China launches test satellite for satellite internet technology

China successfully sent a test satellite for satellite internet technology into space on Friday.

The satellite was launched at 14:35 Beijing Time (0635 GMT) atop a Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, and has successfully entered its planned orbit.

Designed for experimental purposes, the satellite will support tests on Direct-to-Device (D2D) connection between satellites and smartphones via wideband, and satellite-terrestrial network convergence.

The launch marked the 639th mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.

Humanoid robotics and consumer aircraft are taking center stage at this year's Hannover-Messe trade fair in Germany, where Chinese companies are once again making a strong impression.

Around 700 Chinese exhibitors are present at the world's biggest industrial fair, making them the second-largest group after Germany.

One of the standout innovations is a so-called Land Aircraft Carrier, a hybrid between a truck and a passenger drone developed by Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng.

The carrier is making its European debut at the event, showcasing advancements in e-mobility and autonomous transport.

"The drone is foldable, and then it can be automatically taken into the car. And then when you need it again it can be taken out of the car and unfolded, and then you're ready to go," said Maarten Van Hulten, marketing manager of Xpeng European Holding.

As companies continue to develop next-generation technologies, cross-border partnerships appear set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of industry.

“We're also very proud of the cooperation we have with Volkswagen that has been extended over the past years where we now also support with the products that are on sale in China for Volkswagen,” said Hulten.

Chinese-European collaborations are visible across the showcased technologies at Hannover Messe, and these partnerships appear to be thriving despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

"In our field, in the field of robotics, we have developed new partnerships with Chinese companies and we are optimistic that this relation will grow in the future," said Grigore Stamatescu, owner of Asti Automation.

Even with this confidence, concerns over data security continue to shape European market dynamics. Skepticism toward both American and Chinese tech firms has led some German distributors to prioritize solutions that keep data stored locally, often using open-source software.

"These humanoid robots are so important, are so deeply into the economy, into the industry. It's important to make the own data. That's why it works so good with Chinese companies because it's open-source. And the German companies have a digital German wall for the data. In the last 40 years for Germany and for China I've seen when everyone works together, we will have completely new solutions, we will find new ways and it would be good for both countries," said Shiar Hido, CEO of Minden Robotics, a company that distributes humanoid robots made by China's LimX Dynamics.