Technology
TEST FAIL: First-ever orbital rocket launched from Europe crashes to the ground and explodes moments after take off from Norway
The first-ever orbital rocket launched from Europe has crashed into the ground and exploded moments after its take off.
German startup Isar Aerospace’s uncrewed Spectrum rocket fell into the sea and burst into flames just 40 seconds after blasting off from Norway’s Arctic Andøya Spaceport on Sunday.
The dramatic fireball marked a fiery end to what had been billed as the continent’s first-ever orbital launch attempt — seen as a major step in Europe’s bid to break into the booming commercial satellite market.
The 28-metre Spectrum rocket lifted off at 12.30pm local time (10.30 am UK) after weather delays earlier in the week.
But the flight was abruptly “terminated” just half a minute in.
Despite the explosive ending, Isar Aerospace insists the mission was a win.
“Our first test flight met all our expectations, achieving a great success,” said Daniel Metzler, Isar’s chief executive and co-founder.
“We had a clean liftoff, 30 seconds of flight and even got to validate our Flight Termination System.”
The test, which carried no payload, was the debut run for the company’s in-house developed launch vehicle.
It was designed to gather data and experience in a real-world launch scenario.
Isar had already warned that the rocket was unlikely to reach orbit, and the aim was to test all integrated systems in a live environment.
We had a clean liftoff, 30 seconds of flight and even got to validate our Flight Termination System,” Metzler added.
The Spectrum is designed to carry small to medium satellites weighing up to one metric tonne and marks Europe’s push to develop independent launch capabilities, as competition intensifies in the space sector.
While the European Space Agency (ESA) has been sending rockets into orbit for decades, it typically relies on launch sites in French Guiana and the US.
Isar Aerospace operates independently of ESA and is among several private firms aiming to revolutionise access to space from European soil, alongside efforts from Sweden and the UK.
Though short-lived, Sunday’s launch is a key step in Europe’s homegrown space ambitions.
Earlier this month, SpaceX’s Starship rocket exploded during a test flight again – sending blazing debris across the sky and grounding several flights in Florida.
The 403-foot rocket lifted off from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, at around 6.30pm local time on March 6 but went into an uncontrolled spin just minutes later.
The explosion marked yet another flopped launch in just months for Elon Musk’s space company. Engines on top of Starship began shutting down as it streaked eastward, and contact was lost.
The flight was meant to end with a controlled descent over the Indian Ocean.
Incredible footage circulating on social media shows the dramatic breakup of SpaceX’s Starship as it reentered Earth’s atmosphere near the Turks and Caicos Islands.
One clip, filmed by a passenger onboard a commercial flight near Florida and the Lucayan Archipelago, captures the rocket’s disintegration in a fiery cascade of debris streaking across the night sky.
Additional footage taken over the Bahamas shows glowing fragments tumbling towards the ocean, lighting up the darkness like a meteor shower.
-The Sun
Business
OPay Dismisses Closure Rumours Over Alleged Tax Violations
A leading fintech company, OPay Digital Services Limited, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that its offices in Lagos and Abuja were sealed by the Nigeria Revenue Service over alleged tax non-compliance.
The digital firm clarified that its offices across the country remain open and fully operational, stressing that it continues to serve customers, partners and merchants without disruption.
“Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption,” the firm said.
OPay further maintained that it has consistently complied with all statutory tax requirements and regulatory obligations governing financial technology operators in the country.
“As a responsible financial technology company operating in Nigeria, we are compliant with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. We work closely and transparently with all relevant government agencies and regulatory authorities to ensure that our operations consistently meet statutory standards,” the statement added.
According to the company, the notice referenced in the online reports arose from a recent directive issued to payment platforms across the industry by the tax authority.
The digital payment firm noted that the directive requested operators to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications to make reconciliation and transparency easier.
“The notice referenced in the reports arose from a recent industry-wide directive by the Nigeria Revenue Service requesting payment platforms to distinctly separate certain statutory charges on their applications for easier reconciliation and transparency,” the company averred.
Similarly, It further stressed that the directive affects several operators within the payment ecosystem and should not be interpreted as an indication that OPay failed to meet its tax obligations.
“This administrative clarification affects multiple operators across the industry, not OPay alone. The suggestion that the notice indicates non-payment of taxes is therefore factually incorrect and misleading,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the company expressed concern over what it described as the deliberate singling out of OPay in reports about the directive.
“Equally troubling is the selective and deliberate singling out of OPay in a matter that concerns the wider industry. Such reporting not only distorts the facts but also appears calculated to undermine the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance, transparency and cooperation with regulators”
Hence, the management urged the public to disregard claims circulating online suggesting that the fintech firm is shutting down or that its offices have been sealed.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the information currently circulating online suggesting that OPay is shutting down or our offices have been shut down should be disregarded, as it does not reflect the true s ituation,” it said.
The Fintech firm reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy by providing secure, reliable and inclusive financial services to millions of users across the country.
-Regards,
Education
Media Support Key To UNILORIN’s Growth – VC
The vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), has highlighted the vital role of the media in sustaining the institution’s growth and reputation.
He urged continued collaboration between the university and journalists.
He commended journalists for their consistent support and constructive engagement with the university, describing the media as indispensable partners in the institution’s progress.
“Our relationship with the media has continued to grow stronger over time. Members of the press remain critical stakeholders whose contributions have helped to sustain the reputation and development of the University of Ilorin,” he said.
He described iftar as a moment of unity, reflection and gratitude during Ramadan, expressing optimism that the annual engagement would continue to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation among stakeholders within the university community.
In a sermon, the deputy chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Musa Abdullahi, reminded Muslims of the spiritual purpose of fasting, urging the faithful to use the sacred period to strengthen their relationship with Allah.
He explained that fasting was ordained by Allah to nurture piety and deepen faith among believers.
“Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink. It is a time for self-discipline, increased prayers, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and seeking forgiveness from Allah,” he said.
He encouraged Muslims to reflect on their spiritual progress during the fasting period and to assess whether their devotion and faith had grown through acts of worship.
Abdullahi also urged the faithful to take advantage of the last 10 days of Ramadan by increasing supplications and engaging more in night prayers.
He advised Muslims to devote more time to spiritual activities and reduce distractions, particularly from social media, in order to fully benefit from the blessings of the holy month.
Special prayers were offered during the event for Nigeria, Kwara State and the University of Ilorin, with participants seeking peace, progress and prosperity for the nation and the institution.
-Leadership
Business
Remi Tinubu To Lead Campaign For Local Inventors
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, will lead a nationwide campaign to promote local inventions under a programme of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology tagged “Energise Commercialisation.”
The minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, disclosed this during a visit to the first lady at the State House, Abuja.
He explained that the initiative aims to move Nigeria from a technology-importing nation to a technology-innovating nation.
According to the minister, the programme will strengthen the capabilities of youths, particularly those who have commercially viable inventions and innovations.
He added that the ministry plans to reach people across different segments of society in order to identify innovative ideas and inventions.
“Nigeria cannot be left out of the world technology revolution.”
The minister noted that the meeting with the First Lady, held behind closed doors, signals the imminent commencement of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology’s Energise Commercialisation programme, with youths and women predominantly targeted.
-Leadership
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