Dragon

• China's top-secret "Shenlong" (divine dragon) space plane has deployed another unidentified object into low Earth orbit. • This latest release brings the total number of mysterious payloads deployed by the spacecraft to at least nine. • The operation is significant due to the secretive nature of the Shenlong program, as the craft has never been officially photographed.

• A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station on June 16 at 12:25 p.m. EDT (1625 GMT). • The robotic freighter is now beginning a 20-hour journey to return to Earth. • This mission marks the completion of the capsule's delivery and retrieval duties at the orbital laboratory.

• NASA's SpaceX CRS-34 Dragon spacecraft has returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean after completing its mission. • The spacecraft is transporting a significant volume of biological samples, materials samples, and tested hardware from the International Space Station. • This return is critical for research teams on Earth to analyze data that helps NASA prepare humans for exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

• K-pop artists achieved significant success at the Music Awards Japan 2026, with major acts securing top honors. • High-profile winners included BTS, Blackpink, G-Dragon, Jin, and Lee Youngji, highlighting the diverse range of recognized talent. • These wins underscore the enduring popularity and cultural influence of K-pop within Japan, one of Asia's largest music markets.

• Qualcomm launched Snapdragon X2 on April 9, 2026, promising 45 TOPS NPU performance for next-gen US AI laptops. • Chip enables 40-hour battery life and native Copilot+ support, targeting Dell and HP OEMs. • Challenges Intel/AMD dominance in $50B US PC market amid ARM shift.

Royal Navy type 45 destroyer deployed to reinforce security around RAF base in Cyprus to undergo short maintenance stop, says MoDHMS Dragon has docked in the eastern Mediterranean after suffering technical issues with its water systems.The UK’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, announced on 3 March that the type 45 destroyer would be deployed to reinforce security around RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, two days after the base was struck by a Shahed 136 drone. Continue reading...

Ship arrives three weeks after Iranian-made drone hit British base of RAF Akrotiri on CyprusMiddle East crisis – live updatesHMS Dragon has arrived in the eastern Mediterranean, three weeks after an Iranian-made drone hit the British base of RAF Akrotiri, the defence secretary has said.The Type 45 destroyer will begin “operational integration into Cyprus’s defence” from Monday night, John Healey told MPs. Continue reading...