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March 21, 2025

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China is practicing “dogfighting” satellites as part of its expanding capabilities in space, according to the United States Space Force, which warned that Washington’s key rivals are closing the technology gap as space becomes increasingly critical to security on Earth.

The Space Force observed “five different objects in space maneuvering in and out and around each other in synchronicity and in control,” its vice chief of space operations Gen. Michael A. Guetlein said Tuesday at a defense conference.

“That’s what we call dogfighting in space. They are practicing tactics, techniques, and procedures to do on-orbit space operations from one satellite to another,” Guetlein said, using a term that typically refers to close-range aerial combat between fighter jets.

While the purpose of such operations was not clear – and some experts question the use of the term – Guetlein’s comments come as analysts say a growing number of countries, including China, have sought to develop counterspace technologies.

Such capabilities could enable a country to destroy or disable satellites, potentially allowing them to interrupt a rival military’s communications or operations like launching and detecting missiles. Such interference could also wreak havoc on global navigation systems used for everything from banking and cargo shipping to ambulance dispatch.

The US has been closely watching China’s rapid rise as a space power in recent decades, not only through its ambitious lunar and deep-space exploration programs, but also what analysts describe as its deepening counterspace capabilities.

In response to a question about China and Russia, Guetlein said they had developed “exquisite” capabilities. He cited the deployment of jammers to disrupt satellite signals, the ability to dazzle intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance satellites with lasers, as well as maneuvers involving grappling with a satellite and towing it to a different orbit.

“This is the most complex and challenging strategic environment that we have seen in a long time, if not ever,” Guetlein said, adding that the force needs “capabilities to deter and, if necessary, defeat aggression” to “guarantee that the advantage is in our favor” into the future.

“There used to be a capability gap between us and our near peers, mainly driven by the technological advancement of the United States … that capability gap has significantly narrowed,” he said.

The “dogfighting” incident referenced by Guetlein involved a series of Chinese satellite maneuvers in 2024 in low Earth orbit involving three Shiyan-24C experimental satellites and two Chinese experimental space objects, the Shijian-6 05A/B, a Space Force spokesperson said.

Beijing has released little public information about its experimental satellites and such operations. The country included safeguarding its “security interests in outer space” among its national defense goals in a 2019 white paper but has long said it stands “for the peaceful use of outer space” and opposes an arms race there.

‘Dogfighting’ in space?

Given the physical dynamics in space, the maneuvers described by Guetlein as “dogfighting” would look very different from those in the air between fighter jets, in this case involving satellites maneuvering around one another using propellant, experts say.

Analysts have long been closely monitoring interactions between satellites and other objects in space. Typically referred to as “rendezvous and proximity operations,” these maneuvers can be used for peaceful operations like satellite maintenance or clearing debris – but could also allow countries to interfere with adversaries’ assets.

“Close maneuvering around other satellites could suggest the development of a counterspace weapon because getting close to another satellite means you could potentially grab it, launch a net or projectile at it, or use an energy weapon, like a laser or jammer,” said Clayton Swope, deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington.

“But getting close to another satellite might also suggest other purposes, like in-space servicing or refueling. It could also be one satellite trying to take a picture of the other one,” he said, adding that China is launching “more and more satellites that demonstrate the ability to conduct sophisticated maneuvers.”

“We don’t really know for sure, at least not publicly, what any of these satellites are up to, but some are probably doing surveillance and also testing out new space technologies that could be used as counterspace weapons,” Swope added.

There is no confirmed public evidence of China using counterspace capabilities against any military targets, the independent US-based Secure World Foundation said in an annual report on countries’ counterspace capabilities last year.

Russia and the US are also known to conduct proximity operations to their own and other satellites, she added.

“It’s hard to say if this Chinese capability is something that the US doesn’t have since we’re learning about it from US commercial SSA (space situational awareness) companies, who are generally reluctant to discuss what US satellites are up to,” she said.

Referring to China’s operations as “dogfighting” in space is “not helpful” because it “automatically ascribes hostile intentions to activities that frankly the US also undertakes,” Samson added.

Currently, the US doesn’t have an acknowledged operational program to target satellites from within orbit using other satellites or spacecraft, though it could likely quickly field one in the future, according to SWF’s annual report.

That’s because the US has done extensive “non-offensive” testing of technologies to approach and rendezvous with satellites, including close approaches of its own military satellites and several Russian and Chinese military satellites, the foundation said.

