Technology

NASA Sets Coverage for Intuitive Machines’ Next Commercial Moon Launch

Published

1 year ago

February 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carrying NASA science and technology to the Moon as part of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, the Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission is targeted to launch no earlier than Wednesday, Feb. 26. The mission will lift off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Live launch coverage will air on NASA+ with prelaunch events starting Tuesday, Feb. 25. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. Follow all events at:

https://www.nasa.gov/live

After the launch, Intuitive Machines’ lunar lander, Athena, will spend approximately one week in transit to the Moon before landing on the lunar surface no earlier than Thursday, March 6. The lander will carry NASA science investigations and technology demonstrations to further our understanding of the Moon’s environment and help prepare for future human missions to the lunar surface, as part of the agency’s Moon to Mars exploration approach.

Among the items on Intuitive Machines’ lander, the IM-2 mission will be one of the first on-site demonstrations of resource use on the Moon. A drill and mass spectrometer will measure the potential presence of volatiles or gases from lunar soil in Mons Mouton, a lunar plateau in the Moon’s South Pole. In addition, a passive Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) on the top deck of the lander will bounce laser light back at any orbiting or incoming spacecraft to give future spacecraft a permanent reference point on the lunar surface. Other technology instruments on this delivery will demonstrate a robust surface communications system and deploy a propulsive drone that can hop across the lunar surface.

Launching as a rideshare with the IM-2 delivery, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer spacecraft also will begin its journey to lunar orbit, where it will map the distribution of the different forms of water on the Moon.

The deadline has passed for media accreditation for in-person coverage of this launch. The agency’s media accreditation policy is available online. More information about media accreditation is available by emailing: ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.

Full coverage of this mission is as follows (all times Eastern):

Tuesday, Feb. 25

11 a.m. – Lunar science and technology media teleconference with the following participants:

Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA HeadquartersNiki Werkheiser, director, technology maturation, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA HeadquartersJackie Quinn, Polar Resources Ice Mining Experiment 1 (PRIME-1) project manager, NASA KennedyDaniel Cremons, LRA deputy principal investigator, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight CenterBethany Ehlmann, Lunar Trailblazer principal investigator, CaltechTrent Martin, senior vice president, space systems, Intuitive MachinesThierry Klein, president, Bell Labs Solution Research, Nokia

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 10 a.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 25, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.

Wednesday, Feb. 26

11:30 a.m. – Lunar delivery readiness media teleconference with the following participants:

Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA HeadquartersClayton Turner, associate administrator, Space Technology Mission Directorate, NASA HeadquartersTrent Martin, senior vice president, space systems, Intuitive MachinesWilliam Gerstenmaier, vice president, build and flight reliability, SpaceXMelody Lovin, launch weather officer, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s 45th Weather Squadron

Audio of the teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website:

https://www.nasa.gov/live/

Media may ask questions via phone only. For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom no later than 10 a.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 26, at: ksc-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov.

Launch coverage will begin on NASA+ approximately 45 minutes before liftoff. A specific time will be shared the week of Feb. 24.

NASA Launch Coverage
Audio only of the media teleconferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, or -7135. On launch day, the full mission broadcast can be heard on -1220 and -1240, while the countdown net only can be heard on -7135 beginning approximately one hour before the mission broadcast begins.

On launch day, a “tech feed” of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel.

NASA Website Launch Coverage
Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the NASA website. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning Feb. 26, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at 321-867-2468.

NASA Virtual Guests for Launch
Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. Registrants will receive mission updates and activities by email, including curated mission resources, schedule updates, and a virtual guest passport stamp following a successful launch. Print your passport and get ready to add your stamp!

Watch, Engage on Social Media
Let people know you’re following the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by using the hashtag #Artemis. You can also stay connected by following and tagging these accounts:

X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAArtemis, @NASAMoon

Facebook: NASA, NASAKennedy, NASAArtemis

Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAArtemis

Coverage en Español
Did you know NASA has a Spanish section called NASA en español? Check out NASA en español on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for additional mission coverage.

Para obtener información sobre cobertura en español en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en español, comuníquese con Antonia Jaramillo o Messod Bendayan a: antonia.jaramillobotero@nasa.gov o messod.c.bendayan@nasa.gov.

