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B612 Foundation Announces 2026 Winner of the Schweickart Prize

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University of Edinburgh Researchers Brian P. Murphy and Richard E. Cannon Recognized for Proposal to Expand Planetary Defense to Humanity’s New Frontiers

SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — B612 Foundation announced the recipient of the annual Schweickart Prize. This year’s honor goes to a proposal calling for planetary defense to extend beyond Earth’s surface, encompassing the rapidly expanding network of critical infrastructure throughout cislunar space. The Prize, a program of B612, recognizes original student proposals seeking to advance humanity’s understanding of and preparedness for asteroid impacts.

“Rusty Schweickart taught us that planetary defense is ultimately an act of stewardship,” said Danica Remy, President of B612 and co-founder of Asteroid Day. “This year’s winning proposal challenges us to think beyond protecting life and assets on the surface of the Earth and to consider how we safeguard the infrastructure and communities humanity will depend on throughout the Earth-Moon system. It is exactly the kind of bold, forward-looking thinking the Schweickart Prize was created to encourage.”

“As human activity and vital interests rapidly expand into regions beyond the protective shield of our atmosphere, the number of passing objects capable of causing serious damage to both life and critical infrastructure increases dramatically. Our Schweickart Prize winners this year have called for a comprehensive and systematic examination of this emerging reality,” said Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut and co-founder emeritus of B612 Foundation.

The winning proposal, Untold Threats: A Worldwide Call to Defend New Frontiers, was developed by Brian P. Murphy and Richard E. Cannon of the University of Edinburgh. Their work highlights emerging threats posed by meteoroid storms, ejecta from asteroid deflection and mining operations, lunar impacts, and other hazards that could jeopardize the rapidly expanding ecosystem of satellites, communications systems, lunar infrastructure, and future space-based industries.

The proposal calls for establishing an International Commission on Space Infrastructure Resilience (ICSIR) to investigate these risks and develop recommendations for the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Ultimately, the authors envision creating a permanent international coordinating body, termed WARDEN (Warning-network for Asset Resilience from Dusts, Ejecta, and NEOs), to complement existing planetary defense organizations and coordinate the protection of humanity’s assets beyond Earth.

“As civilization becomes increasingly dependent on infrastructure in Earth orbit and cislunar space, we believe planetary defense must evolve accordingly,” said Brian Murphy, who co-authored the proposal with Richard Cannon. “Our work seeks to ensure that humanity’s future expansion into space remains safe, sustainable, and resilient. We are deeply honored to receive the Schweickart Prize and hope this proposal sparks broader international conversations about protecting these new frontiers.”

The winning proposal will be presented publicly today, June 23, via a live online event open to the press and the public, where the authors will share their work. Registration is available at schweickartprize.org.

Honorable Mentions: B612 also extends its recognition to the other proposals that demonstrated merit and innovative thinking in addressing critical aspects of planetary defense. This year’s honorable mentions include:

Like Streaks Passing in the Night: A Novel One-Tracklet Earth Impactor Detection Pipeline for LSST, Ian Chow (University of Washington)

The Incremental Benefits of Eccentric Collisions in Asteroid Kinetic Deflection Missions, Kinthong Lee (Tsinghua University)

Project Pathfinder, Finn McGeever, James Beioley, Jack Campbell, Yogesh Andiyappan, Sergio Sanoja Hernandez, Pau Costa Aura (Cranfield University)

The official presentation of the physical museum-quality prize and the $10,000 award will take place at a public ceremony at Lowell Observatory on June 27, coinciding with Asteroid Day Arizona activities. Rusty Schweickart, joined by fellow astronauts Nicole Stott, Dr. Ed Lu, Steve Smith, and Anousheh Ansari, science communicator Scott Manley, and Amanda Bosh, executive director of Lowell Observatory, will present the prize in person.

The public is invited to join the celebration and participate in Asteroid Day activities taking place throughout the weekend at Lowell Observatory and Meteor Crater.

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh will organize a celebration event later this year to recognize the award and the team.

