1st private spacecraft to attempt to travel beyond the moon appears to be in trouble
The first commercial spacecraft headed beyond the moon is on its way to deep space, but the mission is suffering from unknown issues as the team scrambles to get in contact with the probe.
Odin, a small spacecraft built by U.S. space mining company AstroForge, piggybacked on the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday (Feb. 26) that sent the private Intuitive Machines' Athena lander toward the moon.
The 265-pound (120 kilograms) Odin is designed to obtain imagery of asteroid 2022 OB5 for a follow-up mission, named Vestri, which will aim to land on the asteroid. The missions are part of AstroForge's plans to make space resources available on Earth.
Initially the signs were good for Odin, with AstroForge posting an image of the spacecraft attached to the upper stage in space. The team is, however, still working to understand how the spacecraft is operating.
"We don't fully understand the state of the vehicle," Matthew Gialich, AstroForge co-founder and CEO, said in a video update on the state of the Odin mission posted on X on Friday (Feb. 28). Odin is thought to be in a "sun safe mode," which means the spacecraft is in a thermally safe and power positive attitude.
"We do believe we're in a power-positive state, though we don't have telemetry coming down to confirm that. Hopefully we can get that tonight," Gialich said. The spacecraft is also almost exactly where it was predicted to be, allowing for tracking using high-gain antennas, Gialich added.
The team believes there are two possibilities for the issues. The first is that everything is fine with the spacecraft but there are issues back on Earth, such as AstroForge's ground receivers not being configured correctly. Alternatively, the spacecraft could be in a really slow, uncontrolled tumble, though the team believes it has information to suggest this is not the case.
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Next steps, at the time of the update, included sending a command to the spacecraft to turn on a power amplifier, which would then send a high-gain signal back to Earth, providing vital data.
AstroForge is providing a livestream of its operations as the mission progresses. For now, Odin is on its way. "We will be in deep space, and we'll be on the other side of the moon in about two days. And nothing is going to stop us unless we hit something," Gialich said.
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Newsweek
19 minutes ago
- Newsweek
NASA To Build Nuclear Reactor on the Moon: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will reportedly announce a timeline for NASA to build a nuclear reactor on the moon this week. The interim administrator of the space agency is moving forward one of NASA's most ambitious long-term plans with the goal of "winning the second space race," Politico reported, citing internal documents. Newsweek has contacted NASA for comment via email. Why It Matters Earlier this year, NASA laid off 10 percent of its workforce as part of the Trump administration's broader federal government downsizing initiative. The federal employee buyout program implemented by President Donald Trump's administration has led to 750 employees voluntarily resigning, and about 1,000 probationary employees were terminated when the policy first began in February. The layoffs have raised concerns about the agency's ability to maintain critical projects. Reports of the planned lunar nuclear reactor also raises questions about the timing of NASA's Artemis II moon mission, which has been delayed repeatedly. What To Know According to Politico, Duffy said in the documents that the accelerated timeline was prompted by fears that China and Russia would be able to get a reactor on the moon by the mid-2030s and effectively gatekeep lunar activity. Under the accelerated timeline, the nuclear reactor would be ready to launch in late 2029 and would be required to generate a minimum 100 kilowatts of electrical power, The New York Times reported. The Politico report, published on Monday, also said NASA would be moving up its timeline to replace the International Space Station. The space station, now more than two decades old, is set to be retired at the end of 2030 via a controlled reentry. Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches toward the moon from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on February 26. Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches toward the moon from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on February 26. Getty Images Duffy is set to call for the appointment of a dedicated NASA official who would oversee the effort within 30 days and for a request seeking proposals from commercial companies to be issued within 60 days, The New York Times reported. The timeline for the launch is tight as NASA plans to return to the moon in 2027 for the Artemis program, the progress of which is already being contested. How Would a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon Work A lunar nuclear reactor would be designed to operate in an environment that is vastly different from Earth—one with no atmosphere, extreme temperature swings and prolonged periods of light and darkness. Unlike solar arrays, which can be hampered by the moon's two-week-long nights, a fission-based nuclear reactor could provide continuous, reliable power to support habitats, life-support systems, scientific experiments and industrial operations such as