SpaceNews.com
• Scott Firsing, Zolana João
Eight African nations have signed the Artemis Accords, expanding participation in the U.S.-led framework for lunar exploration. The agreements create an opening for deeper U.S.-Africa space cooperation, but the signatories still need a practical pathway from political alignment to meaningful lunar roles.
Africa
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Eight African nations have signed the Artemis Accords, expanding participation in the U.S.-led framework for lunar exploration. The agreements create an opening for deeper U.S.-Africa space cooperation, but the signatories still need a practical pathway from political alignment to meaningful lunar roles.
A Congolese inquiry has disclosed that Trans Air’s 56-year-old DC-8 freighter was returning to Kinshasa for an emergency landing before it left the runway. Investigators have provided additional details on the occurrence, but the full circumstances remain unresolved.
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Nigeria is advancing a satellite-infrastructure upgrade with Thales Alenia Space selected to develop NigComSat-2A, a geostationary communications satellite intended to strengthen digital connectivity across Africa. The program is accompanied by a planned four-satellite Earth-observation constellation, broadening Nigeria’s national space capabilities.
Djibouti has become the latest country to sign the Artemis Accords, expanding the U.S.-backed framework for cooperation in space exploration. The State Department simultaneously announced a new program intended to provide additional benefits to participating countries.
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Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said intense competition among Gulf carriers is delaying the pass-through of higher jet-fuel costs to passengers, though fares could rise next year. He also cited Middle East conflict risks and a shortage of widebody aircraft as constraints on the airline’s expansion plans.
Royal Air Maroc is expanding its cargo capability with additional A321 freighter capacity obtained through a wet lease. The move gives the Moroccan flag carrier access to freighter lift while relying on an external operator for the aircraft and associated operating resources.
Nigeria’s government-owned NIGCOMSAT has selected Thales Alenia Space, the Thales-Leonardo joint venture, to develop NigComSat-2A, a geostationary telecommunications satellite. The spacecraft is intended to expand digital access in underserved and remote communities while meeting connectivity demand from African households, businesses and public institutions.
EgyptAir plans to resume service to Sydney Kingsford Smith in 2027, routing flights from Cairo through Singapore Changi. The proposed return would restore the carrier’s Australia network roughly 25 years after it withdrew from the market in July 2002.
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