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More NASA Science, Tech will Fly to Moon Aboard Future Firefly Flight

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — NASA continues to advance its campaign to explore more of the Moon than ever before, awarding Firefly Aerospace $179 million to deliver six experiments to the lunar surface. This fourth task order for Firefly will target landing in the Gruithuisen Domes on the near side of the Moon in 2028.

 As part of the agency’s broader Artemis campaign, Firefly will deliver a group of science experiments and technology demonstrations under NASA’s CLPS initiative, or Commercial Lunar Payload Services, to these lunar domes, an area of ancient lava flows, to better understand planetary processes and evolution. Through CLPS, NASA is furthering our understanding of the Moon’s environment and helping prepare for future human missions to the lunar surface, as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach. 

“The CLPS initiative carries out U.S. scientific and technical studies on the surface of the Moon by robot explorers. As NASA prepares for future human exploration of the Moon, the CLPS initiative continues to support a growing lunar economy with American companies,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Understanding the formation of the Gruithuisen Domes, as well as the ancient lava flows surrounding the landing site, will help the U.S. answer important questions about the lunar surface.”

Firefly’s first lunar delivery is scheduled to launch no earlier than mid-January 2025 and will land near a volcanic feature called Mons Latreille within Mare Crisium, on the northeast quadrant of the Moon’s near side. Firefly’s second lunar mission includes two task orders: a lunar orbit drop-off of a satellite combined with a delivery to the lunar surface on the far side and a delivery of a lunar orbital calibration source, scheduled in 2026.

This new delivery in 2028 will send payloads to the Gruithuisen Domes and the nearby Sinus Viscositatus. The Gruithuisen Domes have long been suspected to be formed by a magma rich in silica, similar in composition to granite. Granitic rocks form easily on Earth due to plate tectonics and oceans of water. The Moon lacks these key ingredients, so lunar scientists have been left to wonder how these domes formed and evolved over time. For the first time, as part of this task order, NASA also has contracted to provide “mobility,” or roving, for some of the scientific instruments on the lunar surface after landing. This will enable new types of U.S. scientific investigations from CLPS.

“Firefly will deliver six instruments to understand the landing site and surrounding vicinity,” said Chris Culbert, manager of the CLPS initiative at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “These instruments will study geologic processes and lunar regolith, test solar cells, and characterize the neutron radiation environment, supplying invaluable information as NASA works to establish a long-term presence on the Moon.”

The instruments, collectively expected to be about 215 pounds (97 kilograms) in mass, include: 

Lunar Vulkan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer, which consists of two stationary and three mobile instruments, will study rocks and regoliths on the summit of one of the domes to determine their origin and better understand geologic processes of early planetary bodies. The principal investigator is Dr. Kerri Donaldson Hanna of the University of Central Florida, Orlando.Heimdall is a flexible camera system that will be used to take pictures of the landing site from above the horizon to the ground directly below the lander. The principal investigator is Dr. R. Aileen Yingst of the Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, Arizona.Sample Acquisition, Morphology Filtering, and Probing of Lunar Regolith is a robotic arm that will collect samples of lunar regolith and use a robotic scoop to filter and isolate particles of different sizes. The sampling technology will use a flight spare from the Mars Exploration Rover project. The principal investigator is Sean Dougherty of Maxar Technologies, Westminster, Colorado.Low-frequency Radio Observations from the Near Side Lunar Surface is designed to observe the Moon’s surface environment in radio frequencies, to determine whether natural and human-generated activity near the surface interferes with science. The project is headed up by Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Photovoltaic Investigation on the Lunar Surface will carry a set of the latest solar cells for a technology demonstration of light-to-electricity power conversion for future missions. The experiment will also collect data on the electrical charging environment of the lunar surface using a small array of solar cells. The principal investigator is Jeremiah McNatt from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.Neutron Measurements at the Lunar Surface is a neutron spectrometer that will characterize the surface neutron radiation environment, monitor hydrogen, and provide constraints on elemental composition. The principal investigator is Dr. Heidi Haviland of NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Through the CLPS initiative, NASA purchases lunar landing and surface operations services from American companies. The agency uses CLPS to send scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to advance capabilities for science, exploration, or commercial development of the Moon. By supporting a robust cadence of lunar deliveries, NASA will continue to enable a growing lunar economy while leveraging the entrepreneurial innovation of the commercial space industry. Two upcoming CLPS flights scheduled to launch in early 2025 will deliver NASA payloads to the Moon’s near side and south polar region, respectively.
Learn more about CLPS and Artemis at:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