Further details on the winning proposal can be found at SchweickartPrize.org. Event information for Asteroid Day Arizona is available at asteroiddayaz.com.

About the Schweickart Prize: The Schweickart Prize, a program of B612, is an annual award that fosters a new generation of leaders in planetary defense and encourages ideas to help protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts. The prize is named after Russell “Rusty” Schweickart, Apollo 9 astronaut, co-founder of the Association of Space Explorers, and co-founder of B612. The Prize is co-chaired by Randy Schweickart and Rusty B. Schweickart. For more information, visit Schweickartprize.org. The founding sponsors who have funded the Schweickart Prize program include Anousheh Ansari, Barringer Crater Company, Future Ventures, Geoffrey Notkin, Jurvetson Family Foundation, Meteor Crater Enterprises, Randy Schweickart and Michelle Heng, and Rusty B. Schweickart and Joanne Keys.

About B612 Foundation: A United States-based nonprofit, founded in 2002, develops tools and technologies to understand, map, and navigate our solar system and protect our planet from asteroid impacts through its Asteroid Institute program and supporting educational programs, including Asteroid Day and the Schweickart Prize. Founding Circle and Asteroid Circle members, as well as individual donors from 46 countries, support the work financially. For more information, visit B612foundation.org or follow on social: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Bluesky.

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SOURCE B612 Foundation

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Design Intelligence for an Integrated Future: Gstarsoft Strengthens Its Open CAD+BIM+AI Ecosystem

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XI’AN, China and LYON, France, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gstarsoft, the global provider of industrial software and digital design solutions, today unveiled its latest design portfolio spanning CAD, BIM, cloud solutions and AI technologies.

The launch reflects the company’s strategy of integrating CAD/BIM technologies, open ecosystem capabilities and industry-focused AI models into a unified intelligent design platform. By embedding intelligent capabilities into engineering workflows — from drawing recognition and design assistance to collaboration and project delivery — Gstarsoft aims to help organizations improve productivity, enhance interoperability and accelerate digital transformation.

An Integrated Intelligent Design Platform

A key highlight of the launch is Gstarsoft’s new intelligent design architecture, built around two layers: a product matrix and a set of core technology engines.

The product matrix provides an integrated platform for design collaboration and management, supporting end-to-end workflows across engineering, construction and manufacturing. It spans 2D CAD, 3D CAD, BIM, CAM, cloud collaboration and industry-specific solutions, while incorporating AI capabilities focused on both data intelligence and operational intelligence.

Supporting this portfolio are three core technology engines: CAD/BIM core technologies, open integration capabilities and AI-powered industry models. These core engines enable key capabilities, empowering product development and ecosystem expansion across the entire ecosystem.

Together, they represent an evolution from a standalone CAD solution into a full-stack intelligent design platform, helping organizations improve productivity, lower adoption barriers and accelerate digital transformation.

CAD + BIM: Connecting Existing Design Workflows with Model-Based Delivery

At the core of the portfolio is an integrated design environment spanning 2D CAD, 3D design, BIM and manufacturing-oriented workflows. Together, these solutions support a more connected workflow spanning design, modelling, coordination and production.

The latest release of GstarCAD 2027 delivers significant improvements in stability, performance and usability, upgraded with 7.6x drawing regeneration efficiency, 2x open-speed improvement, and 8x memory optimization. Designed for demanding engineering environments, the CAD software supports large-scale drawings, enhanced parametric constraints and expanded compatibility across operating systems and industry ecosystems.In the building sector, GstarBIM 2027 expands its capabilities with integrated architectural, MEP and interior design workflows, advanced 2D-to-3D conversion, point cloud modeling and AI-assisted visualization. The platform also strengthens support for open standards, including IFC-based collaboration.A major addition to the portfolio is GstarCAM, Gstarsoft’s new computer-aided manufacturing solution. By extending digital workflows beyond design and modelling into manufacturing preparation, GstarCAM helps connect engineering data with downstream production processes, further strengthening continuity between design intent and manufacturing execution.

Cloud: Connecting Teams, Data and Workflows Across the Design Lifecycle

Gstarsoft’s cloud portfolio is designed to support a hybrid transition.

