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  • KP Labs and Simera Sense Collaborate to Deliver Integrated AI-powered Optical Payloads for Future Space Missions

    KP Labs and Simera Sense Collaborate to Deliver Integrated AI-powered Optical Payloads for Future Space Missions

    Source: Simera Sense

    KP Labs and Simera Sense have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The agreement formalises a growing collaboration between the two companies, whose complementary technologies, optical payloads and onboard data processing can support upcoming Earth observation and planetary exploration missions.

    The MoU aims to establish a foundation for closer collaboration between Simera Sense and KP Labs, based on shared goals and complementary capabilities. Additionally, this alignment opens the door to joint deployments where mission-ready components from both partners can be combined into compact, intelligent payloads with minimal integration overhead. By combining advanced optical sensing with in-orbit AI processing, both companies aim to accelerate the delivery of smarter small satellite missions.

    “This agreement marks a natural step in the evolution of our collaboration with Simera Sense,” said Michał Zachara, COO at KP Labs. “By combining proven, flight-ready technologies, we’re offering a shortcut to mission teams who want to deploy optical-AI solutions without building everything from scratch.”

    The growing demand for real-time insights from space puts increasing pressure on downlink capacity and mission latency. By processing data directly in orbit, satellite operators can make faster decisions, reduce costs, and send back only the most valuable information. Furthermore, this combined solution is particularly relevant for applications such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban analytics, and planetary science: domains where both autonomy and data quality are essential.

    First Deployment in Action

    A concrete example of this collaboration is the upcoming OPS-SAT VOLT mission led by Craft Prospect in partnership with ESA. For the first time, KP Labs and Simera Sense will fly together as an integrated payload. Simera Sense will deliver the HyperScape100, a high-performance multispectral camera, while KP Labs will provide the Leopard Data Processing Unit (DPU), which will run AI-based algorithms directly onboard. Craft Prospect are the pioneer behind the satellite mission, which will serve as a demonstrator for reconfigurable optical and processing systems on a CubeSat platform. With the mission due for launch in mid-2026, OPS-SAT VOLT represents the first formal instance of the partnership in action, highlighting how both technologies can operate jointly to capture and process data autonomously in orbit.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Dr. Hina Khan, Head of Commercial at Craft Prospect said: “Craft Prospect is pleased to see the development of the relationship between KP Labs and Simera Sense through the initial discussions on the OPS-SAT VOLT mission, which will demonstrate both partners capabilities for on board processing and optical observations on a small satellite platform.” About what lies ahead, she added: “The mission launch, planned for mid-2026, will provide valuable flight heritage on the integrated payload and help develop further mission opportunities. We look forward to working with KP Labs and Simera Sense in the future.”

    The collaboration also underscores a broader shift in how small satellite missions are being built, favouring modular, interoperable components that can be integrated efficiently without bespoke engineering. KP Labs and Simera Sense are already collaborating on future mission concepts and are in discussions with partners seeking to deploy intelligent optical payloads across various orbital platforms.

    “Simera Sense sees this collaboration with KP Labs as an essential step in enabling responsive EO missions with smaller satellites in the European landscape,” said Thys Cronje, CCO of Simera Sense. “For Simera Sense, providing our customers with a strategic advantage with near-real-time space-based intelligence is crucial.”

    The integrated payload will be demonstrated at selected events in late 2025, highlighting how mission-ready sensors and onboard computing units can deliver meaningful results without ground intervention. This partnership is expected to serve as a foundation for future collaborations across both institutional and commercial missions.

    About KP Labs

    KP Labs accelerates space exploration through autonomous missions and robotics. The company develops integrated solutions combining hardware, software, and data processing algorithms. KP Labs is currently participating in nine space missions and has completed over 35 R&D projects for the European Space Agency, NASA, and private sector clients. The company employs approximately 85 specialists and holds the status of a Research and Development Centre, as granted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In November 2024, KP Labs was awarded the President of the Republic of Poland Prize in the ‘SME Leader’ category.

    About Simera Sense

    Simera Sense is a leading provider of optical payloads and data analytics solutions for satellite Earth observation. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, the company serves the medium- to high-resolution optical needs of more than 50 clients worldwide. Our ability to design and produce standardised optical payloads is revolutionising Earth observation with smaller satellites.

