmental sustainability is gaining momentum, with major investments in hydrogen and green methanol projects, innovative low-carbon transportation, and large-scale renewable energy financing. At the same time, regulatory guidance and reports highlight the need for stronger ESG oversight, responsible financing, and cost-efficient clean energy development across regions.
China
Shanghai REFIRE is expanding its presence in China’s hydrogen sector with a RMB 170 million ($23.4 million) investment across two acquisitions. The company is purchasing a 30.3% stake in Guangdong Enze Hydrogen, a hydrogen technology and automotive components firm, gaining access to PEM electrolyser technology and a 500 MW plant that can scale up to 1 GW. This investment will be staged over several years, reflecting a long-term plan to strengthen technological capabilities and production capacity.
💡REFIRE is also acquiring a 70% controlling interest in Seraph REFIRE, which anchors its operations in Northwest China and the Taiyang Mountain green hydrogen project. The move allows REFIRE to consolidate hydrogen production, storage, transport, and utilization in a region rich in renewable resources.
China
LONGi Green Energy has started construction on a RMB 2.365 billion ($325 million) green methanol facility in Urad Rear Banner, Inner Mongolia. The two-phase project will process 600,000 tonnes of agricultural waste annually, produce 400,000 tonnes of green methanol, and cut 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. Phase II will integrate 100 electrolysers powered by 850 MW wind and 200 MW solar capacity. The facility is expected to create 1,000 jobs and boost regional renewable energy.
💡LONGi is also advancing two other projects: a 300,000-ton green methanol plant in Jiangsu and a 120,000-ton plant in Xuchang, further expanding China’s low-carbon fuel infrastructure.
Global
A Forest 500 report by Global Canopy found that 150 major financial institutions provided $8.9 trillion in financing to companies linked to deforestation in 2024, with 60% lacking deforestation policies. Vanguard, BlackRock, and JP Morgan Chase together funded over $1.6 trillion to high-risk companies, while only BBVA, Deutsche Bank, and Lloyds Banking Group screen all high-risk commodities.
💡The report calls for stronger engagement, monitoring, and disclosure as deforestation remains a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
India
Indian Railways has successfully tested a ₹136-crore hydrogen-powered train, set to launch on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana under its “Hydrogen for Heritage” program. The train, built on a DEMU model with hydrogen fuel cells, features a 1,200 HP engine and can carry up to 2,600 passengers, emitting only water vapour.
💡The initiative aims to modernize non-electrified rail lines, reduce carbon emissions, support eco-tourism, and promote green infrastructure, with plans to roll out 35 hydrogen trains nationwide.
Europe
The European Banking Authority (EBA) has issued a no-action letter on ESG Pillar 3 disclosure requirements, advising regulators not to prioritize enforcement of certain templates and data points until new rules from the European Commission’s Omnibus sustainability package take effect. The letter applies to large listed institutions and banks newly covered under the Capital Requirements Regulation.
💡Alongside this, the EBA released its updated ESG risk dashboard, showing a stable risk environment for EU/EEA banks. Future dashboard editions will reflect the letter’s guidance on deprioritized disclosures.
South Korea
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced 52 successful bidders in the 2025 general hydrogen power competition, totaling 1,355 GWh from 77 applicants. The average bid price fell for the third consecutive year, reflecting ongoing cost reductions and increased competition.
💡All projects are small-scale facilities under 20 MW, primarily in metropolitan areas, and are expected to begin operations in 2027. The bidding supports distributed hydrogen generation using locally produced and consumed power.
USA-Global
Nuveen has secured $1.3 billion in initial commitments for its Energy & Power Infrastructure Credit Fund II (EPIC II), targeting a $2.5 billion total. The private credit fund will finance projects across renewable energy, energy storage, hydrocarbons, LNG, and sustainable infrastructure, with risk-mitigation measures such as hard asset collateral and long-term contracts.
Investors include a Canadian pension fund manager, TIAA, and institutions from Japan, Korea, and Europe, with nearly half of commitments from outside the U.S.
💡EPIC II follows Nuveen’s first EPIC fund and is managed by its Energy Infrastructure Credit team, which oversees over $13 billion in investments. Nuveen manages more than $35 billion in infrastructure assets globally.
Aviation
The aviation sector is advancing sustainability, safety, and customer experience, with major initiatives including sustainable aviation fuel production in Indonesia, AI-driven turbulence forecasting in Japan, and innovative loyalty programs. At the same time, Singapore is strengthening border security through digital screening and pre-boarding measures.
Indonesia
Indonesia’s energy company Pertamina has delivered its first batch of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced at PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional’s Cilacap refinery. Made from used cooking oil via co-processing, the initial 32-kilolitre batch will fuel a Jakarta–Denpasar flight operated by Pertamina’s airline subsidiary, Pelita Air. Following this trial, Pertamina plans to supply an additional 1.7 million litres of SAF to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
💡The Cilacap refinery has the capacity to produce up to 1,400 kilolitres of SAF per day using the HEFA pathway.
