Amazon is planning to launch over 3,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites to provide internet connectivity in the UK, putting them in direct competition with Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This move marks an escalation in the space race between Bezos and Musk, with both companies aiming to dominate the UK’s broadband and mobile market.
The threat to vital satellites from energetic particles, particularly those unleashed by a nuclear attack, is a growing concern. Scientists and engineers are exploring various methods to mitigate these dangers, including using radio waves to ‘cleanse’ radiation belts and deploying specialized satellites to create artificial lightning.
New Mexico is launching ‘Hydro Delta,’ a groundbreaking program using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to detect water leaks, potentially saving millions of dollars and gallons of water. This innovative approach will assist in managing water resources, particularly in rural communities where aging infrastructure often leads to significant water loss.
India’s space industry is witnessing a surge in small satellite launches, fueled by startups and the development of homegrown launch vehicles like ISRO’s SSLV. This burgeoning market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2033, with companies preferring smaller, faster launches for their various applications.
China has launched the first 18 satellites in its ‘Thousand Sails Constellation’ project, aiming to create a global broadband network similar to SpaceX’s Starlink. This move comes amid growing concerns in China about the potential security threats posed by Starlink’s constellation, leading to plans for countermeasures like laser-equipped submarines to destroy Starlink satellites.
