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.**
Call for Feedback
The Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF), a European Commission expert group, announced a consultation on proposed updates to the EU Taxonomy aimed at simplifying and expanding the classification system for sustainable economic activities.
The EU Taxonomy is part of the EU’s broader sustainable finance action plan, establishing criteria for classifying activities that contribute to at least one of six environmental objectives while adhering to a Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle for others. These objectives cover climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, sustainable water and marine resource use, the transition to a circular economy, pollution control, and biodiversity protection.
The PSF’s mandate includes enhancing the Taxonomy's usability and expanding its scope. Following extensive stakeholder engagement, particularly from companies, the PSF’s proposals focus on simplifying DNSH criteria and addressing companies’ desire for broader inclusion within the Taxonomy. The new proposals also introduce digital solutions and services, as well as mining and smelting of lithium, nickel, and copper, as eligible activities.
Access the Call for Feedback here.
Summary
Financing & Investments: National Bank of Cambodia Introduces New Crypto Regulations; Skyee Pte. Ltd. Receives In-Principle Approval for Major Payment Institution License in Singapore; Indonesia Reached Key Milestone in CBDC Development with Digital Rupiah Proof of Concept; Endowus Raises Additional US$17.5 Million; Hyundai Motor Group to Invest $16.6 Billion in Korea; AWS Launches New Infrastructure Region in Thailand; Thailand to Trial Crypto Payments for Tourists in Phuket; and SET to Disclose Pledged Share Information for Better Investor Transparency
Environmental Sustainability: Pubali Bank Partners with DHL Express Bangladesh for Sustainable Shipping Initiative; EU Approves Definitive Anti-Dumping Duties on Chinese Biodiesel Imports; Schaeffler Establishes Hydrogen Energy Subsidiary in China; Terviva Partners with Idemitsu Kosan to Scale Pongamia for SAF Production; SK Energy Ships First Batch of SAF to Europe; and GH EnA Partners with Utility for Carbon-Negative Hydrogen Production
Aviation: WWII Beaufort Bomber Found Off Darwin's Coast; Garuda Indonesia Engages in Non-Cash Rights Issue for Subsidiary; Japan Airlines Trials Riblet-Shaped Coating for Improved Fuel Efficiency; Saurya Airlines Plans to Resume Operations After Fatal Crash; Cebu Pacific Secures First Sustainability-Linked Aircraft Financing with Crédit Agricole CIB; and VietJet’s ‘Green Friday’ Campaign Banned in Singapore Over Greenwashing
Advanced Air Mobility: XPeng AeroHT Debuts Land Aircraft Carrier at CES 2025; Toyota's Woven City: Phase 1 Completed, Launch Planned for Fall 2025; Avolon and Air New Zealand Partner to Drive Electric Aircraft Commercialization; and Sambo Motors Unveils HAM III-2 Hybrid Aircraft at CES 2025
Artificial Intelligence: Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in AI and Cloud Infrastructure in India; Malaysia Launches National Office for AI; Mongolia and Vietnam Explore Collaboration on AI and Digital Technologies; Micron Technology Invests $7 Billion in Singapore for AI-Driven HBM Chip Packaging Facility; and GE Vernova Invests $20M to Enhance Gas Turbine Repair Technology in Singapore
Marine: Svitzer and Höegh Autoliners Launch EcoTow, Australia’s First Low-Carbon Towage Service; India Partners with IPA to Drive Digital Transformation in Maritime Sector; MOL Signs MOU to Develop Green Shipping Corridor from Portugal to Northern Europe; Neste and KPI OceanConnect Supply Renewable Diesel to Marine Sector in Singapore; and Berge Bulk and BHP Collaborate on Iron Ore Voyage Powered by B100 Biodiesel
Space: China Launches Shijian-25 Satellite for Satellite Lifespan Extension; Zebrafish Set Record for Longest Survival in Space on Shenzhou XVIII Mission; China Plans Ambitious Space-Based Solar Power Stations; Toyota Research Unit to Invest in Japanese Space Startup IST; and Ispace Prepares for Resilience Lunar Lander Launch
Financing & Investments
Cambodia
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) has rolled out new regulations to manage cryptoasset transactions and activities in the country, aiming to safeguard the financial system from potential risks. The regulations classify cryptoassets into two groups: Group 1, which includes tokenised traditional assets and stablecoins with robust stabilisation mechanisms, and Group 2, which covers unbacked cryptoassets.
