Tech
World’s richest man blasts off into new era for space tourism
What do a fireman, an 82-year old and a teenage tourist all have in common? They’ve just blasted off into space with the world’s richest man
Just minutes ago, Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos blasted into space. If successful, the historic spaceflight will be the first time ever that humans will go to space without anyone flying the ship.
The New Shepard spacecraft is entirely automated, in what Bezos will hope be a turning point for the future of space tourism.
“We’ve been training. This vehicle’s ready, this crew is ready, this team is amazing. We just feel really good about it,” said Bezos.
The future of space tourism
Not only will the flight be a momentous occasion for Amazon’s billionaire, but also for the future of space tourism.
Unlike traditional spacecraft, these rockets can be used more than just the one time.
Similar to rival billionaire Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Elon Musk’s Space-X, sustainability is at the core of Blue Origin.
Bezos fulfils a childhood dream
Bezos has been dreaming of going to space for his whole life.
“To see the Earth from space, it changes you. It changes your relationship with this planet, with humanity,” he said.
“I’m excited. People keep asking me if I’m nervous. I’m not really nervous, I’m curious. I want to know what we’re going to learn.”
Jeff Bezos, founder of amazon
Where can you watch the Blue Origin launch?
The New Shepard launch will be live-streamed from 9:30 pm AEST on the Blue Origin website, with the launch (weather permitting) planned for 11 pm.
Who will be onboard The New Shepard?
This space flight won’t be manned by your usual astronauts.
In fact, the crew includes a female trailblazer pilot, who also happens to be the oldest person to ever go to space.
Wally Funk was one of the 13 female pilots who trained to go to space in the 60s’. She missed the chance back then because she’s a woman.
“It’s going to happen! I’ve waited a long time and I’ve dreamed a long time to get to go up.”
Wally Funk
Oliver Daemen also happens to be the son of Joes Daemen. Joes in the founder & CEO of Netherlands-based private equity firm Somerset Capital Partners.
Also aboard will be the youngest person to ever go to space, a teenager from Denmark. He nabbed the spot largely by luck – an anonymous buyer originally had the spot.
The buyer, who paid $28M for the spot, opted out of the flight due to a “scheduling conflict”.
Of course, billionaire Jeff Bezos will also be joining them, and he’s bringing his little brother Mark along for the ride too. When he’s down in earth, Mark is usually a firefighter.
Tech
Trump and Xi progress on TikTok deal, plan meeting
Trump and Xi progress on TikTok deal, plan South Korea meeting to discuss trade and geopolitical tensions in six weeks
Trump and Xi progress on TikTok deal, plan South Korea meeting to discuss trade and geopolitical tensions in six weeks
– Trump and Xi are progressing on a TikTok agreement and plan to meet in South Korea soon.
– Future discussions will address trade, security concerns, and regional tensions between the U.S. and China.
The leaders agreed to further discussions at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in October.
Trump indicated that Xi would visit the U.S. later and that he would head to China next year.
Future Discussions
Trump confirmed that the TikTok deal is progressing, noting potential US control over the app’s algorithm.
Uncertainties remain, including ownership structure and control dynamics with ByteDance. Lawmakers express concerns over national security implications stemming from continued Chinese involvement.
Trump’s tariffs on Chinese exports have increased significantly, complicating relations further.
As trade discussions continue, regional tensions in Taiwan and the South China Sea remain on the agenda, though unaddressed in recent communications.
Tech
Heathrow faces delays due to cyber attack disruption
Heathrow warns of delays following cyber attack disrupting European airports
Heathrow warns of delays following cyber attack disrupting European airports
– Heathrow Airport warns of potential delays due to a cyber-attack affecting European airports.
– Passengers should arrive early and check updates with their airlines for regular information.
The cyber-attack, although primarily affecting systems in Europe, has caused ripple effects at Heathrow. Officials are working to restore normal operations as quickly as possible in coordination with European authorities.
Air Travel Impact
“It is still too early to say when the problem will be resolved,” it said.
Berlin Airport is also experiencing delays.
The attack targeted a business providing check-in and boarding systems for several airlines worldwide.
As a result, Brussels Airport staff are having to conduct manual check-in and boarding procedures due to the automated systems being down.
“This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will unfortunately cause delays and cancellations of flights,” it said in a statement on its website.
For further information on travel arrangements and logistics, please visit your respective airline’s website.
Tech
US and UK finalise historic $340 billion tech deal
US and UK announce historic $340 billion tech investment deal during Trump’s visit, boosting cooperation in AI and energy
US and UK announce historic $340 billion tech investment deal during Trump’s visit, boosting cooperation in AI and energy
– Trump and Starmer signed a £250 billion Tech Prosperity Deal, enhancing US-UK cooperation in technology sectors.
– Major investments include $30 billion from Microsoft and £90 billion from Blackstone for UK assets.
The bulk of the investment comes from major US firms. Microsoft announced a $30 billion commitment over four years, including funds for cloud and AI infrastructure to develop a supercomputer with over 24,000 Nvidia GPUs.
Nvidia also pledged $15 billion for AI infrastructure, kicking off the Stargate UK initiative in partnership with UK companies.
Major Contributions
Investment firm Blackstone will provide £90 billion ($122 billion) over a decade across UK assets, while UK firm GSK has committed $30 billion to US research and manufacturing. The bilateral nature of these investments highlights the deal’s reciprocity.
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