On May 28, SpaceX successfully launched the EarthCARE satellite, also known as 'Hakuryu' or 'White Dragon.'

EarthCARE is a joint venture between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aimed at studying cloud, aerosol, and radiation interactions in Earth's atmosphere to address climate change.

The satellite weighs 2.3 tonnes and incorporates innovative technology from Dutch companies TNO and Airbus Netherlands, including the Multi Spectral Imager and strengthening joints for solar panels.

Equipped with advanced instruments like lidar and radar, EarthCARE is ESA's most complex research mission to date.

The Falcon 9 rocket safely landed back at Vandenberg after the launch, confirming the successful deployment of the scientific instruments into orbit.

EarthCARE is now under ESA's control in Germany for calibration, with the first data expected in six months.

The mission is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge on climate change and involves over 75 companies under Airbus, with a total cost of 800 million euros from ESA and an additional 52 million euros from JAXA.

Additionally, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has established the Neo Space Group (NSG) to boost the country's space industry and align with its strategy to develop promising sectors.