Indonesia
Airbus’s Singapore branch is partnering with Indonesia’s Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from biomass, targeting up to 100 million tons annually using crop residues, wood, and plant waste. Indonesia could supply as much as 500 million tons of biomass, mainly from empty palm fruit bunches in Sumatra and Kalimantan and rice straw in Java.
💡Challenges include weak collection infrastructure, limited processing technology, and unclear regulations, while environmental concerns arise from deforestation—nearly 10,000 hectares cleared between 2020 and 2024—threatening species like Sumatran and Bornean orangutans.
Japan
All Nippon Airways (ANA) has launched an AI-powered turbulence prediction system, becoming the first airline in the world to implement such technology. Developed in partnership with Keio University under the BlueWX initiative, the system uses machine learning to analyze real-time weather data, satellite imagery, and atmospheric patterns, achieving an 86% accuracy rate in forecasting turbulence.
💡By providing pilots with timely predictions, the system allows adjustments to flight paths or altitude, reducing passenger discomfort and in-flight injuries. Extensive trials with 2,500 pilots validated the system’s effectiveness, reinforcing ANA’s commitment to safer, more comfortable air travel.
Singapore
Singapore will roll out a No‑Boarding Directive (NBD) early next year to boost border security by preventing high-risk travelers from boarding flights. Airlines must submit passenger details through the Advance Passenger Information system before departure. Passengers flagged as high-risk will be denied boarding, and airlines face a SGD 2,000 (about $1,555) fine per violation. Additional documentation, like the SG Arrival Card, may also be required.
💡The NBD builds on Singapore’s checkpoint modernization, which uses passport-less clearance, QR codes, biometrics, and automation to improve security and efficiency. Since its implementation, entry refusals have increased 43% and contraband detection by 28%, highlighting the effectiveness of enhanced profiling and detection measures.
Singapore-Cambodia
Wing Bank (Cambodia) has partnered with Singapore Airlines to launch a loyalty points-to-miles exchange program, allowing customers to convert WingPoints into KrisFlyer miles. The program enables users to redeem miles for Singapore Airlines flights or products from KrisShop, integrating banking and travel rewards for enhanced customer experience.
💡The conversion process is fully accessible through the Wing Bank App, and customers receive 1,000 WingPoints as a launch bonus for each successful exchange.
Advanced Air Mobility
Advanced air mobility is accelerating globally, with Australia and Thailand expanding drone operations under evolving regulations and Joby Aviation demonstrating the first piloted eVTOL airport-to-airport flight in the U.S.
Australia
Australia’s drone sector has reached a milestone, with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issuing over 40,000 remote pilot licences (RePLs), more than double the number since 2020. Remote pilots now outnumber licensed fixed-wing and helicopter pilots, while drone registrations rose 18% between 2023–24 and 2024–25, reflecting rapid growth and innovation in the sector.
💡To support safe integration of drones into national airspace, CASA is advancing policies under its RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility Strategic Regulatory Roadmap, guiding regulation for the next 10–15 years.
Thailand
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has partially lifted its UAV ban to allow agricultural drone flights under strict rules. Operators must be registered, approved by CAAT, have a clean record, and fly only on authorised farmland between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Flights must be reported 12 hours in advance, limited to 30 metres altitude, and used only for spraying water, fertiliser, or agricultural chemicals—not for photography or surveying.
💡Other drones remain banned until August 15. No-fly zones include restricted areas, 16 specified provinces, regions under martial law or with active forces, Sattahip and Mueang districts, a 9 km radius around airports, and any locations designated by security agencies.
USA
Joby Aviation has achieved a major milestone in its commercial eVTOL air taxi program by completing its first piloted flight between two U.S. airports—Marina (OAR) and Monterey (MRY), California—within FAA-controlled airspace. The 12-minute flight over 10 nautical miles included vertical takeoff, wingborne transition, integration with other air traffic, a holding pattern, and vertical landing, marking the first time a piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft has flown between public airports. The demonstration validated Joby’s safety, operations, air traffic integration, and readiness for commercial service.
💡The flight also provided key data on human factors, airport operations, and controlled airspace integration, including sequencing with other arriving aircraft. This milestone supports Joby’s FAA certification process and commercial market readiness, complementing its planned acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business. With over 40,000 miles already flown in testing, Joby has begun final assembly of its first Type Inspection Authorization aircraft and aims to launch domestic commercial service in Los Angeles and New York City following certification.