GstarCAD Cloud introduces a cloud-native 2D CAD platform that enables browser-based design, real-time collaboration and secure drawing management. Built on the same core technology and file formats as desktop CAD, it supports seamless workflow continuity across cloud and local environments.Gstar3D Cloud delivers an AI-powered cloud collaboration platform for product design and engineering. The solution combines browser-based 3D modelling, intelligent interaction and unified data management, while connecting design, review and manufacturing workflows within a single environment.GstarCAD 365 expands its capabilities as a cloud CAD collaboration hub, supporting online review, in-place markup and secure document sharing. Designed for cross-functional teams, it helps streamline communication, approval processes and drawing management throughout the project lifecycle.

AI: Transforming Design Data into Engineering Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is integrated across the new portfolio through a range of workflow-oriented applications.

AI Assistant brings natural-language interaction into CAD workflows. Designed to support design generation, task automation and engineering knowledge access, it helps transform CAD from a command-driven tool into a more intelligent design environment.AI ScanToCAD converts image-based drawings into editable CAD content. Leveraging AI-powered recognition and vector reconstruction, it enables organizations to digitize legacy documentation and transform raster drawings into reusable DWG/DXF assets.GstarRender extends the portfolio’s AI capabilities into visualization and design communication. Designed for architecture, interior design, landscape, urban planning and renovation projects, the platform supports concept generation, design refinement, high-quality rendering, intelligent editing and animation creation.

As design and engineering industries continue their transition toward AI-enabled, cloud-connected and data-driven workflows, Gstarsoft positions its new portfolio as a practical pathway toward digital transformation—one that combines CAD, BIM, cloud solutions and AI technologies within an open and connected ecosystem.

About Gstarsoft

Gstarsoft Co., Ltd., established in 2001, is a leading provider of R&D-focused industrial software. With a mission to be “customer-centric – making design more efficient, collaboration smoother, and value sustainable,” the company is committed to becoming a world-class, product-innovation-driven industrial software provider, delivering a full spectrum of solutions including 2D CAD, 3D CAD, BIM, AI CAD, and cloud-based CAD. Currently, Gstarsoft’s products and services cover more than 100 countries, with a cumulative global user base exceeding 100 million.

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SOURCE Gstarsoft

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CMHK Achieves Comprehensive Network Upgrade

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Completing 2G Service Cessation and Advancing to 5.5G Intelligent Communications

HONG KONG, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (“CMHK”) today announced, with the approval of the Communications Authority (“CA”), the official cessation of its second-generation mobile communications (“2G”) service. This milestone marks CMHK as the first mobile network operator in Hong Kong to provide only 4G, 5G and 5.5G high-speed mobile communications services, underscoring the Company’s continued commitment to building a more efficient, intelligent and future-ready mobile network in Hong Kong.

Driving the continuous advancement of network technology

CMHK remains committed to the advancement of network technology and continuous enhancement of its network infrastructure and service capabilities. Following the cessation of its 3G service in June 2025, the completion of 2G service cessation today marks another significant milestone in the Company’s network evolution. Valuable spectrum resources and related technologies will be reallocated to the development of 5G and 5.5G networks, further enhancing network capacity, coverage efficiency and intelligent management. This will bring customers a faster, lower-latency and more stable mobile communications experience, while supporting the rapid development of AI applications, the IoT, industry digitalization and smart city innovation. It will also establish a solid foundation for the long-term development of Hong Kong’s network infrastructure and information technology ecosystem.

AI Technology Empowers Network Upgrade

During this network upgrade, CMHK made full use of AI technologies to optimize the entire transition process. Through big data analytics and machine learning models, the Company accurately identified 2G users and engaged them through intelligent outbound calls, SMS messages and app reminders, achieving cumulative customer reach of more than 8 million touchpoints.

In addition, CMHK leveraged its self-developed AI-powered intelligent network to help teams rapidly identify terminal compatibility and potential service needs, significantly enhancing customer service and support efficiency. Together with real-time monitoring of network quality and user experience, overall network performance remained stable throughout the process, enabling a smooth technology transition with minimal impact on customers.

