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The US Commerce Department has announced significant updates to space export regulations, easing restrictions for satellite hardware sales to allied nations. This move aims to bolster the US commercial space industry while maintaining national security interests. Key changes include removing license requirements for certain spacecraft components and expanding trade opportunities with over 40 countries.
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Elon Musk announced plans for SpaceX to launch five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in 2026, with crewed flights potentially following in 2028. However, regulatory delays from the FAA threaten these timelines, raising concerns about the feasibility of Musk's ambitious goals for Mars colonization.
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As of September 29, 2024, over 33,000 Boeing workers remain on strike, demanding a 40% pay increase and restoration of pension benefits. Boeing's latest offer of a 30% raise over four years has been rejected by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), leading to halted production of key aircraft models.
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NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will remain aboard the ISS until February 2025 due to safety concerns with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. They were initially scheduled to return in June but will now return on a SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, extending their stay to over eight months.
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In Madhya Pradesh, diamond hunting remains a vital source of income for many despite declining reserves. Recent finds, like a 19.22-carat diamond, highlight the ongoing allure of this trade amid economic challenges. The rise of lab-grown diamonds complicates the market dynamics for natural stones.
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Senators Warren and Blumenthal have urged the Justice Department to hold Boeing executives accountable for ongoing safety issues. This follows a series of incidents, including a February event where a United Airlines 737 Max experienced stuck rudder pedals. The NTSB has issued urgent safety recommendations regarding potentially defective rudder systems affecting multiple airlines.
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The U.S. Coast Guard's investigation into the Titan submersible disaster is ongoing, revealing troubling insights about OceanGate's operations and safety practices. Testimonies from former employees highlight a culture prioritizing profit over safety, raising questions about the future of deep-sea exploration.
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As of October 16, 2024, Boeing's strike involving 33,000 workers continues with no resolution in sight. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers rejected Boeing's latest pay offer, leading to significant financial losses for the company, estimated at $50 million daily. Federal mediation efforts have so far failed.
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Boeing's proposed plea agreement to plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud regulators is under intense scrutiny. Victims' families argue it lacks accountability, while the Justice Department defends it as a necessary step for safety improvements. A judge is set to decide on the deal amid conflicting opinions.
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British Airways has canceled hundreds of flights from December to March due to ongoing supply chain issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines. The airline aims to provide certainty for travelers amid the disruptions, affecting routes including London to Kuala Lumpur and New York JFK.
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European airlines, notably Ryanair, are grappling with significant delays in aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus. Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary, has warned that these delays will impact growth plans for 2025, while both manufacturers face operational challenges and strikes affecting production.
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Students shown the final assembly of China’s C919 home-grown passenger jet as its manufacturing base in Shanghai.
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As the election approaches, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump ramp up their campaigns, with Harris focusing on reproductive rights and Trump's perceived exhaustion. High-profile endorsements from celebrities like Beyoncé and Lizzo aim to energize voters, particularly in battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. Election Day is set for November 5, 2024.
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Elon Musk's America PAC is offering $1 million daily to registered voters in swing states who sign a petition supporting the First and Second Amendments. This initiative has sparked legal scrutiny over potential violations of federal election laws regarding vote buying and voter registration incentives. The legality of the scheme remains uncertain as experts weigh in.
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Boeing faces significant challenges as its Starliner spacecraft fails to return astronauts safely, while Intelsat confirms the total loss of its IS-33e satellite, which has fragmented into over 80 pieces. Both incidents raise concerns about space debris and Boeing's operational viability.
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On October 22, 2024, Qatar Airways launched its first flight equipped with Elon Musk's Starlink internet service, offering high-speed connectivity to passengers. The airline plans to roll out Starlink across its Boeing 777 fleet by the end of 2024, enhancing the in-flight experience significantly.
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NASA's Crew-8 mission astronauts returned to Earth after nearly eight months in space, delayed by issues with Boeing's Starliner and Hurricane Milton. The crew splashed down off Florida's coast early Friday, having spent 236 days aboard the International Space Station.