For more information about the agency’s CLPS initiative, see:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

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SOURCE NASA

Technology

Meridian Singapore Immigration Launches New Website to Simplify the PR Application Journey for Foreigners in Singapore

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

New online platform provides clear, structured guidance for Employment Pass and S Pass holders navigating Singapore’s residency and Permanent Residency pathways

SINGAPORE, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. has officially launched its new website at meridianimmigration.sg, a resource built specifically for foreigners living and working in Singapore who are exploring Permanent Residency or long-term residency options.

The platform arrives at a time when Singapore’s expatriate and foreign professional community is growing rapidly, yet many EP and S Pass holders report struggling to find clear, reliable information on the PR application process. Singapore’s immigration framework is among the most structured in Southeast Asia, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and submission windows that change frequently. For individuals navigating this process without professional guidance, the stakes are high and the margin for error is narrow.

Meridian’s website was built to address that gap directly. The platform offers detailed explanations of available immigration pathways, structured consultation options, and educational resources developed by the firm’s team of immigration specialists. Rather than presenting a services catalogue, the site walks users through the considerations relevant to their specific situation, whether they hold an Employment Pass, S Pass, or are planning for their family’s long-term residency in Singapore.

“We built this platform because we saw how overwhelming and confusing the immigration process can be for people who genuinely want to build their lives here,” said a spokesperson for Meridian Singapore Immigration. “Our goal is to be the trusted partner that walks them through every step with clarity and integrity.”

Singapore’s continued attractiveness as a regional hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and technology firms means the pipeline of foreigners seeking long-term residency options remains substantial. At the same time, the ICA’s PR application framework has grown more nuanced, with factors such as economic contributions, family ties, and community integration weighed during assessment. Applicants who proceed without a clear understanding of these criteria often submit applications that are either premature or structurally incomplete.

Meridian’s approach centres on preparation and transparency, helping applicants understand where they stand before they apply and what supporting documentation strengthens their case.

Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd. is a professional immigration consultancy dedicated to guiding individuals and families through Singapore’s immigration process. Specialising in Permanent Residency (PR) applications, residency pathways, and compliance support, Meridian offers clear, structured solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Founded on the values of Guidance, Integrity, and Success, Meridian is committed to making immigration simple, transparent, and accessible for everyone. For more information, visit meridianimmigration.sg or contact info@meridianimmigration.sg / +65 8873 1113.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meridian-singapore-immigration-launches-new-website-to-simplify-the-pr-application-journey-for-foreigners-in-singapore-302757392.html

SOURCE Meridian Singapore Immigration Pte. Ltd.

Technology

Socomec, Daitron team up to meet Japan’s growing power demands

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

TOKYO, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Socomec, a century-old electrical group specialising in mission-critical energy, and Japan’s Daitron, an electronics components distributor, have signed a partnership to deliver power conversion solutions and service backup power and electrical-switching systems across Japan.

The deal combines Socomec’s equipment with Daitron’s on-the-ground engineering team, which has more than 74 years of experience in the Japanese market. The two companies will handle everything from project delivery to ongoing maintenance and spare parts.

The partnership covers three product areas: uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which keep facilities running during outages; power conversion systems, which ensure the availability and continuity of high-quality energy; and static transfer switches, which automatically reroute power loads between sources without interruption.

Beyond equipment sales, the agreement includes training, spare parts, long-term service contracts and a full range of expert services covering prevention, measurement and analysis, consultancy, deployment and optimisation. Socomec will provide product and technical training to Daitron’s team, while Daitron handles installation, servicing and day-to-day client support in Japan.

The target market spans data centres, semiconductor plants, industrial facilities, hospitals and green buildings, all areas where even brief power interruptions can prove costly. Data center demand in particular is surging, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure, with colocation and enterprise facilities among the primary targets.

“Daitron knows the Japanese market inside and out. They have the people, the relationships, and the hands-on experience, and we bring the technology to match,” said Socomec Asia-Pacific CEO O’Niel Dissanayake. “It’s a natural fit, and together we can offer something neither company could deliver alone.”

“Japan’s data centres, chip factories and industrial plants all require power systems they can count on,” said Masaharu Kato, corporate officer of Daitron. “Socomec’s technology is exactly what these customers need, and our job is to make sure it’s installed, maintained and supported properly. That’s what we do best.”

The partnership comes as Japan faces a step change in power demand. Electricity consumption is expected to grow 5.3% over the next decade, driven by data centres and semiconductor factories, according to the country’s grid operator. Industrial energy demand alone is forecast to rise 18.3% over the same period.