Caring Support and Social Responsibility

CMHK remains committed to balancing technology advancement with social responsibility, and has established a comprehensive customer support system to ensure a smooth transition. For elderly customers using legacy devices, the Company proactively provided one-on-one on-site and remote assistance, large-print user guides, dedicated hotlines and priority service channels at retail stores, ensuring a worry-free and seamless transition for customers. The Company also introduced dedicated subsidies to support customers in replacing legacy devices, and offered free replacement of next-generation USIM cards. In addition, written notifications were sent by registered mail, while terminal device subsidies have been extended to 31 December 2026, ensuring a seamless upgrade of customers’ communications experience.

The completion of 2G service cessation marks the fulfilment of a historic mission in the development of mobile communications. It also marks Hong Kong’s mobile network entering a new stage of greater efficiency, intelligence and innovation. Looking ahead, CMHK will continue to focus on the core development of 5.5G, while further investing in innovative technology research and development, AI-powered network intelligence and smart city infrastructure. The Company will continue to empower the digital transformation of industries and support Hong Kong in developing into an international innovation and technology hub with global influence.

About China Mobile Hong Kong Limited

China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (“CMHK”) is the wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited (HKEx: 941), which is listed on the Fortune Global 500. CMHK was incepted in January 1997 and was the first mobile network operator to launch PCS services in Hong Kong.

As the world’s leading mobile network brand with the largest customer base*, The Company offers innovative and comprehensive 5G communications services, including voice, data, IDD and international roaming. The Company is committed to the development of 5G with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, cloud computing and big data, integrating 5G applications in different industries, promoting the construction and development of smart city groups in Greater Bay Area.

* China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile Limited. As of 31 December 2025, China Mobile Limited had the largest number of mobile network subscribers in the world.

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SOURCE China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited

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Prime Your Home with Dreame: Save Up to £360 Across Smart Home, Beauty and Lifestyle Products

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LONDON, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes one of the most anticipated shopping moments of the year: Prime Day. Whether you’re hosting friends for a barbecue, preparing for family visits, tackling a seasonal deep-clean or getting ready for your summer holidays, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your home and daily routine with smarter technology.

Building on the success of its early-access promotions, Dreame continues its “Prime Your Home with Dreame” campaign, offering intelligent solutions across home care, comfort, organisation and personal care. Designed to simplify everyday tasks and enhance the way consumers live at home, Dreame’s Prime Day deals make it easier than ever to enjoy a cleaner, more comfortable and more efficient summer.

From June 23 to June 26, consumers can enjoy exclusive savings of up to £360 on a wide range of Dreame products through Amazon, Dreame’s official online store and selected retail partners. The campaign includes flagship robot vacuums, cordless stick vacuums and beauty devices, offering something for every corner of the modern home.

Dreame Prime Day Hot Deals

Robot Vacuum Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller Complete | £739 (RRP £1,099) | Save £360

This robot vacuum redefines floor cleaning with its “roll, climb, refresh” approach. Its advanced AquaRoll™ mopping system uses a roller-style mop that cleans and self-cleans continuously while mopping, delivering effortless, streak-free results. The AutoSeal™ protector safeguards carpets by preventing excess moisture, making it ideal for mixed-floor homes. Meanwhile, ThermoHub™ self-cleaning at 100°C keeps the roller hygienic, and FluffRoll™ technology maintains consistent softness and high cleaning performance over time, while delivers powerful 30,000 Pa Vormax™ suction.

Robot Vacuum Dreame L10s Ultra Gen 3 | £349 (RRP £479) | Save £130

Delivers 25,000 Pa Vormax™ suction combined with DuoScrub™ technology to effectively tackle spills and deep-clean all floor types. Its flexible dual-arm system extends reach for improved coverage in corners and hard-to-reach areas, while the AceClean™ DryBoard helps reduce residue buildup for a consistently cleaner finish. The PowerDock™ multifunction station automates mop cleaning and dust emptying for fully hands-free maintenance, while 10.5 mm mop lift technology ensures safe and effective carpet cleaning. Designed for convenience and hygiene, it offers a complete automated solution, especially well-suited for pet-friendly homes.