Commercial banks can engage with Group 1 cryptoassets if authorised by the NBC, but must comply with strict governance and risk management rules. Banks' exposure to Group 1a assets (tokenised assets) is capped at 5% of Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital, while exposure to Group 1b assets (stablecoins) is limited to 3%. Group 2 cryptoassets are strictly prohibited.
💡Cryptoasset Service Providers (CASPs) must obtain a licence from the NBC to offer services like exchange, custody, and safekeeping. CASPs are banned from using customer assets for their own purposes or promoting specific cryptoassets as payment for goods and services.
China-Singapore
Skyee Pte. Ltd. has been granted In-Principle Approval (IPA) for the Major Payment Institution (MPI) license by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The approval will enable Skyee to enhance payment services in Singapore, benefiting cross-border sellers by streamlining payment processing, improving efficiency, and reducing operational costs.
💡Skyee is a subsidiary of Skyee Group, a leading Chinese cross-border payment provider operating in China, Europe, North America, and North Asia. The MPI license will allow Skyee to offer services including Account Issuance, Domestic and Cross-border Money Transfers, Merchant Acquisition, and e-Money.
Indonesia
Indonesia reached a key milestone last month in its exploration of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) with the completion of the Proof of Concept (PoC) for the wholesale Digital Rupiah, part of Bank Indonesia’s Project Garuda.
The PoC tested two distributed ledger technology (DLT) platforms—Corda by R3 and Hyperledger Besu by Kaleido—to evaluate their feasibility for Indonesia’s financial ecosystem. It focused on the wholesale Digital Rupiah Cash Ledger (wRD), designed to support the country’s payment systems and uphold monetary stability.
Key processes such as issuance, redemption, and fund transfers were successfully demonstrated, ensuring interoperability with Bank Indonesia’s Real-Time Gross Settlement (BI-RTGS) system. Smart contracts also played a pivotal role in automating processes, improving security, and minimizing human intervention.
💡The next phase, the Intermediate State, will broaden the use of digital assets and explore enhanced privacy features.
Singapore
Singapore-based digital wealth advisory platform Endowus has secured an additional US$17.5 million in funding, bringing its total raised in the latest round to US$52.5 million. This increases the company's total funding to over US$110 million.
The round saw participation from existing investors including Prosus Ventures, UBS, and MUFG, along with new investors such as OSK Ventures, The Wells Investment, and JLIN LLC, an impact-driven fund founded by professional basketball player Jeremy Lin. The funds will support Endowus' growth in key Asian markets, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
💡The company has surpassed US$7 billion in client assets as of November 2024 and plans to enhance its offerings, invest in AI-driven solutions, and expand its private wealth division.
South Korea
Hyundai Motor Group has announced a record 24.3 trillion won ($16.6 billion) investment in South Korea for 2025, with nearly half of it directed toward research and development (R&D). The investment, a 19% increase from last year’s figure, includes contributions from subsidiaries Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Hyundai Mobis.
Around 11.5 trillion won will focus on R&D, with key priorities including electrification, hydrogen technology, and software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Hyundai plans to launch 21 electric vehicle (EV) models by 2030, while Kia aims for 15, including purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) by 2027. Additionally, the group will invest in hybrid and Extended-Range Electrified Vehicles (EREVs) to address slowing EV demand.
💡The group will allocate approximately 12 trillion won to expanding EV infrastructure, while also investing 800 billion won in future mobility technologies such as autonomous driving, AI, and software. The bulk of the investment, about 16.3 trillion won, will be directed toward the automobile sector, including EV and hydrogen vehicle charging infrastructure.
Thailand
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has officially launched its Asia Pacific (Thailand) Region, enabling customers to run applications and serve end users from data centers within the country. AWS plans to invest over US$5 billion in Thailand, contributing an estimated US$10 billion to the nation’s GDP and creating over 11,000 full-time jobs annually across various sectors.
💡The new region consists of three Availability Zones, offering high availability and fault tolerance with independent power, cooling, and security, all connected by ultra-low-latency networks. This will reduce latency for users in Thailand and the Asia Pacific region, while providing access to AWS services such as analytics, compute, and machine learning.
