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NASA Science Continues After Firefly’s First Moon Mission Concludes

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WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — After landing on the Moon with NASA science and technology demonstrations March 2, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 concluded its mission March 16. Analysis of data returned to Earth from the NASA instruments continues, benefitting future lunar missions.

As part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, Firefly’s Blue Ghost lunar lander delivered 10 NASA science and technology instruments to the Mare Crisium basin on the near side of the Moon. During the mission, Blue Ghost captured several images and videos, including imaging a total solar eclipse and a sunset from the surface of the Moon. The mission lasted for about 14 days, or the equivalent of one lunar day, and multiple hours into the lunar night before coming to an end.

“Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 marks the longest surface duration commercial mission on the Moon to date, collecting extraordinary science data that will benefit humanity for decades to come,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “With NASA’s CLPS initiative, American companies are now at the forefront of an emerging lunar economy that lights the way for the agency’s exploration goals on the Moon and beyond.”

All 10 NASA payloads successfully activated, collected data, and performed operations on the Moon. Throughout the mission, Blue Ghost transmitted 119 gigabytes of data back to Earth, including 51 gigabytes of science and technology data. In addition, all payloads were afforded additional opportunities to conduct science and gather more data for analysis, including during the eclipse and lunar sunset.

“Operating on the Moon is complex; carrying 10 payloads, more than has ever flown on a CLPS delivery before, makes the mission that much more impressive,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters. “Teams are eagerly analyzing their data, and we are extremely excited for the expected scientific findings that will be gained from this mission.”

Among other achievements, many of the NASA instruments performed first-of-their-kind science and technology demonstrations, including:

The Lunar Instrumentation for Subsurface Thermal Exploration with Rapidity is now the deepest robotic planetary subsurface thermal probe, drilling up to 3 feet and providing a first-of-its kind demonstration of robotic thermal measurements at varying depths.The Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment acquired and tracked Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) signals, from satellite networks such as GPS and Galileo, for the first time enroute to and on the Moon’s surface. The LuGRE payload’s record-breaking success indicates that GNSS signals could complement other navigation methods and be used to support future Artemis missions. It also acts as a stepping stone to future navigation systems on Mars.The Radiation Tolerant Computer successfully operated in transit through Earth’s Van Allen belts, as well as on the lunar surface into the lunar night, verifying solutions to mitigate radiation effects on computers that could make future missions safer for equipment and more cost effective.The Electrodynamic Dust Shield successfully lifted and removed lunar soil, or regolith, from surfaces using electrodynamic forces, demonstrating a promising solution for dust mitigation on future lunar and interplanetary surface operations.The Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder successfully deployed five sensors to study the Moon’s interior by measuring electric and magnetic fields. The instrument allows scientists to characterize the interior of the Moon to depths up to 700 miles, or more than half the distance to the Moon’s center.The Lunar Environment heliospheric X-ray Imager captured a series of X-ray images to study the interaction of the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field, providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces surrounding Earth affect the planet.The Next Generation Lunar Retroreflector successfully reflected and returned laser light from two Lunar Laser Ranging Observatories, returning measurements allowing scientists to precisely measure the Moon’s shape and distance from Earth, expanding our understanding of the Moon’s inner structure.The Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies instrument captured about 9,000 images during the spacecraft’s lunar descent and touchdown on the Moon, providing insights into the effects engine plumes have on the surface. The payload also operated during the lunar sunset and into the lunar night.The Lunar PlanetVac was deployed on the lander’s surface access arm and successfully collected, transferred, and sorted lunar soil using pressurized nitrogen gas, demonstrating a low-cost, low-mass solution for future robotic sample collection.The Regolith Adherence Characterization instrument examined how lunar regolith sticks to a range of materials exposed to the Moon’s environment, which can help test, improve, and protect spacecraft, spacesuits, and habitats from abrasive lunar dust or regolith.

The data captured will benefit humanity in many ways, providing insights into how space weather and other cosmic forces may impact Earth. Establishing an improved awareness of the lunar environment ahead of future crewed missions will help plan for long-duration surface operations under Artemis.

To date, five vendors have been awarded 11 lunar deliveries under CLPS and are sending more than 50 instruments to various locations on the Moon, including the lunar South Pole and far side.

