Boeing spacecraft returns to Earth without crew
On September 6, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft separated from the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to Earth without a crew. Initially, two NASA astronauts were scheduled to return with the Starliner after eight days of testing, but due to a propulsion system failure, the mission was extended to eight months.
Starliner returned automatically, landing in New Mexico on September 7. The incident cost Boeing $125 million and raised questions about the company's future in the space industry.
Elon Musk reveals Mars launch date
Elon Musk announced plans to launch unmanned Starship spacecraft to Mars within the next two years. According to a post on social network X on September 7, these spacecraft will test the ability to safely land on the red planet.
If successful, SpaceX will continue to conduct manned flights within four years. Musk's ultimate goal is to build a self-sustaining city on Mars within 20 years, marking a major step forward in SpaceX's space exploration ambitions.
Russia's gold reserves near historic milestone
According to Reuters on September 8, Russia's gold reserves reached $188.8 billion, accounting for more than 30% of total international reserves, marking the first time in nearly 25 years that the proportion of gold has reached this level. The value of gold reserves increased by 5.1% in August, thanks to the increase in gold prices to $2,513/ounce.
This is the highest level since January 2000. Russia's foreign exchange reserves continued to increase, reaching 613.7 billion USD at the beginning of September. Nearly half of the foreign exchange reserves are frozen due to sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.
Israeli airstrike hits Gaza emergency services chief
On September 8, Israel carried out an airstrike on the home of the deputy director of the Gaza Civil Emergency Department, Mohammad Morsi, in Jabalia, killing him and four of his relatives. With Morsi's death, the number of members of the agency killed by Israeli fire since October 7, 2023 has increased to 83. Airstrikes in various parts of the Gaza Strip have also killed at least 15 people. Internet and information outages have hampered relief efforts and communications.
Trump announces plan to prevent de-dollarization
On September 10, former US President Donald Trump announced that he would impose a 100% tax on countries that abandon the US dollar in international transactions. During a campaign rally in Wisconsin, he pledged to maintain the US dollar's status as the global reserve currency, while warning that countries seeking to replace the US dollar would pay a heavy price.
The trend of using national currencies instead of the US dollar is increasing, especially after economic sanctions against Russia. Mr. Trump also pledged to reduce the use of sanctions if re-elected.
Ukraine launches major attack on Russia with UAVs
On September 10, Ukraine launched a massive attack on Russia with 144 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including 20 UAVs around Moscow, causing serious damage. The attack killed one person and temporarily closed three airports in the Russian capital.
Other areas such as Bryansk and many others were also attacked. This is one of the largest UAV attacks from Ukraine into Russia, showing the increase in the intensity of Kiev's attacks on Russian infrastructure and military facilities in recent times.