mining and fuel production. The most likely design would be a compact fission reactor using uranium fuel, heavily shielded to protect astronauts from radiation. It would convert heat from nuclear fission into electricity using Stirling engines or other heat-to-power conversion systems. The unit could be buried beneath lunar regolith (the layer of unconsolidated solid material covering the bedrock of a moon or planet) to further reduce radiation exposure and to regulate temperature, with remote control and monitoring systems allowing for autonomous operation when humans aren't nearby. "The truth is that nuclear is the only option to power a moonbase," Simon Middleburgh, a researcher at the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University in the U.K., told the BBC in April 2024. "We can't take fuel up there. Solar panels won't work. Diesel generators won't work and the old-style radio-thermal generators just aren't big enough to pack a punch," he added. Are Nuclear Reactors Safe in Space? While nuclear power is a proven technology in space—having been used in deep-space probes such as Voyager and Curiosity—deploying it on the moon presents unique challenges. These include safely launching nuclear material from Earth, ensuring reactor stability in low gravity and managing waste heat. What People Are Saying A senior NASA official who spoke with Politico on the condition of anonymity said: "It is about winning the second space race. … While the budget did not prioritize nuclear propulsion, that wasn't because nuclear propulsion is seen as a non-worthy technology." NASA said in a 2024 statement on the future of the International Space Station: "In the future, the United States plans to transition its operations in low Earth orbit to commercially owned and operated destinations to ensure continued access to essential research and technology development. At the conclusion of the International Space Station Program, the station will be deorbited in a controlled manner to ensure avoidance of populated areas on Earth." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether Duffy or NASA will comment on the reports or announce a timeline for building a nuclear reactor on the moon.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
World Intelligent Vehicle Conference 2025 Successfully Concludes
Writing a New Chapter for the Development of Intelligent Vehicles CHONGQING, China, Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- World Intelligent Vehicle Conference (WIV) 2025 successfully concluded at the Chongqing Yuelai International Conference Center on July 31. Hosted by Asia Digital Group, the two-day event featured one opening ceremony and one main forum, 6 topic forums, and 8 thematic activities. Dozens of intelligent vehicle-related brands and over 100 Chinese and foreign distinguished guests from over 20 countries and regions participated in the WIV 2025, along with tens of thousands of visitors. They explored the worldwide intelligent vehicle development trends, and compared notes on Chinese-foreign automotive cooperation and development experiences. The conference showcased the fruits of intelligent vehicle progress, facilitated the accelerated convergence of worldwide high-end factors to China, and injected new impetus into Chongqing's intelligent mobility industry development. The brilliant minds come together to discuss the future development of intelligent vehicles Efforts need to be made on policy, capital, talent and other sectors in order to propel the advancement of intelligent vehicle-related industries. Achieving high-quality development in the intelligent vehicle industry demands collaborative efforts across all levels and from a wider range of stakeholders. The WIV 2025 received strong support from all sectors across the world. On the government side, a number of senior officials attended the conference, including Fu Baozong, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Center, National Development and Reform Commission, Tu Xingyong, Deputy Director-General of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, and Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing. Their comprehensive strategic support for the intelligent vehicle industry, which encompasses national policies, local development plans, and international collaborations, reinforces the overall framework of smart mobility development. At the expert level, several distinguished scholars and company executives identified the development trends across the academic, technological, and R&D dimensions and emphasized the current focus of intelligent vehicle development in their addresses and keynote speeches. The speakers included Professor Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering, Founding President of World Electric Vehicle Association, Founder of International Academicians Science & Technology Innovation Centre, and Distinguished Chair Professor of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Jianwei Zhang, Foreign Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, and Zhu Dongfang, President of Asia Digital Group. At the enterprise level, industry leaders from various sectors offered their perspectives on the current situation and prospects for intelligent vehicles, informed by both their specialized expertise and corporate operational realities. The corporate executives included Zhang Xinghai, Chairman and Founder of SERES Group, Wayne Liu, Chairman of PCI Technology Group Co., Ltd., Leng Yan, Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Group