Robot Vacuum Dreame L50s Pro Ultra | £529 (RRP £649) | Save £120

Engineered for deep cleaning performance, the L50s Pro Ultra delivers an impressive 30,000Pa suction power and dual anti-tangle rollers for effortless hair pickup. Its ThermoHub™ self-cleaning system at 100°C keeps mop pads hygienic and ready for continuous use, while the HyperStream™ dual brush system prevents hair tangling for effortless maintenance. Designed for intelligent mobility, it features EasyLeap™ obstacle crossing up to 40 mm, allowing it to move smoothly and safely over thresholds and uneven surfaces. Together, these innovations create a fully automated, high-performance cleaning experience with minimal intervention.

Robot Vacuum L40 Ultra AE | £399 (RRP £499) | Save £100

The L40 Ultra AE is a versatile, no-compromise cleaning solution. Its 19,000Pa suction, liftable rubber main brush, and complementary TriCut brush work together to tackle everything from fine dust to large debris across carpets and hard floors, while minimising hair tangles. When cleaning is done, 75°C hot water mop washing and an advanced self-cleaning washboard make maintenance effortless.

Robot Vacuum L40 Ultra A | £309 (RRP £449) | Save £140

The L40 Ultra A is our Amazon-exclusive model, combining powerful performance with an accessible price tag. With 24,000Pa suction, a detangling TriCut brush, and MopExtend™ Roboswing for up to 4cm of extended mop coverage, it leaves no corner untouched. AceClean™ Dryboard and PowerDock™ handle the rest — so you don’t have to.

Stick Vacuum Z30 Pro Aqua | £419 (RRP £549) | Save £130

The Z30 Pro Aqua is a versatile 2-in-1 wet and dry stick vacuum built to handle any mess. Its AquaCycle™ 2.0 wet cleaning brush sprays, scrapes, scrubs, and suctions wet spills in one seamless motion, while the TangleCut multi-surface brush delivers a thorough, tangle-free clean for dry debris. A 90° bendable extension rod, 180° wide swivel head, and up to 90 minutes of battery life ensure no corner of your home goes untouched.

Dreame Airstyle Pro 7-in-1 Hair Styler | £199 (RRP £299) | Save £100

Dreame’s most iconic styling device to date includes seven interchangeable attachments, offering versatile styling options ranging from sleek straight looks to beach waves and defined curls. Featuring a 55m³/h airflow system, three controlled temperature settings and NTC thermal monitoring, it delivers salon-quality results while helping protect hair from heat damage.

Hairdryer Set Pocket Pro | Sale Price £129 (RRP £149)| Save £20

The Pocket Pro hair dryer set packs professional-grade performance into a portable and foldable design. Negative ion technology and an NTC thermistor work together to dry hair quickly while keeping it protected from heat damage. With 5 modes and a full suite of attachments — an anti-frizz nozzle, diffuser, styling attachment, and 2 curling barrels — it has everything you need to achieve any look, whether for daily use or as a thoughtful gift.

Hairdryer Dreame Glory Combo | Sale Price £69 (RRP £89 )| Save £20

The Glory Combo combines elegant design with accessible pricing, proving that great performance doesn’t have to come at a premium. Its 110,000 RPM motor delivers 70 m/s airflow to dry hair in just 2 minutes, while advanced negative ion technology leaves hair smooth and frizz-free. Weighing just 350g, it’s easy to take anywhere, and with 4 temperature settings and 2 airflow speeds, styling is always on your terms. An NTC sensor rounds it out by maintaining even heat distribution to keep hair healthy and protected.

These Prime Day offers are available from June 23 to June 26 through Amazon, Dreame’s official website and selected retail partners.

With smart solutions across cleaning, beauty, and home comforts, Dreame’s Prime Day campaign offers consumers the perfect opportunity to upgrade their homes for summer while enjoying some of the brand’s most competitive promotions of the year!

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