Thailand
Thailand is set to trial crypto payments for tourists later this year, with Phuket chosen as the pilot location. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the initiative will allow foreign visitors to make payments using Bitcoin and other digital currencies. The project aims to offer a seamless alternative to cash transactions for tourists, without needing changes to existing laws. 💡
💡The government will ensure that digital assets can be used in compliance with Thailand’s legal frameworks. Participants in the trial may need to register their Bitcoin holdings through a licensed exchange and verify their identities. Transactions will be converted into Thai baht, simplifying the process for both merchants and tourists.
Thailand
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) plans to disclose pledged share information recorded in the Thailand Securities Depository (TSD) system, aiming to provide better transparency for investors. This move is part of ongoing efforts to improve market regulation and enhance investor confidence.
💡SET spokesperson Rongrak Phanapavudhikul announced that the exchange is reviewing trading regulations and will propose revised measures by late January. New guidelines are expected in February. The disclosure of pledged shares, which has been discussed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), will help investors make more informed decisions.
Environmental Sustainability
Bangladesh
Pubali Bank PLC has partnered with DHL Express Bangladesh to launch the GoGreen Plus Carbon Reduced Shipping Service, a new initiative aimed at promoting sustainability in the logistics sector.
💡The partnership focuses on offsetting greenhouse gas emissions by leveraging Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for shipments
EU-China
The European Biodiesel Board (EBB) has announced the approval of definitive anti-dumping duties on biodiesel imports from China, including HVO and FAME, by EU member states. The duties, which follow provisional measures implemented last July, were formally adopted by the European Commission on January 8 and will remain in place for the next five years.
💡While the EBB acknowledges gaps in enforcement and challenges like potential circumvention, the measures are seen as a significant step in supporting Europe’s biodiesel industry. The definitive duties are expected to be published in the EU Official Journal by February 14, 2025, marking the formal start of their implementation.
Germany-China
Schaeffler Group has launched Schaeffler Hydrogen Energy Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary in Jiading District, Shanghai. The company will focus on developing and producing hydrogen energy technologies, including PEM and AEM electrolyzer stacks for water electrolysis, to support China’s dual carbon goals.
Located in Jiading Hydrogen Energy Port, the subsidiary delivered its first commercial-grade PEM hydrogen production system for Shanghai’s zero-carbon hydrogen storage project. Schaeffler aims to integrate into the local supply chain and drive hydrogen technology innovation.
💡Schaeffler aims to leverage its expertise in metal forming and materials technology to produce key components like metallic bipolar plates, bearings, and thermal management modules for hydrogen fuel cells and green steel applications.
Japan-Australia
Terviva has secured investment from Idemitsu Kosan to scale pongamia production for SAF. The collaboration, also involving Stanmore, will focus on trial planting in Queensland, Australia. Terviva’s technology ensures high yields, while Idemitsu’s expertise accelerates the use of pongamia oil in SAF.
💡Pongamia, a promising feedstock for SAF, will be cultivated for its high oil content and potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Idemitsu plans to produce 250,000 kL of SAF annually by 2028 and aims to secure long-term, sustainable raw material sources, with this trial marking a step toward advancing SAF production.
South Korea-Europe
SK Energy, South Korea’s largest oil refiner, has successfully shipped its first batch of SAF to Europe. The milestone makes SK Energy the first Korean refiner to export SAF to the region.
💡SK Energy began commercial SAF production in September 2024 at its Ulsan complex using a co-processing method, which allows for the integration of bio-raw materials into existing petroleum product lines.
South Korea
GH EnA has partnered with Utility to deploy H2Gen reactors to produce carbon-negative hydrogen from biogas. The partnership will focus on initial projects in Chuncheon, Taebaek, Hongcheon, Sokcho, Yangyang, Goseong, and Inje, with GH EnA leading efforts to supply hydrogen for heavy-duty vehicles, buses, and passenger transport.
Utility’s H2Gen reactors, based on eXERO technology, enable hydrogen production directly from biogas without relying on electricity or steam methane reforming (SMR). This process offers a smaller footprint and lower costs compared to traditional methods.
💡South Korea aims to generate 3,000-3,500GWh of clean hydrogen-powered electricity annually by 2027 and recently launched a bidding market for hydrogen-fired power generation.
Aviation
Australia
During a routine survey off Darwin, the Australian Hydrographic Office discovered a WWII Beaufort Bomber that crashed in 1944. The aircraft, identified as A9-497 from the Royal Australian Air Force, was lost during a mission and forced to make an emergency water landing after engine failure. All four crew members survived.