China, Frank Meng, Chairman of Qualcomm China, and Wu Xiaoru, President of iFLYTEK Co., Ltd. In his speech, Mr. Leng mentioned that Mercedes-Benz is not only the inventor of automobile, but also a pioneer and sustained innovator in autonomous driving. Mercedes-Benz stands out as the first luxury automaker to mass-produce cars equipped with Highway Pilot Assist. As the world's only automotive company certified for both L3 and L4 autonomous driving, it has also become the first international brand to gain approval for conditional L3 and L4 road testing in Beijing, marking a methodical advancement in intelligent driving technology deployment. Its conditional L3 system is now commercially available in both Germany and the US. During the summit dialogue session of the main forum, focusing on the theme of 'Smart Mobility Powers Dual Circulation', the moderator, Wang Jiping (Antonio Wang), Vice President of IDC China, talked with Kuang-I Shu, Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of Jiangsu Pulsar Technology Co., Ltd., Ye Shengji, Chief Engineer and Deputy Secretary General of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, Wang Tan, Co-Founder of XPeng AEROHT, and Yang Hong, Chairman and President of Shenzhen Hangsheng Electronics Co., Ltd. Mr. Kuang-I Shu shared his insight on 6G technology. He highlighted that 6G communication will provide ubiquitous coverage across space, air, sea, and land, making it especially well-suited for high-altitude transmission. With exceptional real-time performance, ultra-low latency, and supreme reliability, it enables direct wireless data transmission without compression. Mr. Ye indicated that the ultimate aim of both China's vehicle-road-cloud integration and the global pursuit of fully implemented single-vehicle intelligence (SVI) is to advance the large-scale industrialization of the automotive industry, specifically within the new energy vehicle (NEV) and intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) segments. Mr. Wang stated that XPeng will deliver the world's first mass-produced flying cars in 2026. While the current definition of low-altitude economy covers airspace below 1,000 meters, there remains a gap between signal coverage and actual flight range. He hopes that combining aerial vehicles, roads, and cloud technology can boost the land aircraft carrier industry's progress. Mr. Yang said that Chinese automakers going global is mandatory, not optional. In today's globalized automotive industry, no single company or country can achieve everything alone. True integration requires an ecosystem approach, emphasizing shared creation and reciprocal benefits over a one-sided incorporation into the global landscape. Collaborative discussions on the evolving landscape of intelligent vehicle technology If we unravel the production chain of an intelligent vehicle—from the motor to the intelligent cockpit—it may involve hundreds of suppliers, thousands of modules, and tens of thousands of parts. The conference focused on key topics in intelligent vehicle development, encompassing a wide array of dimensions and fields. Each of the six topic forums was overflowing with participants immersed in deep discussions. At the topic forum with the theme of 'Towards a Future of Intelligent Mobility Tackling Core Technological Challenges in Intelligent Vehicles', Yang Hong, Chairman and President of Shenzhen Hangsheng Electronics Co., Ltd., delivered a keynote speech titled 'AI-empowered and Ecosystem-supported Electronic Reconstruction and Evolution of Intelligent Vehicles'. Xu Jian, Vice President of PCI Technology Group Co., Ltd., shared his thoughts with the presentation titled 'From Laboratory to Open Roads: Reflections and Explorations on Autonomous Vehicle Safety Testing and Regulation'. Wang Haowei, Global Head of ADAS at JOYNEXT Technology Co., Ltd., elaborated on the idea of 'How CCU supports AI-defined Vehicles'. Jiang Sheng, SVP of NavInfo, discussed the topic of 'AI Infra and Data Closed Loop under the New Paradigm in Intelligent Driving'. Ning Wang, Vice President of Neusoft Reach, gave a speech on 'Vehicle-Cloud Integration Platform Drives the Upgrade of AI-Powered Scenario Experiences'. Kai Yan, Vice President of CARLINX, explained the approach of 'The Hyper Flow Platform Enabling Full-Scenario Application of Vehicle-Cloud Integration at a Faster Pace'. Dr. Erkang Cheng, Nullmax Chief Scientific Officer, presented the solution of 'One Model Decoder-Advancing Autonomous Driving Intelligence'. Sun Jie, Co-Founder & CEO of LightIC Technologies, delivered a keynote titled 'On-chip FMCW Laser Radar - The Compliers and Pioneers of Perception Stringency in Autonomous Driving'. Centered on the topic of 'Critical Tech Innovations Drive Industrial Growth', Chen Zifeng, Chief Editor of Intelligent Vehicles of Pacific Auto, Ning Wang, Vice President of Neusoft Reach, Deng Xing, Product Director of Wuhan Xuanyuan Idrive Technology Co., Ltd., Zhang Lu, Head of Volcano Engine's Intelligent Driving Cloud Solution, and Jason Hu, AI Product Expert of Chongqing TINNOVE Technology Intelligence Ltd., had an in-depth communication. The topic forums with the theme of 'Global Expansion: Seizing Opportunities in International Markets', 'Collaborative Innovation: Driving Cross-Sector Integration', 'Capital Empowerment: Pioneering New Frontiers in Industrial Investment', 'Link the World: Co-Create New Cross-Border Growth' and 'Pilot Projects: Creating Diverse Application Scenarios' attracted