     

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  • For Gaza students, big ambitions replaced by desperate search for food – Arab News

    For Gaza students, big ambitions replaced by desperate search for food – Arab News

    1. For Gaza students, big ambitions replaced by desperate search for food  Arab News
    2. UNRWA says loss of education risks creating ‘lost generation’ in Gaza  Dawn
    3. ‘My studies, my life’: War leaves Gaza students hungry and out of school  Al Jazeera
    4. Race against starvation  The News International
    5. Prolonged school closure threatens future of Gaza children amid Israeli war: UN  Anadolu Ajansı

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  • Tough start for Ambrogio Beccaria and the Allagrande Mapei Racing team – The Ocean Race

    1. Tough start for Ambrogio Beccaria and the Allagrande Mapei Racing team  The Ocean Race
    2. The Ocean Race Europe // Spectacular collision sends two boats back to Kiel after high speed start to The Ocean Race Europe  Live Sail Die
    3. Allagrande MAPEI Racing pulling together as a team to get back on the water  The Ocean Race
    4. Bad seamanship or race management?  Scuttlebutt Sailing News
    5. Start Disaster as Two Boats Collide and Return Home In The Ocean Race Europe Leg One  Yachting World

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  • Vivo X Fold5 Arrives in Pakistan with Lightest Ever Foldable

    Vivo X Fold5 Arrives in Pakistan with Lightest Ever Foldable

    Pakistan’s smartphone market is gearing up for a transformative moment as vivo officially introduces the X Fold5. The Fold5 is a foldable powerhouse set to elevate mobile technology across the nation with its sleek, lightest design. Pre-orders begin tomorrow, August 13, 2025, with official sales starting August 19, 2025.

    Fold5 Innovative Design Meets Durability

    The X Fold5 redefines portability with a sleek metal-titanium build, weighing 217g and featuring a folded thickness of 9.2mm and an unfolded thickness of 4.3mm.

    This slim profile is achieved through a kinematic hinge design incorporating ultra-strong steel and carbon-fiber nuts, enhancing both strength and comfort.

    It boasts IPX8, IPX9, and IPX9+ water resistance, IP5X dust resistance, and Second-Gen Armor Glass, tested for 600,000 folds. While marketed as resilient for harsh conditions like -20°C!

    Stunning Visual Experience

    The X Fold5 dazzles with dual AMOLED displays: an 8.03-inch inner screen and a 6.53-inch cover screen, both offering a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4,500 nits.

    Certified by TÜV Rheinland for eye safety, the displays leverage ZEISS Master Color technology for vibrant daylight visuals. This setup promises an immersive experience, though real-world performance under diverse lighting conditions awaits user feedback.

    Advanced Camera System

    Co-engineered with ZEISS, the rear camera array features three 50MP sensors: a primary ultra-sensing lens, an ultra-wide with autofocus, and a periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Dual 20MP front cameras on both screens ensure high-quality selfies, appealing to content creators and casual users alike.

    Pricing, Power and Performance of vivo X Fold5

    The X Fold5, with 512GB storage, is priced at Rs. 569,999 and includes free vivo buds, available for pre-order from August 12 and on sale from August 19 across Pakistan.

    Powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the X Fold5 includes up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage (not 4.1, per latest data).

    Its 6,000mAh BlueVolt Silicon-Anode battery supports 80W wired and 40W wireless charging, offering all-day endurance. The AI features like Smart Office will also enhance productivity of users.

     

     

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  • A weekly injection to treat Parkinson’s could end daily pill burden, scientists say

    A weekly injection to treat Parkinson’s could end daily pill burden, scientists say

    By&nbspTheo Farrant&nbsp&&nbspAP

    Published on

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    For many living with Parkinson’s disease, the daily ritual of taking multiple pills per day can be as daunting task. But a new breakthrough from researchers at the University of South Australia could ease this burden – and potentially change the way Parkinson’s is treated forever.

    After more than two years of research, scientists have developed a long-lasting weekly injection, offering hope to patients who currently face the exhausting task of taking several pills multiple times a day.

    According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the disease affects more than 10 million people globally, with men 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than women. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.

    For those living with Parkinson’s, the standard treatment involves daily doses of medications that must be taken precisely on schedule.