💡The aircraft remains intact, with the cockpit, engines, propellers, and gun turret still in place. The Australian Defence Force has decided to leave it undisturbed and is managed by the Northern Territory Government.
Indonesia
Garuda Indonesia has participated in a rights issue by its subsidiary, GMF AeroAsia, by contributing IDR418.28 billion (USD25.8 million) in non-cash assets, including hangars and supporting facilities. In exchange, Garuda received 9,093,245,600 Series B shares, valued at IDR25 (USD0.0015) each, totaling IDR227.33 billion (USD14 million). The transaction aims to improve operational efficiencies and strategic asset value.
💡Meanwhile, Garuda's other subsidiary, Citilink, plans to return all 56 aircraft to service by the end of 2025, with a focus on 19 currently grounded planes. The airline aims to increase flight frequency and expand routes, especially in eastern Indonesia.
Japan
Japan Airlines has applied a riblet-shaped coating to its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, developed in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Orwell. The coating mimics shark skin grooves to reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and cut emissions.
💡The pilot initiative, starting in mid-January on international flights, applies the coating to 30% of the aircraft’s fuselage. Initial tests show potential fuel savings of 119 tons and a reduction of 381 tons of CO2 emissions annually on the Tokyo-Frankfurt route. The technology, tested since 2022, could become a key part of JAL's sustainability efforts if successful, with plans for further application across its fleet.
Nepal
Saurya Airlines is preparing to resume flights after its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) was suspended following a fatal crash in July 2024. The airline has submitted the necessary documentation to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), which is reviewing staffing and airworthiness requirements. The airline has recruited new technical staff and plans to acquire three ATR72-600 aircraft, transitioning from its current CRJ200 fleet. Financial support from its 49% shareholder, India's Kuber Group, has ensured the airline’s salaries are up to date.
Philippines
Cebu Pacific has completed its first-ever sustainability-linked Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO) for a new Airbus A321NEO. The financing was arranged by Crédit Agricole CIB, which acted as the sole Sustainability Advisor and Mandated Lead Arranger.
💡The sustainability-linked loan (SLL) will reward Cebu Pacific with financial incentives if it meets carbon reduction targets by modernising its fleet to include more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Singapore-Vietnam
Singapore’s advertising watchdog, the Advertising Standards Authority of Singapore (ASAS), has banned VietJet’s “Green Friday” promotional campaign for making unsubstantiated environmental claims.
The campaign, offering air tickets for as low as $64, marketed VietJet as a sustainable airline, citing its “fuel-efficient” fleet and digital services. However, ASAS found the claims misleading, noting that the environmental benefits only applied to specific aircraft-engine combinations, not the entire fleet. Vague terms like “eco-friendly” were also criticized for lacking clarity.
💡VietJet defended the promotion, pointing to its adoption of SAF, but acknowledged only two SAF-powered flights in 2024. The case reflects growing scrutiny of greenwashing in aviation.
Advanced Air Mobility
China
XPeng AeroHT has made its global debut at CES 2025 with the introduction of the "Land Aircraft Carrier," a modular flying car. With over 3,000 intent orders already secured, the vehicle could become the world’s first mass-produced flying car. Deliveries are slated for 2026.
The Land Aircraft Carrier integrates both land and air travel with a detachable air module for vertical takeoff and landing. The air module is equipped with advanced safety systems and a carbon fiber frame, while the ground module, a six-wheel electric vehicle, offers a range of over 1,000 kilometers and serves as a charging station for the air module.
💡The company has invested in a 180,000-square-meter production facility in Guangzhou to produce up to 10,000 air modules annually.
Japan
Toyota has completed Phase 1 of its Woven City, a groundbreaking test course for future mobility, located at the former TMEJ Higashi-Fuji Plant in Shizuoka, Japan. The city is set to officially launch in fall 2025.
Woven City is designed to explore and test new technologies in a real-world, sustainable environment. It aims to redefine mobility, expanding beyond transportation to include the movement of people, goods, energy, and information. The city’s design prioritizes human-centric, eco-friendly living and has earned Japan’s first LEED for Communities Platinum certification. Phase 1 will host around 360 residents, mainly Toyota staff and their families, with the population expected to grow to 2,000 in later phases.
💡The city will also collaborate with companies like Daikin, DyDo DRINCO, and NISSIN FOOD, testing innovations in air conditioning, vending machines, and food systems. Toyota’s partnership with Joby Aviation will help explore the potential of flying cars, aiming to offer fast and traffic-free trips between Woven City and Tokyo.