many leaders and representatives from government, industry, academia, research, finance, service, and application sectors. The attendees spanned from Electric Vehicle Association Of Malaysia, Association Pour le Développement de la Nouvelle Route de la Soie (ADNRS), IDC, Volcano Engine, North American Auto Professional Association (NAAP), Equal Ocean, Gosuncn Technology Group, CHIPSEA, VANJEE Technology, CICT Connected and Intelligent Technologies, Shanghai Taifang Technology, Volcanics Venture, HYGOAL Capital, HSBC, QuestMobile, World Trade Point Federation, China Brand Institute, China Automotive Engineering Research Institute, Chongqing Liangjiang International Economic Cooperation Center, Meetsocial, MiracoMotor, QCraft, Neolix, UISEE, BJCW, to Auto Planet. They provided multidimensional insights into the development trends of intelligent vehicles from their respective perspectives. Bringing the intelligent vehicle industry to the next level with multi-dimensional support China's auto sector, with 'AI+intelligent driving' as the core driving force, is accelerating the global autonomous driving race. Maintaining this momentum requires both visionary leadership and ongoing critical evaluation. The WIV 2025 featured 8 thematic activities, including Leaders' Roundtable, Chongqing Intelligent Vehicle Closed-Door Think Tank Meeting, Product Launch of Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem, Resource Matchmaking Conference of Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem, Intelligent Vehicle Technology Innovation Competition, Business Investigation of Chongqing Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem, Experience of Chongqing Intelligent Driving, and Exhibition of Sci-Tech Innovation Achievements in Intelligent Vehicle. From brainstorming and strategy discussion to achievement exhibition, followed by resource matchmaking and cooperative communication—this comprehensive platform provides robust support for China's intelligent vehicle industry and Chongqing's intelligent mobility future landscape. At the Chongqing Intelligent Vehicle Closed-Door Think Tank Meeting, the participating panelists and local government officials discussed the approach to vehicle-road-cloud integration under the theme of 'Jointly Drawing up the Blueprint for the Automotive Industry through Government-Enterprise Discussion and by Pooling the Wisdom of the Elites'. During the meeting, Fu Baozong, Deputy Director-General of the International Cooperation Center, National Development and Reform Commission, and Lin Geng, Chief Engineer of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Economy and Information Technology, detailed the national and local governments' work plans for intelligent vehicle development, covering policy direction, development strategies, and overall deployment from both state and local perspectives. Professor Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Founding President of World Electric Vehicle Association, Founder of the International Academicians Science & Technology Innovation Centre, and Distinguished Chair Professor of Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kuang-I Shu, Academician of the Russian Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of Jiangsu Pulsar Technology Co., Ltd., Li Yidong, Dean of the School of Computer Science & Technology at Beijing Jiaotong University, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor, and Zhu Dongfang, President of Asia Digital Group, proposed future development strategies, informed by their research and the latest intelligent vehicle technologies. Taking a global outlook, Fabio Schina, Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, Dennis Chuah, Chairman of Electric Vehicle Association Malaysia, and Chen Chaozhuo, Director of North American Auto Professional Association and automotive industry overseas expansion consultant, proactively analyzed intelligent vehicle development and proposed strategies to facilitate the international expansion of China's intelligent cars, highlighting the importance of global collaboration for achieving win-win outcomes. Drawing upon their companies' unique strengths, Wang Tan, Co-Founder of XPeng AEROHT, Yang Hong, Chairman and President of Shenzhen Hangsheng Electronics Co., Ltd., Zhu Chuanqin, Chairman of Chongqing VDL Electronics Co., Ltd., Gao Ming, Vice President of Black Sesame Technologies, and Dongsheng Wu, Senior Vice President of Gosuncn Technology Group, discussed the current state and emerging trends in intelligent vehicle development, with the goal of advancing the entire industry during this new phase of growth. During the two-day conference, representatives from various sectors across the world visited Chongqing Yongchuan manufacturing base of Great Wall Motor (GWM) Company Limited, and carried out a detailed on-site investigation at GWM's smart plant through the Business Investigation of Chongqing Intelligent Vehicle Ecosystem. They went to Chang'an Automobile Global Research and Development Center (Liangjiang New Area) and visited the State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Vehicle Safety Technology, gaining firsthand experience with smart manufacturing and technological innovations, and engaging directly with industry experts, technical specialists, and corporate executives to discuss advancements and the future of the sector. Another highlight of the conference is the display of the latest intelligent vehicles made by a host of well-known brands, including