25 July 2017
China plans to build a space-based, solar-powered drone (UAV) telecommunications network capable of providing week-long emergency assistance on the ground. A research institute affiliated with China Aerospace Science & Industry Corp (CASIC) is developing the space-based telecommunications project called "Feiyun," which means "flying cloud," Science and Technology Daily reported Tuesday, saying that the network will be based in near space.
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26 July 2017
China will establish its first Mars simulation base in Northwest China's Qinghai Province to promote space and science education as well as to stimulate local tourism. The base will be located in the red cliff region of the Qaidam Basin in the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. "Haixi prefecture, which is covered by over 95,000 square kilometers of desert, has China's largest Yardang landform. The geographic conditions, and natural environment are similar to those on Mars," Wang Jingzhai, the prefecture's deputy Party chief was quoted by the China News Service as saying.
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26 July 2017
China will select its third group of astronauts this year, Yang Liwei, Deputy Director of China Manned Space Engineering Office said on 26 July.
The first and second astronaut groups were all previously airforce pilots. However, the selection of the third group will also include engineers who will be responsible for maintenance, assembly and other tasks, Yang, China's first astronaut, said at the opening ceremony of the country's inaugural astronaut photography exhibition. Photos taken by astronauts from different periods reflect the development of China's space exploration, he said.
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25 July  2017
Space News reports that U.S. regulators have not agreed to the planned joint venture between satellite connectivity provider Global Eagle Entertainment based in California, and Beijing Shareco Technologies of China.
The deal would have enabled Global Eagle to deliver in-flight entertainment and connectivity services to airlines within the China HNA-group. Space News wrote that Global Eagle would have been granted "the ability to sell antennas, network services and other equipment to HNA aircrafts on an exclusive basis."
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