May 9, 2003: Hayabusa launches

On May 9, 2003, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched Hayabusa, its mission to asteroid 25143 Itokawa. The journey was a demonstration of new technology engineered for returning samples from asteroids: ion engines, autonomous navigation, an asteroid sampler, and a reentry capsule. After a gravity assist from Earth, Hayabusa […]

NASA’s SpaceX 34th Commercial Resupply Mission Overview

NASA and SpaceX are targeting a mid-May launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station.  Loaded with about 6,500 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will lift off aboard the company’s Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Following its arrival to the orbital complex, Dragon will dock autonomously […]

Beijing-based humanoid robotics company Robotera raised over $200M led by SF Group, after raising ~$146M in March at a ~$1.47B valuation (Du Zhihang/Caixin Global)

Du Zhihang / Caixin Global: Beijing-based humanoid robotics company Robotera raised over $200M led by SF Group, after raising ~$146M in March at a ~$1.47B valuation  —  Chinese humanoid-robot startup Robot Era has raised more than $200 million in a new funding round led by SF Express, as investors pour […]