    “Especially concerning elderly patients, they have to remember each medication timely, and take the medication,” said University of South Australia researcher Deepa Nakmode.

    “Even if they miss a single dose, they can’t perform day-to-day activities normally”.

    And missing doses is alarmingly common.

    “Almost 50 per cent of patients don’t take medicines as recommended by doctors, especially in chronic conditions,” said Sanjay Garg, a pharmaceutical science professor at the University of South Australia.

    ‘It’s going to be a game-changer’

    The new injection combines two key drugs (Levodopa and Carbidopa) into one injectable dose that slowly releases the medication over the course of seven days.

    “One injection will be good for one week as compared to a patient taking three or four tablets every day,” Garg said.

    These drugs are primarily used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, which commonly include tremour, muscle rigidity, and slowness of movement. Patients can also experience problems with balance, which can raise the risk of falls.

    Although the new injection has not yet undergone clinical trials in humans, researchers plan to start animal testing in the coming months.

    For people like Peter Willis, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago and currently takes medication four times per day, the breakthrough could be life-changing.

    “If you don’t take the tablet on time, you discover you can’t walk,” he said. “You sort of lose your energy as if you run out of fuel. You take the tablet again and then it picks up.”

    Parkinson’s Australia has hailed the development as a major breakthrough, especially given the slow pace of progress in treatment innovation in recent years.

    “It will reduce falls risks, it will mean that people can actively participate in everyday life like work and sport and volunteering,” said Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris.

    “It’s going to be a game-changer,” she added.

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  • CJP Afridi questions LHC’s decision to reject Imran Khan’s bail petitions

    CJP Afridi questions LHC’s decision to reject Imran Khan’s bail petitions




    ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Yahya Afridi on Tuesday raised serious questions over the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to reject bail petitions filed by incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan.

    The Supreme Court (SC), while hearing eight appeals filed by the former PTI chairman, issued notices to the Punjab government and directed the Prosecution Department to prepare responses on the legal questions involved.

    A three-member bench, headed by CJP Afridi and comprising Justice Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb, conducted a brief hearing of the case.

    During proceedings, the CJP questioned the LHC’s approach, asking, “How can the High Court comment on the core merits of the case in a bail matter?” He urged the lawyers to assist the court on this critical legal point.

    Read more: SC forms new bench to hear Imran Khan’s bail pleas in May 9 cases

    Justice Afridi remarked that the SC will avoid any finding that could prejudice the main trial, questioning whether final observations should be made in bail cases at all.

    He added that, for now, only a notice is being issued to the prosecution, and directed the lawyers to be fully prepared on legal issues by the next hearing. The Chief Justice emphasized the importance of legal clarity, saying that the court aims to decide the matter purely on merit.

    The court then adjourned the hearing until August 19, 2025.

    It is worth noting that Khan has challenged the LHC’s decision to reject his bail applications in multiple cases by filing appeals in the SC.

     


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  • Uzbekistan leads Central Asia in water-saving drive, targets 15b cubic meters in annual savings by 2030

    Uzbekistan leads Central Asia in water-saving drive, targets 15b cubic meters in annual savings by 2030

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    By Rehan Khan

    ISLAMABAD, August 13 (APP):Uzbekistan is setting a regional benchmark in water resource management, with ambitious targets to offset climate-induced shortages through large-scale conservation, infrastructure upgrades and digital innovation.

    Recalling concerns raised a decade ago by international experts over the impact of climate change, reduced rainfall and melting glaciers on Central Asia’s water supply, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Management, Shavkat Khamrayev, said projections had warned of a 5 percent drop in water resources by 2025 and 10 percent by 2030.

    “President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has set a crucial task – to ensure water access for the population and compensate for deficits caused by climate change,” Khamrayev said.

    Thanks to a series of reforms, the country saved 7 billion cubic meters of water in 2023 and 8 billion in 2024, with 10 billion projected for 2025 – matching earlier shortage forecasts. By 2030, annual savings are expected to reach 15 billion cubic meters.

    Infrastructure projects have already delivered visible change in cities such as Nukus and Gulistan, where canal lining, drainage systems, and vertical wells have lowered groundwater levels, eliminated flooding threats, and improved irrigation. Similar projects in Urgench, Naryn, and across multiple regions — backed by financing from the Islamic Development Bank, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank — have improved water flow efficiency and reduced reliance on costly pumping stations.