Learn more about NASA’s CLPS initiative at:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

 

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SOURCE NASA

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Germany

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BERLIN, Nov. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces five of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Germany.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

FROM €99 PP—HESSE: 3 DAYS AT A CASTLE HOTEL WITH DINNER IN THE KNIGHTS’ HALL
A crackling fireplace and historic suits of armor on the walls: a cozy winter evening at Staufenberg Castle. Included for us Club Members: a 3-course dinner in the Knights’ Hall, which is more than 500 years old.

€499 PP—TUSCANY: VILLA WITH COOKING CLASS & 6-COURSE DINNER
“Fantastic cooking class, wonderful wine tasting, excellent dinner.” Club Members love Villa Patriarca, which is why we’ve negotiated another offer. Save 50% for three nights in a junior suite compared to the market price.

FROM €299 PP—NEW 5-STAR HOTEL IN PORTO WITH FLIGHTS
Three nights in a prime location next to the historic city walls. Views of the Douro River from the outdoor hot tub. A special price to celebrate the opening of this boutique hotel: the offer regularly costs €580.

€89 PP—3 DAYS AT A BOUTIQUE HOTEL ON SYLT
A ship’s wheel on the wall and a historic nautical chart on the ceiling. Or Delft tiles in the bathroom and a tiger-print rug. Every room at Haus Noge is unique. In the off-season, we travel enthusiasts pay €89 instead of €267 per person.

FROM €399 PP—TURKEY: 1 WEEK ALL-INCLUSIVE WITH FLIGHTS
Relax on a sandy beach and soak up the sun at the start of the season in April. Included for Club Members: a sea-view room and all meals and drinks. There’s also a sports and entertainment program, from beach volleyball to tennis.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travelers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Travelzoo
Unter den Linden 40
10117 Berlin

Media Contact: 
Natalia Cwierz – Berlin
+49 30 311 975 20
ncwierz@travelzoo.com

 

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SOURCE Travelzoo

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“Pulse @ Jurong” launches as a New Digital Community Platform connecting Everyday Life across Singapore’s West

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Developed by Jurong Point and Link Asset Management, the app extends the mall’s role beyond its physical space to serve as a digital connector for the wider community in the West.

New community-centric app brings transport updates, local discoveries, neighbourhood happenings and offers together in one place.

Built around the needs of residents, workers and visitors, with input from a focus group and closed beta involving 270 people living and working in the West.Connects people to the diversity of Jurong, bringing together everyday convenience, neighbourhood discoveries and community happenings in one platform.Jurong Point serves as the launchpad for the wider Jurong community, with future features shaped by user feedback and potential portfolio expansion.

SINGAPORE, Nov. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pulse @ Jurong, a new community-centric digital platform developed by Jurong Point and Link Asset Management, has officially launched to bring everyday life across Singapore’s West closer together. Designed around the needs of residents, workers, students and visitors, the app connects transport information, neighbourhood businesses, local dining and retail offers, community activities and essential amenities in one convenient platform.

With Jurong Point as its starting point, Pulse @ Jurong serves the wider Jurong community, connecting people to neighbourhood businesses, services and experiences beyond the mall. The initiative reflects Jurong Point’s evolving role as a community hub and Link’s commitment to strengthening connections between its assets and the communities they serve.

Designed around everyday needs

Whether checking bus arrival times before leaving home, looking for a nearby meal, finding an upcoming community programme or discovering a relevant dining offer, users can access multiple aspects of their day through one app. Pulse brings together transport information and alerts, parking and EV-charging information, food and dining recommendations, neighbourhood amenities and services, and community events. Users can also discover eligible retail and dining offers, claim them through the app and keep them in an in-app wallet.

At launch, Pulse includes more than 470 store listings alongside local discoveries and places of interest. The app is designed for a potential Jurong West residential catchment of more than 250,000 people (this figure does not represent registered users).

Shaped with the Community, for the Community

The platform is developed with input from focus groups and closed beta involving 270 people living and working in the West over eight months, Pulse reflects feedback on transport, deals and neighbourhood discovery. This initial launch will be followed by further enhancements shaped by community feedback and actual usage. AI-assisted tools were also used to support feedback analysis and identify recurring themes.

“Access to timely and useful local information can help residents plan their day and participate more actively in community life. I hope Pulse @ Jurong will complement existing community channels and make it easier for residents to stay informed, discover activities nearby and feel more connected to the people and places around them,” said Mr Patrick Tay, Member of Parliament for Pioneer SMC and Adviser to Pioneer Grassroots Organisations.