This post appeared first on cnn.com

Quantum Computing: its Evolution and its Potential Future

 

Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving field of study that promises to revolutionize the way we approach complex computational problems. Unlike traditional computers, which rely on binary bits (0s and 1s) to store and process information, quantum computers harness the principles of quantum mechanics to create quantum bits, or “qubits,” that can exist in superposition. This allows them to perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers.

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The foundations of quantum computing can be traced back to the 1980s, when physicists and computer scientists began exploring the potential of leveraging quantum phenomena to solve problems that are intractable for traditional computers. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in both the theoretical understanding and the practical implementation of quantum computing technologies.

The evolution and development of quantum computing can be divided into several key milestones: In the 1980s physicists like Richard Feynman and David Deutsch laid the theoretical groundwork for quantum computing by exploring the potential of using quantum mechanics to perform computation. This was followed in the 1990s, when researchers such as Peter Shor and Lov Grover developed groundbreaking quantum algorithms that demonstrated the potential of quantum computers to solve certain problems, such as integer factorization and database searching, much more efficiently than standard computers. In the early 2000s, researchers began to take the next step and built small-scale test quantum computing prototypes, using technologies like superconducting circuits, trapped ions, and photonic systems to create and manipulate qubits.

In 2019, Google’s Sycamore quantum processor was reported to have achieved “quantum supremacy,” performing a specific calculation faster than the world’s most powerful supercomputer. This milestone marked a significant step forward in the development of a practical quantum computing system. Since Google’s advance, major tech companies and research institutions have made significant investments in quantum computing, leading to the development of increasingly powerful and accessible quantum computing hardware and software platforms.

While quantum computing is still in its early stages, researchers and industry leaders have already identified several areas where quantum computers could have a significant impact:

Quantum computers have the potential to break many of the encryption algorithms used in modern communication and data security systems. This has led to the development of quantum-resistant cryptography and the exploration of quantum-based secure communication protocols.

Quantum computers also excel at simulating and modeling complex quantum systems, such as chemical reactions, material properties, and biological processes. It is hoped this will lead to breakthroughs in the fields of materials science, drug discovery, and energy storage. Quantum algorithms have also been shown to be highly effective at solving complex optimization problems, such as logistics and scheduling challenges, financial portfolio management, and traffic routing.

The area of machine learning and artificial intelligence, also offer great hopes. The unique properties of quantum systems could lead to the development of more powerful and efficient machine learning algorithms, potentially revolutionizing fields like natural language processing, computer vision, and decision-making.

Despite quantum computing’s exciting potential, significant challenges and limitations remain. One major challenge is maintaining the delicate state of qubits, known as quantum coherence. Qubits are highly susceptible to interference from the environment, leading to a phenomenon called decoherence, which can cause errors in computation.

Building large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers with a sufficient number of qubits to solve real-world problems also remains a significant technical challenge. Current quantum computers are still relatively small and limited in their capabilities.

Developing efficient algorithms and programming techniques for quantum computers is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of quantum mechanics and computer science. The development of the necessary hardware and infrastructure to support quantum computing, such as cryogenic systems, control electronics, and error correction mechanisms, is a significant engineering challenge.

Notwithstanding the challenges, quantum computing has a promising future. As research and development continue, we can expect to see significant advancements in the coming years. For example, Researchers are working to increase the number of qubits in quantum computers while improving their stability and coherence times, paving the way for more powerful and reliable quantum systems.

Another area of research is the development of effective quantum error correction techniques, which are crucial for building large-scale, fault-free quantum computers that can reliably solve the most complex problems. An additional area of interest is the integration of quantum and traditional computing systems, which is thought to play a key role in unlocking the full potential of quantum technologies, allowing for the power of quantum with the simplicity of traditional computing,

Although practical applications are not yet mainstream, real-world, quantum-based solutions are hoped to emerge soon in the fields of cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science.

In conclusion, as governments and major technology companies continue to invest in quantum computing, the technology will become more accessible and commercially affordable. While most individuals may not see or use the technology directly, its applications could be transformational to us all in areas such as finance and health.`);

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Air Direct Capture – Reducing CO2 from the Atmosphere

 

Air Direct Capture (ADC) is an innovative technology that has gained significant attention in recent years as a means of addressing the pressing issue of climate change. This process involves the direct extraction of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the ambient air, with the goal of reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The development of ADC technology has been driven by the growing urgency to find effective solutions to mitigate the impact of human-induced climate change.

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In this article, we will explore the evolution of Air Direct Capture, its current applications, the challenges and limitations of this technology, and its promising future.