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SOURCE NASA

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Competition Bureau advances investigation into Sobeys’ use of property controls across Canada

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June 22, 2026

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GATINEAU, QC, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – The Competition Bureau has obtained court orders to advance its investigation into Empire Company Limited’s use of property controls in Canada. Empire is the parent company of Sobeys, Farm Boy, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and FreshCo, among others.

The Bureau’s investigation is examining the company’s use of property controls across Canada to assess whether their practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. Lack of competition in the grocery industry can result in higher prices, lower quality and less availability.

The court orders, granted by the Federal Court, require the production of records, written information and oral testimony relevant to the Bureau’s investigation.

Earlier in the investigation, the Bureau obtained an initial court order requiring Empire to produce information focused on property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The new orders will provide the Bureau additional information about the scope of Empire’s practices in Canada, including how the company negotiates property controls and their potential impacts on competition across Canada.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time.

The Bureau focuses its work on sectors that matter to Canadians, including those affecting essential household expenses like food.

Quick facts:

Property controls are restrictions on the use of commercial real estate that limit how a property can be used by others. These property controls are common across Canada, especially in retail settings. They can harm competition by making it difficult, or even impossible, for businesses to open new stores.In June 2023, the Bureau published its grocery market study, which concluded that property controls can limit competition from new grocers and can deny consumers the benefits of competition including lower prices, greater choice and increased innovation.In June 2024, the Bureau obtained two court orders to advance its investigations into the use of property controls by Sobeys’ and Loblaw’s parent companies related to property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality.In January 2025, the Bureau took investigative actions that resulted in Empire agreeing to remove a property control that restricted retail grocery store competition in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.In June 2025, the Bureau announced that it continues to monitor Loblaw’s public commitment to end property controls in Canada.The Bureau urges Canadians to report any property controls that may be anti-competitive using the online complaint form.

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Competitor property controls and the Competition Act

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Competition Bureau advances investigations into Sobeys and Loblaw’s use of property controls Competition Bureau takes action to protect competition in the grocery industry in an Alberta communityCompetition Bureau monitors Loblaw’s commitment to end property controlsRetail Grocery Market Study

General information:
Request for information | Complaint form

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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Survey: 1 in 3 World Cup Fans Perceive the Hydration Break as More of an Advertising Opportunity Than a Health Break

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June 22, 2026

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New MFour Data Research survey of 1,000 U.S. World Cup viewers reveals the 90-second window where Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, and Nike get to put their biggest stars — and the world’s biggest athletes — right in front of a captive global audience

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The whistle blows. Players grab water bottles. Sponsor logos flood the screen. And somewhere in the stands, and on couches across the country… a debate quietly plays out: is this break for the athletes, or for the advertisers?

According to a new survey by MFour Data Research, the answer depends on who you ask.

MFour surveyed 1,000 U.S. World Cup viewers in the U.S. during the group round of the 2026 tournament and found that 64% see hydration breaks as a genuine player health measure — while 36% see them for what they also are: a primo 90-second slot for Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, New Balance, and Nike to roll out their glossiest advertising, complete with celebrity appearances, slow-motion athlete close-ups, and whatever Lionel Messi is currently selling. One in three fans knows exactly what’s happening. The other two-thirds are just relieved their striker is getting fluids.