Tesla, Yangwang, Denza, Fang Cheng Bao, Li Auto, XPeng, NIO, ONVO, Deepal, Avatr, Wey, Voyah, Leapmotor, and BYD's Dynasty and Ocean series; MiracoMotor, Neolix, and presented their self-driving vehicles; Guangzhou Frontop Digital, Automotive Software Innovation Center (Chongqing), Kernelsoft, World Trade Point Federation (Switzerland) Chongqing Representative Office, Chongqing Automobile Supplies Industry Association, BIZMEDIA Group and other automotive industry chain enterprises also showcased their latest achievements in intelligent vehicle technology at the Exhibition of Sci-Tech Innovation Achievements in Intelligent Vehicle. The WIV 2025 has concluded, but the synergy of technology, capital, and policy driving China's intelligent vehicle revolution is undeniably intensifying. Let's look forward together to a future of intelligent mobility that will reshape the automotive landscape. View original content: SOURCE Asia Digital Group
Miami Herald
8 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Tesla awards Elon Musk $29 billion in stock amid compensation battle. What to know
Tesla is awarding Elon Musk around $29 billion in shares as a legal battle looms over a prior multibillion dollar compensation plan for the chief executive. A special committee of the company's board of directors said the interim pay package would motivate Musk to "stay focused" on Tesla as the electric vehicle maker pivots to robotics and artificial intelligence. Under the pay plan, Musk would receive 96 million shares valued at around $300 each as long as he remains in an executive position at Tesla for the next two years. On Musk's social media platform X, the special committee said the executive has not received "meaningful compensation" for his work for eight years. One of the world's richest people, Musk owns about 13% of Tesla shares, making him the largest individual shareholder. The company is worth more than $969 billion based on current share prices. Tesla shares on Monday closed at $309.26, up 2%. Why did the board approve this plan? Tesla board members Robyn Denholm and Kathleen Wilson-Thompson said on X that the $29 billion award is a first step, "good faith" effort to compensate Musk in lieu of a longer term plan. As Musk splits his time and energy among several ventures, including AI startup xAI and space exploration firm SpaceX, Tesla board members said they are eager to keep his attention focused on the electric vehicle maker. Musk has garnered criticism from investors for getting distracted by his temporary role in the Trump administration. Tesla shares have fallen more than 18% this year following significant brand damage and plunging vehicle sales. The company is at a critical turning point where it must pivot to robotics and autonomous driving technology to remain competitive, analysts said. Musk has overseen Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin, Texas, and frequently touts the potential of the humanoid robot Optimus. "While these impending changes are exciting, the outcomes are not guaranteed," wrote Denholm and Wilson-Thompson. "It is imperative to retain and motivate our extraordinary talent, beginning with Elon." "We are confident that this award will incentivize Elon to remain at Tesla," they wrote. What happened to Musk's previous pay package? A Delaware judge has twice struck down a 2018 executive pay package that would have awarded Musk more than $55 billion in stock, arguing that Musk exerted unfair control over the negotiation process. In 2018, Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta sued the company to block the compensation plan, claiming the board misled investors and was not transparent about the approval process. Tornetta and his attorneys also argued that the board was too susceptible to Musk's influence. Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick, the judge in the case, sided with Tornetta and rescinded the entire pay package, calling it an "unfathomable sum." McCormick denied the pay plan again in 2024, after the board held another vote to approve it. Tesla has since appealed McCormick's second decision, citing his contributions to Tesla's growth. "This compensation issue has been a constant concern of shareholders once the Delaware soap opera began," Tesla analyst Dan Ives wrote in a note. If the 2018 plan is ultimately approved after legal battles, the recent $29 billion package will be thrown out to prevent double dipping, the board said. How does Musk's pay compare to other chief executives? The pay package brought to court in 2018 was the largest potential compensation plan for an executive of a publicly traded company, McCormick said, worth 250 times as much as the median peer pay. The new plan is still the highest executive compensation package by far. Blackstone Chief Executive Stephen Schwarzman earned $1.39 billion in 2008, compared to the $29 billion interim package for Musk. Another top earner, Palantir CEO Alexander Karp, earned $1.10 billion in 2020. In 2018, Musk agreed to forgo a cash salary for his work at Tesla and instead receive stock options based on his ability to meet company milestones. Board members argue that the value Musk brings to the company is worth hefty compensation. "We can all agree that Elon has delivered the transformative and unprecedented growth that was required to earn all milestones of the 2018 CEO Performance Award," the board's special committee wrote. "Retaining Elon is more important than ever before." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
