Technology News
Latest technology news and updates
Total: 510
SpaceX Marks 600th Falcon Flight as Falcon 9 Delivers Classified NROL-105 from California
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg on 17 January 2026, delivering the classified NROL‑105 payload for the US National Reconnaissance Office and marking the 600th Falcon‑series mission. The milestone encapsulates the growing role of commercial launch providers in national security and underscores shifting strategic, economic and regulatory dynamics in space.
China’s Ceres‑2 Private Rocket Fails on Maiden Flight, Raising Tests for Commercial Launch Industry
Xinghe Power Aerospace's Ceres‑2 rocket suffered a flight anomaly and failed on its maiden commercial launch from Jiuquan on 17 January. The company has apologised and pledged a full investigation and a methodical reset and reflight programme, a development that will test customer confidence and regulatory oversight in China’s private space sector.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Carries Classified NROL-105 to Orbit, Marking 600th Falcon Launch
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 from California on January 17, successfully placing the classified NROL‑105 payload into orbit and completing the 600th Falcon‑series mission. The flight underscores the growing role of commercial launch providers in delivering sensitive national‑security assets and raises strategic questions about reliance on a dominant private supplier.
Chinese Robotaxi Firm Rolls Out First Overseas Driverless Service in Abu Dhabi
Luobo Kuaipao and UAE operator AutoGo launched a public, fully driverless ride service on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on 17 January, marking the Chinese firm’s first overseas commercial deployment. The project leverages Abu Dhabi’s permissive testing environment and aims to demonstrate the commercial readiness of Chinese AV technology while navigating safety, regulatory and supply-chain risks.
China's Long March 3B Launch of Shijian-32 Fails; Investigation Underway
A Long March 3B launch carrying the Shijian-32 experimental satellite failed shortly after liftoff from Xichang on January 17. The cause is under investigation; the setback will delay technology demonstrations, complicate schedules and insurance arrangements, and prompt a technical review that could affect future launches.
China Declares Domestic Breakthrough in Light-Sport Aircraft Systems — A Boost for General Aviation and Supply‑chain Resilience
China says it has achieved full domestic self‑sufficiency in the core systems of light‑sport aircraft, reducing reliance on imported parts and strengthening the country's general‑aviation industrial base. The milestone improves supply‑chain resilience and commercial competitiveness but must be followed by rigorous certification and safety records to unlock broader domestic and export markets.