Marine
Global maritime innovation is advancing through electrification, hydrogen adoption, and green fuel initiatives, highlighted by China’s hydrogen trucks, Japan’s battery tugboats, and a green hydrogen-to-ammonia plant in India.
China
China’s Zhapu Port in Zhejiang province has deployed 100 hydrogen-powered container trucks, replacing nearly two-thirds of its diesel fleet. The fleet, operating under the “Antelope Hydrogen” banner, reduces emissions by up to 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and lowers operating costs, with reported annual savings of ¥3 million.
💡The rollout highlights China’s rapid expansion of hydrogen mobility in heavy-duty transport.
Japan
Tokyo Kisen and marine software firm Marindows have initiated Japan’s first pure battery-powered EV harbor tugboat project, targeting operations in Yokohama and Kawasaki ports. Scheduled for construction in 2028 and operational by 2030, the lithium-ion battery-powered tug will deliver 3,000 kW propulsion and reach 14 knots, supporting the ports’ Carbon Neutral Port goals.
💡The project builds on Tokyo Kisen’s previous hybrid and electric tugs, including Taiga (2,486 kWh battery, launched 2022) and Ginga (diesel-electric hybrid, 2013). Japan’s maritime sector, valued at ~$11.2 B in 2024 and expected to hit ~$18 B by 2033, is increasingly pursuing electrification and automation under national and IMO-driven environmental policies.
Japan-India
💡The ammonia will be exported to Singapore for maritime bunkering, supporting Itochu’s global clean shipping strategy. Commercial operations are targeted for 2028, with similar bunkering plans in Spain, Egypt, and Japan.
Malaysia
Malaysian marine services provider Avangaad has sold its 1996-built FSO Nautica Tembikai for $10.5 million (RM44.5 million) in cash to MTC Energy, a subsidiary of MTC Engineering. With a net book value of RM15.05 million ($3.58 million), the sale will generate an immediate gain of RM29.4 million ($7 million) and is expected to close by Q4 of fiscal year 2025.
💡Following the sale, Avangaad will retain two oil tankers, eight offshore support vessels, and 15 port operations vessels. Proceeds from the FSO disposal will be reinvested into higher-yielding, longer-tenured assets to boost financial flexibility and secure longer-term charter contracts, aligning with the company’s strategy to optimize its fleet and portfolio.
South Korea-Philippines
HD Hyundai will start shipbuilding in the Philippines in January 2026 at a revamped Subic Bay yard, capable of producing up to 10 vessels annually. Under a 10-year lease from Agila Subic, the company will invest $550 million to build product tankers up to 250 meters long, with 16–18 month build times. HD Hyundai has hired 3,500 workers, with full employment expected at 7,000, using much of the former Hanjin yard infrastructure.
💡The yard has already secured orders, including two LR2 tankers for Japanese owner Nissen Kaiun and four tankers for Hong Kong’s Cido Shipping. The project aims to revive the Philippines’ shipbuilding competitiveness by pairing South Korean expertise with Filipino labor and forms part of HD Hyundai’s broader expansion into emerging shipbuilding markets in Morocco, India, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and the US.
Singapore-Sri Lanka
Singapore’s X-Press Feeders has contested the Sri Lankan Supreme Court’s $1 billion order over the 2021 X-Press Pearl incident, arguing it violates due process, unfairly targets the crew, and risks setting a dangerous precedent. The company claims the ruling effectively blamed the vessel’s master and local agents before trials concluded, leaving the master stranded under a travel ban for over four years despite offering to pay the maximum fine. X-Press Feeders says personnel were treated as “human collateral” with no opportunity to respond.
The X-Press Pearl, a 2,700 TEU feeder, sank off Colombo in June 2021 after a fire in a leaking nitric acid container, causing Sri Lanka’s worst marine pollution disaster with hundreds of tonnes of plastic pellets spilled. While the company has spent over $150 million on clean-up and compensation, it argues the court ignored official failings, including inspections that raised no alarms and refusals by regional ports to offload the container.
💡X-Press warns the ruling could strain shipping operators, raise trade costs, and urges a decision that balances environmental recovery with economic and legal considerations.
Turkey-Singapore
Turkey’s Karpowership has partnered with Singapore-based Seatrium to integrate new powerships and convert LNG carriers, expanding their ongoing collaboration. Under a letter of intent, Seatrium will work on four new-generation powerships at its Singapore yard, with an option for two additional units, starting in Q1 2027. In parallel, three LNG carriers will be converted into floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs).
💡Karpowership, which operates the world’s largest fleet of floating power plants, is advancing modular third-generation units with potential carbon capture and other advanced technologies. Its fleet includes 50 powerships totaling 10,000 MW and 11 LNG-related assets. Seatrium has previously delivered four FSRUs for Karpowership, with a fifth and two more currently under construction.