“We began by looking at what people across Jurong need in their everyday lives, beyond what happens within the mall. Pulse is being piloted in Jurong to make local information, community activities and neighbourhood businesses easier to discover, while exploring how a digital platform can complement physical retail spaces and strengthen community connections. This is only the beginning. We will continue refining the platform and introducing new features based on feedback from residents, merchants and community partners. As we assess adoption, sustained engagement and the outcomes of this pilot, a successful model could potentially be adapted across Link’s wider portfolio,” said Mr Andy Kau, General Manager, Jurong Point.

Making Community Happenings easier to Discover

Pulse @ Jurong is intended to complement existing community and public-service channels by helping residents discover nearby events, activities and volunteer opportunities. Where available, users can follow links to the relevant organisers’ platforms to register or learn more.

Working with The Frontier and Boon Lay Community Clubs and local stakeholders, Jurong Point aims to broaden the visibility of local activities and provide another channel through which residents can connect with their community.

Supporting Local Business and strengthening the Jurong ecosystem

Beyond community information, Pulse @ Jurong creates a new digital discovery channel connecting residents and visitors with local businesses across Singapore’s West. The platform features 200 Jurong Point tenants and more than 300 neighbourhood merchants in the surrounding precincts, bringing together a diverse mix of retail, dining, services and everyday experiences in one convenient app.

Participating businesses can increase their visibility, showcase relevant offerings and engage customers through targeted promotions and campaigns. By connecting digital discovery with physical visits, the platform aims to encourage local spending, support neighbourhood businesses and strengthen the wider commercial ecosystem.

“For hawkers and small businesses in the neighbourhood, reaching new customers beyond our regular patrons is always important. Many residents may not be aware of the variety of food and services available just around the corner. The Jurong Point team took the time to engage us personally and guide us through how to use Pulse @ Jurong, making it easier for merchants like us to come on board. The app gives us another way to showcase what we offer, reach new customers and encourage more people to explore and support local businesses. It is encouraging to see Jurong Point extending its reach beyond the mall to bring the wider business community together,” said Mr Anthony Low Hock Kee, Vice President of The Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore, and owner of Xin Sheng Ngoh Hiong Prawn Cracker at Boon Lay Place Food Village.

“Many neighbourhood merchants rely on word-of-mouth and returning customers, but there is often a wider audience nearby that may not be aware of what local businesses have to offer. Pulse @ Jurong provides a valuable platform for merchants to increase their visibility and connect with more residents in the community. Beyond supporting local businesses, it also helps bring people closer to the activities, services and experiences available in the neighbourhood. We are encouraged to see Jurong Point extending its role beyond the mall to strengthen connections across the wider Jurong community,” said Mr Kuek Chiew Peng, BBM(L) Chairman, Boon Lay Merchants’ Association for Boon Lay Shopping Centre.

Through its tenant relationships, on-site touchpoints and engagement with local merchants, Jurong Point is helping connect the mall with the wider Jurong community.

The launch also marks an important step in Link’s approach to digital placemaking, exploring how technology can complement physical retail assets, deepen customer engagement and create measurable value for tenants and community partners. Insights from adoption, usage and merchant participation will guide the platform’s continued development and potential expansion.

Discover More of the West with Pulse @ Jurong

To celebrate the launch, new users who sign up for Pulse @ Jurong from 7 November 2026 can enjoy dining and retail vouchers at the designated sign-up booths within Jurong Point, giving them an added incentive to discover and experience the offerings.

Adding to the excitement, users will also have the opportunity to stand a chance to win a JAECOO 6, an off-road-inspired electric SUV, as part of a launch lucky draw. Further details on participation and eligibility will be announced.

Pulse @ Jurong is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Residents and visitors are invited to download the app to explore real-time transport information, neighbourhood dining and retail offers, local discoveries and community happenings across Singapore’s West.

Download Pulse @ Jurong:

Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/id6770556908
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mll.pls

Stay connected with Pulse @ Jurong:

Follow Pulse @ Jurong on Facebook and Instagram for the latest neighbourhood discoveries, community happenings, exclusive offers and updates on upcoming activities.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pulseatjurong/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulseatjurong/

Everyday Information in One Place

Pulse @ Jurong enables users to:

Plan their journeys
Access transport information and alerts, including bus arrival timings, traffic and train alerts, parking availability and EV-charging information.Discover what is nearby
Browse store listings, alongside local food and dining recommendations, neighbourhood amenities, services and places of interest across Pioneer, Jurong and nearby areas.Stay connected with the community
Discover upcoming community events, programmes and volunteer opportunities, with direct links to the relevant platforms for users to register their interest.Access relevant offers
Discover retail and dining offers, claim them through the app and store them in the in-app wallet.