New Zealand
Avolon and Air New Zealand have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the commercialization of electric aircraft and other novel propulsion technologies. The agreement includes a letter of intent for the sale and leaseback of a BETA Alia CX300 electric cargo aircraft, which will be delivered in 2026.
💡The aircraft will operate between Wellington and Blenheim as part of Air New Zealand's partnership with New Zealand Post.
South Korea
Sambo Motors Group showcased the HAM III-2, a two-seater hybrid aircraft, at CES 2025. The aircraft features a 9-meter wingspan, 4.5-meter height, and 850-kilogram weight, targeting military, messenger, and commercial applications like air taxis.
The HAM III-2 uses a dual power system: battery-powered vertical takeoff for low noise and emissions and hydrogen fuel cells for horizontal flight. It offers a 112 mph cruising speed, 62-mile range, and 40-minute flight endurance, ideal for urban commutes.
💡Flight tests in the U.S. will begin early this year; the maiden flight is planned for late 2025.
Artificial Intelligence
India
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the company will invest $3 billion in India over the next two years to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure. The investment will include the establishment of new data centers to support India’s growing role in AI innovation.
💡Nadella highlighted India’s emerging position as a leader in AI and emphasized how the investment will help make the country “AI-first.” Microsoft’s broader global strategy includes a planned $80 billion investment in AI this fiscal year
Malaysia
Malaysia has recently established a national office for AI as part of its efforts to become a key player in the AI development space in the region. The newly created office will take on a central role in guiding AI-related strategic initiatives, research, and ensuring proper regulation. In its initial year, the office will focus on developing a code of ethics, establishing regulatory frameworks for AI, and drafting a comprehensive five-year IT action plan up to 2030.
💡The initiative follows Malaysia's growing investments in digital sectors, with the ICT sector alone receiving approvals worth 71.1 billion Malaysian ringgit (around US$16.06 billion) in 2024
Mongolia-Vietnam
Mongolia’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications, Baatarkhuu Tsend, met with Vietnam’s Ambassador Nguyen Tuan Thanh to discuss opportunities for collaboration in AI and digital technologies.
Ambassador Thanh highlighted Vietnam’s recent partnership with NVIDIA to establish an Artificial Intelligence Research Center and Data Center. Minister Tsend expressed interest in learning from Vietnam’s advancements in AI, particularly in public services, and discussed Mongolia’s plans to further develop its digital economy.
💡Both officials explored possibilities for joint programs focused on AI development, big data, and startup growth in the two countries.
Singapore
Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) has announced a $7 billion investment to build a high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chip-packaging facility in Singapore, aimed at meeting the growing global demand for AI technology. The facility, which will be located next to Micron's existing manufacturing site, is expected to begin operations by 2026.
💡The plant is designed to enhance Micron's advanced chip-packaging capabilities and is anticipated to create 1,400 jobs initially, with the potential to generate up to 3,000 positions by 2027.
Singapore
GE Vernova has announced a $20 million investment to integrate artificial intelligence and advanced robotics into its gas turbine global repair service center in Singapore. The investment aims to enhance the repair capacity of its high-efficiency, air-cooled (HA) gas turbines, positioning the center as a global leader in power generation technology development and repairs.
💡Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, this initiative will bolster GE Vernova’s HA gas turbine repair capacity in Asia, where over a third of its HA turbines are located or on order.
Marine
Australia
Svitzer and Höegh Autoliners have introduced EcoTow, the first-ever low-carbon towage service in Australia. The initiative has reportedly achieved nearly 100% CO2 emissions reduction for the towage operations of Höegh Aurora’s maiden voyage to Australia.
💡EcoTow offsets the emissions by mass balancing carbon credits generated from Svitzer’s biofuel usage in its international operations. The reduction is verified through certification and third-party auditing. Svitzer has also contracted the world’s first battery electric-methanol hybrid tug.
India
India’s National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics & IT, has teamed up with the Indian Ports Association (IPA) to accelerate digital transformation in the country’s maritime industry. The partnership aims to address digital gaps in ports and shipping, improve logistics efficiency, and modernize outdated systems.
💡Key focus areas include advanced software development, system integration, and the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency across India’s maritime sector.
Japan-EU
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed an MOU with Madoqua Renewables to develop a green shipping corridor connecting Portugal to Northern Europe. The collaboration aims to transport low-emission fuels and CO2, supporting decarbonization in the maritime sector.