Space
Global space innovation spans CubeSats, commercial constellations, advanced AI, and remote surgery via satellite. Australia’s Waratah Seed-1 gains recognition, China expands LEO coverage while testing new rockets and enabling telesurgery, India invests in Earth Observation and communication satellites, and the U.S. introduces AI-driven satellite data integration with Google’s AlphaEarth
Australia
Australia’s CubeSat, Waratah Seed-1 (WS-1), has won the SmallSat Mission of the Year award at the Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The six-unit CubeSat, built and operated by a consortium led by the University of Sydney alongside UTS, Macquarie University, Saber Astronautics, Delta-V, and UNSW, was launched last year on SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission. The satellite, initially expected to operate for six months, is now approaching one year in orbit, transmitting data from nearly 500 km above Earth at 27,000 km/h.
💡WS-1 carries nine experimental technologies, including advanced perovskite and silicon solar cells, a space edge computing system, meta-material insulation using natural fibers, a thermal management system, a GPS reflectometry payload, and systems for in-orbit satellite maintenance and debris detection. The mission demonstrates Australia’s growing capabilities in both scientific innovation and commercial space technology. Plans for Waratah Seed-2 are already under discussion, with a nominal launch scheduled for 2027.
China
Geely’s commercial aerospace subsidiary, Geespace, successfully launched 11 satellites—the fourth orbital plane of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation (GEESATCOM)—from near Rizhao, Shandong Province, China. All satellites reached their designated orbits and are functioning normally, bringing Geespace’s total in-orbit fleet to 41.
The project aims to deploy 72 satellites by the end of 2025, providing near-global low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite IoT coverage and supporting integrated space-earth mobility applications.
China
Chinese commercial rocket company LandSpace Technology reported a failed flight test last Friday involving one of its methane-powered rockets, citing an unspecified “anomaly” and stating that investigations are ongoing. Methane fuel is increasingly used in rockets because it is considered safer, cheaper, less polluting, and compatible with reusable launch systems.
💡The Beijing-based startup made history in July 2023 as the first company to successfully launch a methane-liquid oxygen rocket with Zhuque-2, beating U.S. competitors like SpaceX and Blue Origin. LandSpace has tested several iterations of the Zhuque-2 series, including the Zhuque-2E Y2, which succeeded in May. The most recent attempt, using the Zhuque-2E Y3, failed shortly after liftoff from a commercial site in northwestern China.
China
A team of Chinese surgeons in Tibet has successfully performed robotic liver surgeries on patients over 2,000 miles away in Beijing using a satellite connection. The system, developed for remote surgical operations, combines latency compensation, predictive algorithms, and dual-link redundancy to maintain precision despite long transmission delays. High-definition video was delivered at 7.2 Mbps—about 60% lower bandwidth than conventional systems—ensuring stable visuals even with fluctuating satellite links.
💡The findings, published in Intelligent Surgery, demonstrate that remote telesurgery via satellite is safe and effective. The study represents a significant leap beyond 5G-connected telesurgery, which is limited to roughly 5,000 km.
India
India is set to strengthen its space capabilities through a $137 million (Rs. 1,200 crore) investment by a consortium led by Google-backed startup Pixxel Space India to launch and operate a constellation of 12 advanced Earth Observation (EO) satellites. The initiative, part of a Public-Private Partnership (EO-PPP) model, aims to support national security, climate monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, urban planning, and global demand for high-quality geospatial data.
💡The 12 satellites will feature panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors, delivering Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS). The Pixxel-led consortium will manage manufacturing, launches from India, ground infrastructure, and data commercialization, with the government providing strategic and policy support.
India
India plans to launch the 6,500 kg US communication satellite Block-2 BlueBird in the coming months. The satellite, arriving in India in September, will launch aboard ISRO’s heaviest rocket, LVM-3-M5, from Sriharikota.
💡It features large communication arrays covering 2,400 sq ft, delivering up to 12 Mbps for voice, data, and video directly to smartphones without specialized terminals, using AST & Science’s SpaceMobile technology.
USA
Google has unveiled an AI model, AlphaEarth Foundations, designed as a “virtual satellite” to integrate trillions of observations — including satellite imagery and radar — to monitor changes in land and shallow waters globally. The model, released on 28 July, aims to support applications such as identifying sites for clean-energy projects, studying climate impacts, and tracking deforestation. Google claims AlphaEarth surpasses similar AI systems in accuracy and data density while saving computing time and energy.
💡Accompanying the release, Google and DeepMind published a preprint describing the model, its testing, and baseline data sets covering 2017–2024. AlphaEarth’s fully processed data will be updated regularly and accessed through Google Earth Engine, allowing scientists to explore integrated datasets more efficiently. Researchers note that while the model could dramatically speed up processes like mapping tidal wetlands, verification by individual scientists will still be essential.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**