Business
SpaceX to Safely Return Stranded NASA Astronauts Next Year
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, who have been stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over two months, are set to return to Earth in February 2025 with the help of SpaceX. The two astronauts embarked on what was initially planned as an eight-day mission on June 5, but due to technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, their stay in orbit has been extended to nearly eight months.
The Starliner encountered several problems on its way to the ISS, including helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, which ultimately made it unsafe for a crewed return journey. As a result, NASA decided that the astronauts will now return aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft instead of the un-crewed Starliner.
Boeing and SpaceX had both been awarded contracts by NASA to provide commercial space flights for astronauts, with Boeing receiving $4.2 billion and SpaceX $2.6 billion. While SpaceX has successfully launched nine crewed missions for NASA, Boeing’s first attempt at a crewed mission has been plagued with difficulties.
Engineers from Boeing and NASA have been working diligently to understand and address the technical issues with the Starliner. Despite their efforts, the decision was made to prioritize the astronauts’ safety by extending their stay on the ISS and arranging for their return via SpaceX.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the inherent risks of space flight, particularly during test missions, and reiterated NASA’s commitment to safety as its top priority.
SpaceX is scheduled to launch its next Crew Dragon mission at the end of September, originally intended to carry four astronauts. However, the mission will now have only two astronauts on board, leaving space for Williams and Wilmore to join them for the journey back to Earth in February 2025.
Boeing, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of both the crew and the spacecraft, focusing on ensuring a successful and safe un-crewed return of the Starliner.
Business
Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings
Supermarket chain Iceland has filed a trademark application for its well-known “King Prawn Rings,” urging rival supermarkets to stop selling similar products. Iceland, headquartered in Flintshire, claims it has faced increasing imitation since introducing its prawn rings in 1991.
In a bold open letter shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Iceland called out major competitors Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, and Asda, accusing them of selling “copy crustaceans.” The letter cheekily asserted, “The King Prawn Ring is ours, and we won’t be letting you off the hook.”
Lidl humorously responded, “Here was us thinking it was a classic 1970s party dish.”
Iceland’s letter, signed by “Iceland Foods,” warned other retailers to cease selling prawn rings, especially ahead of Christmas. The chain emphasized its intent to pursue legal action if competitors don’t comply, declaring, “Our lawyers are more than ready to dive into legal waters.”
The prawn ring battle has sparked social media buzz, with consumers eagerly watching how rival supermarkets will respond to Iceland’s trademark claim.
Business
Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says
The union representing striking Boeing workers has stated that its members are not interested in the company’s latest pay proposal, which includes a 30% raise over four years. According to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a survey revealed overwhelming dissatisfaction with the offer, labeling it as “inadequate.”
This rejection follows Boeing’s new “best and final” offer, which also included a performance bonus reinstatement, improved retirement benefits, and a one-time $6,000 signing bonus. The company set a deadline for the deal to be ratified by union members by midnight on September 27.
However, IAM criticized Boeing for sending the offer directly to workers and the media without consulting union leaders and stated that the time frame was insufficient to organize a proper vote. Boeing has denied the union’s claims and said it would allow more time and provide support to facilitate the vote.
Business
China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns
China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has launched a significant package of measures aimed at revitalizing its struggling economy. PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng announced plans to lower borrowing costs and allow banks to expand lending to stimulate economic activity.
With recent economic data raising concerns that China may miss its 5% growth target this year, the central bank will cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR)—the amount of cash banks must hold in reserve—by half a percentage point, releasing around 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion) into the economy. Additional cuts may follow later in the year.
The package also addresses China’s property market crisis by cutting interest rates for existing mortgages and reducing minimum down payments for all homes to 15%.
Asian stock markets responded positively to the news, seeing a boost after Mr. Pan’s announcement, which came during a rare joint press conference with officials from two other financial regulators.
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