The concept of Air Direct Capture is not entirely new, as it has been studied and experimented with for several decades. However, in recent years, the technology has undergone significant advancements, driven by the increasing awareness of the need for innovative climate change mitigation strategies.

The foundations of ADC technology were laid in the 1930s when scientists began exploring the possibility of directly capturing CO2 from the atmosphere. These early experiments laid the groundwork for the development of more sophisticated techniques and technologies.

Significant progress has been made in the field over the past few decades. Researchers and engineers have developed more efficient and cost-effective methods of capturing and storing CO2, utilizing various techniques such as chemical absorption, physical adsorption, and membrane separation.

The growing urgency to address climate change has led to increased funding and collaborative efforts between governments, research institutions, and private companies to accelerate the development and deployment of ADC technology.

As the technology behind Air Direct Capture has evolved, it has found various applications across different industries and sectors. One of the primary applications of ADC is the sequestration of captured CO2, which can be stored underground or used in various industrial processes, such as the production of synthetic fuels or the enhancement of oil recovery. The captured CO2 can also be used in the production of building materials, such as concrete and cement, reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry. ADC technology is also being used to produce carbon-neutral fuels, such as synthetic aviation fuel, by combining the captured CO2 with hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources. In addition, ADC technology is directly removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, contributing to the overall efforts to mitigate climate change.

Despite the promising advancements in Air Direct Capture technology, there are still significant challenges and limitations that must be addressed. These challenges include the energy-intensive nature of the ADC process, as the capture and separation of CO2 from the air require large amounts of energy, which impacts the overall sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The high capital and operational costs associated with ADC systems are also a barrier to widespread adoption. Scaling up ADC technology to meet the huge global demand for greenhouse gas removal also remains a significant challenge.

Notwithstanding the challenges, the future of Air Direct Capture technology looks promising. As research and development continue, and as the technology becomes more cost-effective and scalable, the potential for ADC to play a significant role in addressing climate change is expected to grow.

While planting trees is a common option for carbon removal, it has its drawbacks as trees can burn or be cut down, releasing the stored carbon. Leading the pack to operate Air Direct Capture plants is ‘Climeworks’ which has opened the world’s largest operational direct air capture plant to suck carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere; the facility, known as Orca in Iceland harnesses the country’s geothermal power and is almost ten times larger than the next biggest plant. The plant is due to be fully operational by the end of 2024

The Orca plant offers an alternative solution, using chemical filters to capture CO2 from the air, which is then converted into rock by being pumped into volcanic basalts. The trials have shown that this process can sequester CO2 in solid rock within two years. One issue with this method is its limited capacity, as the Orca plant can only capture 4,000 tonnes of CO2 per year out of the 35bn tonnes produced by fossil fuels globally. However, the company is confident that it can eventually reach millions of tonnes of captured CO2.

The process cost is high, estimated at $600-800 per tonne, although the company says it aims to reduce costs to $400-600 per ton by 2030 and $200-350 per ton by 2040. Despite its high cost, there seems to be no shortage of customers looking to offset their carbon footprint. Swiss Re has signed a 10-year contract worth $10 million. Other clients include Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Stripe, and Lufthansa.

In Conclusion, the amount of CO2 sequestered is tiny compared to the amount produced. As technology advances, costs are reduced, and more plants come online, it is hoped that ADC can play an important role in the fight against climate change.
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Stock Market News: UK Forecast and Technical Analysis

Today, the UK stock market saw the FTSE 250 increase by 195 points (0.9%) to 21,628, nearly matching the 1.2% increase in the FTSE 100, driven largely by gains in mining stocks. This positive momentum is creating a bullish sentiment in the market.

The two London indices are leading the European market this morning. The DAX is up 0.7% in Germany, followed by the FTSE MIB in Italy, the CAC 40 in France, and the IBEX 35 in Spain, all of which are up 0.4%, reinforcing the optimistic outlook across Europe.

The gain for the Euro Stoxx 600 is just under 1%. Risers include Just Eat Takeaway, rising 17%; TeamViewer, the software company and owner of Kenco, JD Peet.

Among the higher risers, Wickes Group PLC, one of the UK’s listed companies, has seen a 3.3% increase in revenue despite facing difficulties retaining customers for its custom kitchen, home office installation, and bathroom services.

In the first half, this segment’s revenues were destroyed by 17%, offsetting the 1% growth in revenue in its core retail offering.