    With natural channels losing an estimated 14 billion cubic meters of water annually, 2024 was declared a “breakthrough year” for canal lining. The state allocated 676.7 billion soums to reconstruct 555 km of canals, while farms and clusters rehabilitated 13,500 km of internal irrigation networks.

    Over the past seven years, water-saving technologies such as drip irrigation have been deployed across nearly half of Uzbekistan’s 4.3 million hectares of irrigated land. Local manufacturing of equipment – which expanded from just three producers in 2019 to over 60 today – has cut costs and ensured maintenance support.

    Electricity consumption in the water sector has fallen from 8.3 billion kWh in 2017 to 6.5 billion in 2024, even as major pumping stations were modernized. In 2025, the government will prioritize upgrading medium and small pumps to further reduce costs.

    Uzbekistan has embraced digitalization as a cornerstone of transparency and efficiency. Over 13,000 water-gauging stations now operate under the “Smart Water” system, groundwater is monitored via 10,296 reclamation wells, and nearly 1,750 pumping stations are equipped with automated water consumption controls.

    Under the President’s “From Poverty to Prosperity” initiative, 3.2 trillion soums have been allocated to improve irrigation, electricity, internet access, roads, and other infrastructure in 1,000 underdeveloped mahallas. In 2025, 1,882 km of irrigation networks, 380 km of pipelines, and 818 wells will be completed, improving water supply for 467,000 households.

    Minister Khamrayev said Uzbekistan’s vision extends beyond national borders. “We call for united efforts to launch a Regional Program for the Introduction of Water-Saving Technologies in Central Asia,” he stated, noting that sustainable water management is vital for regional peace, prosperity, and food security.

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  • Real Madrid travel to Austria today

    Real Madrid travel to Austria today

    Real Madrid travel to Austria this morning to play a friendly against WSG Tirol. The Madridista expedition, with these players in the squad, will depart from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport for Innsbruck. Once there, Xabi Alonso‘s men will head to the Interalpen Hotel Tyrol, where they will stay before the clash at the Tivoli Stadion Tirol (7 pm CEST; Realmadrid TV).

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  • New Fara GR4 race bike jumps on latest gravel trend with room for massive MTB tyres 

    New Fara GR4 race bike jumps on latest gravel trend with room for massive MTB tyres 

    Norway’s Fara has announced its fourth-generation gravel bike, the GR4.

    The GR4 is designed for the rigours of gravel racing and ultra-racing events with huge 57mm tyre clearances, and brings valuable tech to the everyday rider.

    Fara has a successful history in gravel racing, with wins at the Traka along with top results at the Badlands, Atlas Mountain and Transcontinental races.

    All of this racing experience has informed the design of the GR4, according to Fara.

    The GR4 is one bike for all gravel

    The new GR4 has huge 57mm tyre clearances. FARA

    Most major brands have adopted a multi-gravel bike approach, offering one for racing and another for adventure.

    Fara has taken the approach of creating a single bike – a Goldilocks design that’s just right.

    That means the GR4 is designed around shorter chainstays to make the bike more responsive, with the huge 2.2in (57mm) tyre clearances giving you plenty of choice.

    Up front, the new modular cockpit is available in a multitude of sizes to suit individual riders’ fit and preferences.

    FARA GR4 chianstays
    The dropped chainstays help keep the back end short, while maximising tyre clearance. FARA

    Jeff Webb, Fara’s founder, explains: “We didn’t want to force riders to choose between a bike that’s built for racing and one that’s built for exploration.

    “With the GR4, we worked with our athletes and designers to create something that excels at both. A lightweight, responsive frame with huge tyre clearance and refined ergonomics makes it perfect for modern gravel racing, exploration and everyday riding alike.”

    GR4 seat stays
    The GR4 offers ample rear tyre clearance. FARA

    The new GR4 frame embraces aerodynamics, while being lighter than the previous-generation bike, taking more than 200g out of the frame with a claimed weight down to 970g (medium).

    The new system weight – that’s the frame, fork, seatpost and cockpit – savings are even greater, coming in nearly half a kilo lighter.