“The hydration break is the best two minutes in advertising — players get water, Michelob Ultra gets eyeballs, and Christian Pulisic gets another advertising deal. Everybody wins. Especially the fans who just spotted Messi in a Mich Ultra ad.”

— Chris St. Hilaire, Chief Executive Officer, MFour Data Research

Survey Methodologys

MFour surveyed n=1,000 U.S. residents who watch the World Cup on June 18, 2026 via its proprietary mobile panel — the largest mobile survey panel in the U.S. The sample is nationally balanced and representative of U.S. adults ages 18-64. Demographic breakdowns available upon request.

About MFour Data Research

MFour Data Research operates the largest mobile survey panel in the United States, connecting brands with real consumers in real moments — on their phones, in their lives, as it happens. MFour Data Research enables companies to understand consumer behavior with unmatched speed and precision. For more information, visit mfour.com.

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SOURCE MFour Data Research

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 returns as Africa’s defining platform for digital transformation, investment and innovation

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June 22, 2026

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s longest running and most influential technology gathering, will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together key stakeholders driving the next phase of Africa’s digital growth.

Now in its 29th edition, Africa Tech Festival, originally launched as AfricaCom, has evolved alongside the continent’s digital transformation, expanding its focus to encompass the full spectrum of technology, investment opportunities and policies that drive economic growth.

At a time when investment in connectivity, subsea cables, fibre networks, data centres and cloud infrastructure is reshaping Africa’s digital landscape, Africa Tech Festival serves as a catalyst for the conversations and partnerships driving that progress. South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is a Strategic Partner of the event, with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, confirmed to deliver the opening address.

“Africa Tech Festival is a strategic platform shaping Africa’s digital future, bringing together leaders from across the continent in government and industry to drive collaboration, investment, and innovation. As host country, South Africa is proud to champion an event that not only strengthens partnerships, but advances a shared vision of an inclusive, connected and globally competitive African digital economy,” said Minister Malatsi.

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation.

Together, these pillars provide a framework for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing priorities, including digital infrastructure expansion, greater connectivity and digital inclusion, responsible AI adoption, stronger data sovereignty and digital trust, and the partnerships and investments needed to unlock Africa’s next wave of innovation and economic growth.

The event will feature dedicated content programmes, executive forums, exhibitions, networking opportunities and investment-focused discussions designed to connect decision-makers from across Africa and around the world.

“It is now clear that this is a defining moment for the ICT sector in Africa. AI adoption is transforming business processes, but it also raises questions around inclusion, data sovereignty and the capacity of digital infrastructure. Africa Tech Festival is the only forum where leaders from across the tech ecosystem – telecoms operators, hyperscalers and corporate end-users – can come together to find the answers,” said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival.

As Africa’s digital economy continues to attract global investment and attention, Africa Tech Festival showcases the continent’s capabilities and leadership while connecting African stakeholders with international investors, technology companies and policymakers. Beyond the annual event, it continues to serve as a year-round forum for thought leadership, industry engagement and ecosystem development, helping shape the policies, investments and innovations that are accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3Sq6goC
For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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About Africa Tech Festival:

Africa Tech Festival is the continent’s leading platform for shaping the future of the digital economy. Taking place annually in Cape Town, the festival brings together the full technology ecosystem, from telecoms and infrastructure providers to enterprise leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.

Through six core pillars spanning connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital transformation and the startup ecosystem, Africa Tech Festival delivers a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities defining Africa’s digital landscape.

The festival combines high level content with large scale exhibition and networking, creating a space where strategy meets execution. Across three days, it convenes global technology leaders, decision makers and innovators to share insight, build partnerships and drive real business outcomes.

Africa Tech Festival is part of Informa Festivals, a division of Informa. 

Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/africa-tech-festival-2026-returns-as-africas-defining-platform-for-digital-transformation-investment-and-innovation-302806448.html

SOURCE Africa Tech Festival

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