Suparco joins China’s mission for lunar exploration

Islamabad, July 3, 2025 (LPC): Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has officially joined China's lunar exploration efforts, marking a significant milestone for Pakistan's space program.

Here are the key details:

• Mission: SUPARCO is collaborating on China's Chang'e-8 mission, which is part of the broader International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative. The mission is scheduled for launch in 2028.

Iceland looking to add space solar power to its sources of renewable energy by 2030

Iceland is actively looking to add space solar power to its sources of renewable energy by 2030.

Here's a breakdown of the initiative:

• Partnership: UK-based company Space Solar has partnered with Icelandic sustainability initiative Transition Labs and Reykjavik Energy to develop and deliver space-based solar power to Iceland.

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Volcanic eruption in Indonesia leaves at least 10 people dead

A volcanic eruption in Indonesia, specifically Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, resulted in at least 10 fatalities in early November 2024.

The eruption, which occurred just after midnight on November 4, 2024, spewed fireballs and ash, burning down several houses in surrounding villages. The country's disaster mitigation agency confirmed the death toll, noting that over 10,000 people were affected and several villages were evacuated. Volcanic material was reportedly thrown up to 6 kilometers from the crater, blanketing nearby areas with debris.

Microsoft, Google and Amazon turn to nuclear energy to fuel the AI boom

The AI boom is driving major tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to embrace nuclear energy for their power-hungry data centers. The immense electricity demands of AI, with some data centers potentially requiring as much power as a nuclear reactor, are pushing these companies towards reliable, carbon-free nuclear solutions.