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Spain's first private rocket successfully lifts off
Spain's first private rocket successfully lifts off
Economy
by  AFP

A Spanish company launched the country's first private rocket on Saturday in a step towards bringing Spain into the exclusive club of space-faring nations. Under a deal signed with the French National Centre for Space Studies, the mini-launcher will take off from the Kourou Space Centre in French Guiana.

US auto workers' union reports progress, holds off on strike expansion
US auto workers' union reports progress, holds off on strike expansion
Economy
by  AFP

Citing last-minute progress in talks, the head of the US auto workers' union said Friday the labor group would maintain the current strike but not expand it to other plants this week. Fain maintained the possibility of escalating the strike further down the road, but added no more targeted plants after announcing prior expansions the last two Fridays following the initial stoppage on September 15.

Amazon's challenge to Musk's Starlink to have first launch
Amazon's challenge to Musk's Starlink to have first launch
Technology
by  AFP

Amazon is set to launch two satellites on Friday, in its first test mission as part of its plan to deliver the internet from space and compete with Elon Musk’s Starlink service. The first operational satellites of the Kuiper project are due to be launched in early 2024, according to Amazon, which hopes for initial tests with customers at the end of next year.

Kenya's Ruto to ask China for $1bn loan, debt restructure
Kenya's Ruto to ask China for $1bn loan, debt restructure
Economy
by  AFP

Kenyan President William Ruto will ask China for a $1-billion loan and a restructured debt payment plan, his deputy said Friday, despite having criticised his predecessor's heavy borrowing from Beijing. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Ruto would travel to China and ask for "more time to repay the debt slowly" and $1 billion to complete road projects delayed by financing shortfalls.