    GR4 details

    • High-modulus Torayca T1000 and M40X carbon fibre frame (970g medium)
    • 57mm/2.2in tyre clearances
    • Modular cockpit with adjustable reach, 360-440mm widths and stem lengths from 80 to 130mm
    • In-frame storage, cargo mounts, hidden fender mounts and magnets for Fara’s integrated bikepacking system
    • UDH dropout

    The weight losses haven’t come at the expense of practical features; the GR4 frame has a threaded T47 bottom bracket shell, and it has improved the in-frame storage too.

    Modular cockpit

    FARA GR4 cockpit
    The new modular cockpit is very adaptable. FARA

    The most distinctive element of the design is the new cockpit. This is said to improve ergonomics over a standard bar, while being far more adaptable.

    Fara claims the large backsweep from the drops and the vertical drop from the stem neutrally aligns your wrists, elbows and shoulders. The shape of the bar’s top is said to offer multiple defined hand positions, too.

    FARA GR4 cockpit
    The bar’s vertical drop is claimed to help give the cockpit a neutral fit. FARA

    The flare at the drops increases across the size range, from 8 degrees on the smallest up to 12 degrees on the widest bar.

    The interface between the bar and stem section allows for 10mm of fore-aft reach adjustment. These multiple bolt positions also serve as anchors for the accessory aerobar (sold separately) to adapt the GR4 to a long-distance setup.

    FARA GR4 cockpit
    The cockpit can be accessorised with a dedicated aero bar for long-distance racing. FARA

    The cockpit is available in widths from 360mm to 440mm, and three adjustable stem lengths: 80-90mm, 100-110mm and 120-130mm.

    GR4 builds and pricing

    Fara GR4
    The range-topping GR4 comes with SRAM Red XPLR AXS and Zipp’s 303 SW XPLR wheels. FARA

    Fara offers customers the option to choose handlebar width, stem length and crank length for a bespoke fit on every build.

    Fara GR4 Red XPLR

    • SRAM Red XPLR AXS ​​
    • Zipp 303 SW XPLR ​​
    • Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1in tyres​
    • Fara modular cockpit
    • ​Fara 27.2mm carbon seatpost​
    • CeramicSpeed bottom bracket & SLT headset bearings
    • Price: €9,900 / $10,500 (UK price is linked to current exchange rate)

    Fara GR4 Force XPLR

    • SRAM Force XPLR AXS ​
    • ​Zipp 303 S XPLR ​
    • ​Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1in tyres
    • ​Fara modular cockpit
    • ​Fara 27.2mm carbon seatpost
    • ​CeramicSpeed bottom bracket & SLT headset bearings
    • Price: €8,000 / $8,500 (UK price is linked to current exchange rate)

    Fara GR4 Rival XPLR

    • SRAM Rival XPLR AXS ​
    • ​Fulcrum RapidRed300
    • ​Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1in tyres
    • ​Fara modular cockpit
    • ​Fara 27.2mm carbon seatpost
    • ​CeramicSpeed bottom bracket & SLT headset bearings
    • Price: €6,200 / $6,500 (UK price is linked to current exchange rate)

    Frameset

    • Fara GR4 frame
    • Fara modular cockpit
    • ​Fara 27.2mm carbon seatpost
    • ​CeramicSpeed bottom bracket & SLT headset bearings

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  • 10 bizarre ‘dark voids’ appear in the skies over uninhabited island near Antarctica — Earth from space

    10 bizarre ‘dark voids’ appear in the skies over uninhabited island near Antarctica — Earth from space

    QUICK FACTS

    Where is it? Heard Island, Indian Ocean [-53.116414344, 73.51793263]

    What’s in the photo? An unusual stream of von Kármán vortices trailing off a hidden peak

    Which satellite took the photo? Landsat 8

    When was it taken? May 3, 2016

    This striking satellite photo shows 10 swirling “dark voids” that appeared above an uninhabited volcanic island in the Indian Ocean. The black spots are the result of atmospheric cloud vortices, but are oddly pronounced and significantly contorted compared to most other examples of this phenomenon.

    The spinning voids are trailing off Heard Island — an uninhabited Australian territory in the southern Indian Ocean, around 900 miles (1,500 kilometers) north of Antarctica. The cloud-obscured landmass has a surface area of around 142 square miles (368 square kilometers).

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