China's space programs are being swept up in the country's ongoing economic modernization, with the national space administration saying it will call for outside tenders for participation in its second lunar exploration mission. Bidders "could include scientific research organs, universities and also private companies," says a spokesman. He stresses the opportunities for private firms: "For sure, private companies should be qualified, especially in technological and managerial capabilities, in order to participate in the space technology development."

Singapore’s Tiger Airways will establish a franchisee airline with the South Korean city of Incheon, racing against rivals to set up in untapped markets and exploit the huge potential of no-frills aviation in Asia. The latest expansion move by the budget carrier, 49% owned by Singapore Airlines, will create perhaps the most widely spread narrow-body operation in the world.

China’s Chang’e-1 lunar probe may survey the Moon for longer than its designed one-year operational life thanks to unexpectedly precise navigation that has saved an estimated 200 kg. (441 lb.) of fuel. Following Chang’e-1’s so-far successful mission, the Chinese space agency plans to let private companies as well as universities and research institutes work on the next lunar project, Chang’e-2. “With the expansion of China’s space exploration, we’d like to encourage private enterprise to join space technology development,” a spokesman says.