Tech

China’s megaconstellation satellite swarm

Published

1 year ago

January 3, 2024

The inaugural satellite for China’s ambitious G60 megaconstellation has completed assembly, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s quest for space dominance.

This cutting-edge satellite, nicknamed “Genesis One,” promises to reshape the future of global connectivity and space exploration.

As the world eagerly watches, China’s G60 megaconstellation aims to deploy thousands of small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), revolutionizing telecommunications, internet access, and Earth observation.

With Genesis One’s successful assembly, Chinese engineers are now gearing up for a series of rigorous tests to ensure its readiness for launch.

The G60 Starlink low Earth orbit communications megaconstellation is set to launch its first satellite.

Approximately 12,000 G60 Starlink satellites will be launched by 2024, with the initial 108 being launched first. Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology (Genesat), a state-owned company established in 2022 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Innovation Academy for Microsatellites (IAMCAS) and Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, manages the facilities. Genesat recently raised funds through investment vehicles under both the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai government.

Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology was previously involved in the Chinese-European joint venture KLEO Connect constellation project, which ended in acrimony and ongoing lawsuits.

Documentation filed with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in April likely pertaining to the G60 Starlink project sets out plans for 36 polar orbital planes, each filled with 36 satellites, totaling 1,296 spacecraft.

These satellites will operate in the Ku, Q, and V bands.

The launch of Genesis One raises questions about the potential impact of China’s megaconstellation on existing space infrastructure and global competition in space-related technologies.

Could this megaconstellation reshape the space race as we know it, or will it spark concerns about overcrowding and space debris in LEO?

Tech

Apple shifts iPhone production to India by 2026

Apple plans to shift most iPhone production to India by 2026, reducing tariff risks amid geopolitical tensions.

Published

5 days ago

April 25, 2025

Ahron Young

Apple plans to shift most iPhone production to India by 2026, reducing tariff risks amid geopolitical tensions.

In Short

Apple plans to import most US iPhones from India by 2026 to minimise tariff risks and geopolitical tensions with China, doubling production to over 80 million units.

This shift follows disruptions from Covid and aims to fully source US-bound iPhones from India by next year, leveraging recent tariff exemptions.

Apple Inc. plans to import the majority of iPhones sold in the US from India by 2026 in an effort to reduce tariff risks and geopolitical tensions associated with China.

The company aims to double its annual iPhone production in India to over 80 million units, up from just over 40 million in the fiscal year ending March 2025. Apple sells more than 60 million iPhones annually in the US.

This move highlights Apple’s ongoing shift away from China, which began after Covid lockdowns disrupted production. Tariffs imposed during former President Trump’s administration and rising tensions between the US and China have further driven this strategy.

Supply chain

Earlier reports indicated that Apple intends to source all US-bound iPhones from India by the end of next year. Therefore, the focus on India’s supply chain is expected to increase significantly.

Apple assembled around $22 billion worth of iPhones in India recently, experiencing a nearly 60% production increase year-on-year. Currently, 20% of iPhones are made in India, while China remains the largest production hub.

Most iPhones in India are assembled at Foxconn’s factory, and Tata Group also plays a critical role in manufacturing. Both companies are expanding their operations in southern India.

Additionally, recent tariff exemptions for electronics may benefit Apple significantly, as iPhones made in India currently face no duties for US sales.

Tech

Musk’s bombshell announcement as Tesla profits plunge

Tesla faces 71% net income drop in Q1 2025 amid falling revenue and vehicle deliveries; expert insights in the latest Ticker episode.

Published

7 days ago

April 23, 2025

Ahron Young

Tesla faces 71% net income drop in Q1 2025 amid falling revenue and vehicle deliveries; expert insights in the latest Ticker episode.

Tesla has reported a dramatic 71% decline in net income for the first quarter of 2025, missing Wall Street expectations.

Revenue also fell 9% to $19.3 billion, largely due to slumping automotive sales in major markets like the U.S., China, and Germany.

A 13% drop in vehicle deliveries, tied in part to CEO Elon Musk’s political controversies, has investors worried.

Brad Gastwirth from Unearthing Opportunities joins us to unpack the numbers and what’s next for Tesla.

Tech

Nvidia to build AI supercomputers in the U.S. for first time

Nvidia invests $500 billion in U.S. AI supercomputers, shifting production to Texas to strengthen supply chains and boost domestic growth amid rising tariffs and national tech pressures.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 18, 2025

Veronica Dudo

Nvidia invests $500 billion in U.S. AI supercomputers, shifting production to Texas to strengthen supply chains and boost domestic growth amid rising tariffs and national tech pressures.

Nvidia to build AI supercomputers in the U.S. for the first time — a $500 billion move that could redefine the global tech industry.

With new tariffs on imports from China and Taiwan, the chip giant is shifting production to Texas, partnering with Foxconn and Wistron.

Nvidia says the decision will strengthen its supply chain and boost domestic economic growth.

The announcement comes amid growing pressure to secure national tech infrastructure and reduce reliance on Asia. How will this impact jobs, prices, and America’s AI ambitions?

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