GSK Shares Decline

GSK PLC, the drugmaker listed on the FTSE 100, raised its annual earnings and sales forecasts due to strong second-quarter performance from HIV and cancer treatments, but the stock is currently down 2.5%.

Core EPS profits are now expected to increase by 10-12% in 2024, up from the previous guidance of 8-10%. Meanwhile, the overall profits are expected to increase by 7-9%, compared to the earlier estimate of 5-7%.

Nonetheless, there were some omissions in the data: vaccination profit fell 9% short of expectations as shingles treatment Shingrix was a 20% disappointment as US sales plummeted 36%.

This is due to decreased demand and inventory reductions. However, it is important to note that international sales make up about 64% of total revenue.

General medicine, oncology, and HIV all performed better than anticipated.

GSK/GBX 5-Day Chart

Growth Expectation For FTSE 250

In the last five years, Greggs’ shares have increased by 40%, outpacing the FTSE 250 London stock. The company’s first-half (H1) results have given them an additional 5% boost.

The most recent data shows a 16% increase in profit before taxes and a 14% increase in sales.

However, despite these gains, projections indicate a minor decline in Greggs’ EPS for the full year 2024. However, the company’s first-half revenue increased by only 15%.

It is a basic diluted estimate that does not account for anomalies. However, it raises the possibility that projections are simply exaggerating the situation.

Thanks to these expenditures and a well-defined expansion plan, Greggs has produced substantial returns for its owners.

For the 2023 fiscal year, Greggs reported record yearly sales of £1.8 billion and a profit before taxes of £188.3 million.

The company also disclosed a significant capital investment program aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capacity and expanding its capacity to accommodate approximately 3,500 stores throughout the United Kingdom.

UK Stock Market Today: FTSE Stock Surge

Among the top risers in the FTSE, Antofagasta PLC and Rio Tinto have shown significant gains. Antofagasta PLC saw notable gains despite no specific news being released. Rio Tinto’s positive results, which included a 1.8% increase in first-half profit, contributed to a 1% rise in its shares and may have influenced the broader market.

More significantly, there are rumours that the Anglo-Australian miner Antofagasta is eyeing a major opportunity in the copper industry, further boosting investor confidence.

The Footsie has continued to rise, hitting a two-month peak of nearly 8,374 following a 1.2% increase. This is the highest value for the London standard since May 22nd, topping 8,368.

HSBC Makes a £3 Billion Buyback

Following a largely flat first half of the year, HSBC Holdings PLC announced an additional interim dividend and a £3 billion share buyback.

For the first half of 2024, the £0.10 per share dividend will equate to 20 cents, unchanged from the previous year. The share buyback is anticipated to be finished in three months.

The bank, with a focus on Asia, reported a first-half pre-tax profit of $21.6 billion, which was marginally lower than the same period last year, even though revenue increased 1% to $37.3 billion and certain “strategic transactions” had a net positive revenue impact of $0.2 billion.

The second quarter’s $16.5 billion in revenues exceeded analysts’ expectations, and the quarter’s $8.9 billion profit before taxes was significantly more than the $7.8 billion they had predicted.

Despite being lower than the 1.53% consensus estimate, the net interest margin improved from 1.7% to 1.62% a year ago due to an increase in the finance cost of average profit liabilities. These developments are significant for the stock market news UK, as they may influence investor sentiment and market trends.

FTSE 250 Share Price

  • Value: 21,572.34
  • Net Variation: 139.83
  • High/Low: 21,649.47 / 21,430.07
  • Previously closed price: 21,432.51
  • 52WK range: 16,783.09 – 21,432.51
  • Launch date: October 12th 1992
  • Constituents number: 250
  • Net MCap: 324,478
  • Dividend Yield: 3.35%
  • Average: 1,298
  • Largest: 4,059
  • Smallest: 81
  • Median: 1,085

FTSE 100 Share Price

  • Value: 8,390.33
  • Previous Close: 8,292.35
  • Open Price: 8,292.35
  • Day low: 8,235.55
  • Day High: 8,297.92
  • 52-week low: 7,215.76
  • 52-week high: 8,474.41

In summary, today’s gains on the stock market news UK are remarkable, as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indices both saw an increase. Mining stocks, especially in the FTSE 100, have primarily driven these gains. Major indices have also increased throughout Europe, indicating an optimistic trend in the market.

While GSK continues to face difficulties even after increasing its earnings projections, Greggs has shown remarkable growth in both its stock price as well as profitability. Despite a little fluctuation in its profit margins, HSBC’s announcement of a significant share buyback and dividend demonstrates the strength of its financial position.

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