Economy

China sees commercial sector as next frontier in US space race
China sees commercial sector as next frontier in US space race

A world-first launch from the far side of the Moon this week showcased China's progress in space, and Beijing now wants its commercial sector to catch up to rivals such as Elon Musk's SpaceX. Chinese companies lag far behind American frontrunners led by SpaceX, which plans to launch Starship, a massive prototype rocket that may one day send humans to Mars, on Thursday.

Boeing Starliner crew aboard ISS after challenging docking
Boeing Starliner crew aboard ISS after challenging docking

A Boeing Starliner capsule carrying its first ever astronauts docked with the International Space Station on Thursday after overcoming unexpected challenges arising from thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. - Leaks and thruster problems - Prior to launch, it was known that there was one helium leak affecting Starliner.