MOL will play a key role in logistics and promote zero-emission ships. Energy developer Madoqua will coordinate the project, including large-scale green hydrogen production in Portugal and the establishment of the Madoqua Green Fuels Terminal.
💡The MOU involves global partners, including financial institutions and industrial corporates. The initiative follows agreements between Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia, the Portuguese government, and key ports.
Singapore
Neste has partnered with KPI OceanConnect and Global Energy to supply Neste MY Renewable Diesel to the marine sector in Singapore, marking a first for renewable diesel in local waters. The collaboration aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime operations, including cruise ships, by providing a sustainable fuel alternative.
💡Neste MY Renewable Diesel is made from 100% renewable raw materials and can replace fossil diesel in all diesel-powered vessels without requiring engine modifications. It offers up to a 90% reduction in GHG emissions over its lifecycle compared to traditional diesel.
Singapore
Berge Bulk, based in Singapore, has partnered with BHP for a pioneering iron ore voyage from Australia to China, using B100 biodiesel to power the Berge Lyngor, a 206,330 DWT Newcastlemax bulk carrier. This marks the first-ever use of B100 biodiesel on this trade route and the first time Berge Bulk uses biodiesel in the Pacific.
B100 biodiesel, made from vegetable oil, animal fat, tallow, and waste cooking oil, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by almost 84% compared to conventional fossil fuels.
💡Since 2021, Berge Bulk has experimented with biodiesel on various routes, including Europe and North America, and is exploring further fuel alternatives such as ammonia and methanol. The company aims for zero Scope 1 emissions by 2030 and a zero-emission fleet by 2050,
Space
China
On January 6, China successfully launched the Shijian-25 satellite aboard a Long March 3B rocket. The satellite is designed to test technologies for on-orbit refueling and extending satellite lifespans. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), the mission aims to improve the sustainability and efficiency of space operations.
💡The launch marks China’s first orbital mission of 2025, with more expected throughout the year.
China
Zebrafish aboard China’s Shenzhou XVIII mission have set a record, surviving 43 days in space, the longest for fish in such conditions. The fish, along with aquatic plants, were part of a research experiment aboard the Tiangong space station. Researchers created a closed ecosystem where aquatic plants supplied oxygen, and the zebrafish provided nutrients, supporting each other’s survival in microgravity.
💡The experiment is the first long-term cultivation of vertebrates on the Chinese space station, advancing research in space biology and life medicine. Zebrafish, with an 80% genetic similarity to humans, are an important model for disease studies. This milestone sets the stage for future space-based research and potential for human space exploration.
China
China is working on a bold project to build large-scale solar power stations in space, aimed at revolutionizing the energy sector. The initiative, led by senior rocket scientist Long Lehao, compares the magnitude of the project to relocating the Three Gorges Dam to a geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometers above Earth.
💡Space-based solar power offers continuous operation, unaffected by weather or day-night cycles, with sunlight intensity much higher than that on Earth. The proposed solar array would span 1km wide in orbit, collecting energy equivalent to the total oil extractable from Earth in one year. The key to this venture lies in developing the Long March-9, a reusable heavy-lift rocket.
Japan
Toyota's research subsidiary, Woven by Toyota, will invest 7 billion yen ($44.4 million) in Japanese startup Interstellar Technologies (IST) to support its mass rocket production. The investment, part of IST's Series F funding, will also see Woven appoint a director to IST's board and assist in strengthening supply chains and governance.
💡The move expands Toyota’s space sector foray, which includes its collaboration with Japan's space agency on a lunar rover for NASA's Artemis program. The space industry in Japan is growing, with the government aiming for 30 rocket launches annually by the early 2030s, positioning Japan as a key space hub.
Japan
Japanese space startup Ispace is set to launch its second lunar lander, Resilience, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The launch, part of Ispace’s Mission 2 under the Hakuto-R program, is scheduled for Wednesday at 1:11 a.m. (3:11 p.m. JST). The mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, aims for a lunar landing between May and June.
The lander will carry a microrover, Tenacious, to collect lunar soil and various payloads, including a lunar water electrolysis device and a cultural preservation disk from UNESCO.
💡If successful, Ispace will become the first private Japanese company to land on the Moon. Resilience follows a failed attempt in April 2023, when Ispace’s first lander crashed due to software issues in its altitude recognition system.
**Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed as legal or financial advice.**