That growth is creating strong demand for reliable power infrastructure. Data centres, for example, run around the clock and cannot afford downtime, making backup power and efficient energy management essential. Socomec’s systems are designed to reduce power consumption without sacrificing reliability, a balance that is becoming increasingly important as operators look to manage both costs and environmental commitments.

Both companies say project planning and bids are already underway, with a long-term goal of expanding the partnership’s reach across Japan as demand grows.

About Daitron

Daitron Co., Ltd. is a Japanese engineering and trading company founded in 1952 and headquartered in Osaka. Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TYO: 7609), Daitron sells and manufactures electronic components, semiconductor processing equipment and power supply systems. The company has more than seven decades of experience serving Japan’s electronics and manufacturing industries.

SOCOMEC: When energy matters

Founded in 1922, SOCOMEC is an independent industrial group of more than 4,800 experts spread across the world in 30 subsidiaries. Our vocation: design, manufacture and sale of electrical equipment, with a strong expertize in critical power applications. In 2025, SOCOMEC achieved a turnover of 997 million euros (not yet audited).

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/socomec-daitron-team-up-to-meet-japans-growing-power-demands-302755570.html

SOURCE Socomec

Technology

Multi-Destination Travel Surges Across Asia-Pacific This Labour Day, Trip.com Group Data Shows

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2026

Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-yearMulti-city travel outpaces single-destination growth by more than 2xSoutheast Asia sees strong double-digit growth, with Thailand up to 52% YoY

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2026 /CNW/ — Multi-city travel across Asia-Pacific grew 35% year-on-year this Labour Day period, according to data from Trip.com Group. Several Asia-Pacific markets including Japan, South Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and Mainland China celebrate Labour Day, driving strong cross-border and domestic travel flows across the region.

Over 30% of international trips now span multiple destinations, highlighting a continued shift towards more complex, itinerary-led travel. This shift reflects a growing preference to maximise time and value with multiple destinations within a single trip rather than a single location.

Multi-destination trips become a defining travel pattern

While single-destination travel continues to account for most bookings, growth is increasingly driven by more complex itineraries. Multi-destination bookings are growing at more than twice the pace of single-destination travel, reflecting stronger demand for flexibility and deeper exploration.

Travellers are increasingly structuring trips across multiple cities to maximise both time and value, with popular combinations including:

Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto (Japan)Seoul – Busan (South Korea)Bangkok – Phuket (Thailand)

These itineraries reflect a growing preference for multi-stop journeys that blend urban experiences with leisure destinations.

Southeast Asia sees fast growth in multi-destination travel

Across Southeast Asia, demand for multi-destination travel is rising steadily, with strong growth across key markets of Thailand: 52%, Malaysia: 40%, and Singapore: 17%, according to Trip.com Group data.

Top outbound destinations across Southeast Asian markets include Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), South Korea (Seoul), China (Shanghai, Beijing), Thailand (Bangkok), Indonesia (Bali).

In other parts of Asia such as Hong Kong SAR, multi-destination travel also grew by over 50% year-on-year, highlighting growing preference for more complex itineraries over traditional single-destination trips, particularly in well-connected urban markets.

In Mainland China, domestic travel remains a strong base, while overseas journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-destination itineraries, with over 40% of outbound trips spanning multiple destinations and continuing to grow.

This suggests that travellers in this region are increasingly combining multiple cities within a single trip, supported by strong regional connectivity.

Japan’s domestic travel momentum on the rise

Japan is also seeing shifts in domestic travel behaviour, even as outbound demand continues to grow.

In Japan, domestic travel is growing rapidly, indicating rising interest in travelling within the country, accounting for one-quarter of all flight bookings, and to cities such as Tokyo, Sapporo and Okinawa.

Intra-Asia travel dominates Labour Day demand

The Labour Day holiday period continues to be driven by regional travel within Asia-Pacific, with travellers favouring destinations that offer ease of access, diverse experiences, and flexible itineraries.

The Group’s data highlights the continued strength of short-haul travel, supported by strong connectivity and shorter flight durations.

More broadly, the way people travel across Asia-Pacific is evolving. Travellers taking a more deliberate approach to how they plan their trips. While cross-border journeys are increasingly shaped by multi-city itineraries, domestic travel remains a strong and steady part of the landscape. Together, these patterns point to a more flexible and value-conscious mindset, as travellers look to make the most of both time and budget.

About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.