About Pulse @ Jurong

Pulse @ Jurong is a community-centric digital platform developed by Jurong Point and Link Asset Management Limited to connect people, places, businesses and everyday experiences across Singapore’s West.

Designed for residents, workers, students and visitors, the app brings together real-time transport information, neighbourhood discoveries, dining and retail offers, local amenities and community happenings in one convenient platform. It also provides a digital discovery channel for Jurong Point tenants and neighbourhood merchants, helping local businesses connect with customers and encouraging greater participation in the local economy.

For more information about Pulse @ Jurong, please visit https://www.pulseatjurong.com.sg/

About Jurong Point

With 750,000 square feet of lettable space, Jurong Point is one of Singapore’s largest suburban lifestyle destination for shoppers in Singapore. Strategically located in the western part of Singapore and connected to Boon Lay MRT and Bus Interchange, the mall attracts an average footfall of 5.6 million visits a month.

Jurong Point is also home to a number of thematic precincts, such as, Japanese Food Street and Mongkok streets. The mall aims to meet shoppers’ diverse needs with anchor tenants like FairPrice Xtra, Harvey Norman, Kopitiam, Malaysia Boleh, Don Don Donki and more than 400 retail and food & beverage outlets that offer a dazzling array of merchandise, services and culinary delights.

Apart from being a retail destination, it also shares its space with a large cluster of 11 community and civic institutions, such as SAGE, AMP, TARA and My First Skool. The mall not only serves a 250,000 residential population but a 100,000 PMET Workforce as well within its 5 kilometre radius.

For more information about Jurong Point, please visit https://sg.linkreit.com/malls/jurong-point/

About Link Asset Management Limited

Link Asset Management Limited (Link) is a leading, independent, and fully integrated real estate investor and manager focusing on the APAC region. It manages Link Real Estate Investment Trust (Link REIT, Hong Kong stock code: 823), the largest REIT in Asia, and its real estate investment portfolio. Link also aims to leverage its investment management capabilities to serve as a trusted investment manager to capital partners through its business line, Link Real Estate Partners.

Building on its strong track record over almost two decades, Link targets to deliver resilient returns and growth to its unitholders. Link offers a “REIT plus” investment case through its strategic focus on diversifying the Link REIT Portfolio across geographies and asset classes in APAC and expanding its investment management business.

Link aspires to be the trusted partner in APAC real estate sector for unitholders, capital partners, tenants, and the wider communities it serves. 

For more information about Link, please visit https://www.laml.com/en/

Chinese Translations

Jurong Point 裕廊坊

Link Asset Management Limited 领展资产管理有限公司

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SOURCE Jurong Point and Link Asset Management

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2026 China International Intelligent Communication Forum Held in Wuxi

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WUXI, China, Nov. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From November 8 to 10, the 2026 China International Intelligent Communication Forum (CIICF), jointly organized by China Media Group (CMG) and the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government, is held in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.

At the forum, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) releases the “2026 Report on the Development of Chinese Cities’ International Intelligent Communication Capabilities”, examining the key characteristics, current challenges and innovative pathways in the development of Chinese cities’ international intelligent communication. A new episode of the original franchise “Global Youth Talk” is also launched. Representatives of key cultural industry projects in Wuxi sign agreements on stage. The forum also launches the “Wuxi Initiative of the China International Intelligent Communication Forum,” calling on all parties to work together to build a new global ecosystem for intelligent communication that is open, inclusive, collaborative and mutually beneficial.

Lu Bingheng, Chairman of the National Technical Committee on Additive Manufacturing Standardization, Director of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Center and Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University; Michael Levitt, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry and Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences; Ge Yuefeng, Deputy General Manager of China Time and Space Information Group Co., Ltd.; and Scott Ross, Founder of Digital Domain, Former Senior Vice President of Lucasfilm and Former President of Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), are among the guests sharing theoretical vision and practical perspectives. They exchange ideas on intelligent communication and media transformation, technological innovation and industrial development, and mutual learning among civilizations and international cooperation, building consensus on future development.

The forum also features a series of side events, including the 2026 Forum on the International Communication of Digital Culture, the AIGC Digital and Intelligent Industries Forum, the “Wuxi Dialogue” on Local International Communication, a closed-door industry dialogue, the “Film Music • Wuxi Night” gala, and the 2026 “Experience China Insights from Wuxi” International Media Tour.

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SOURCE CIICF

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