Rosatom proposes creating a 3D printing center in Uzbekistan

Honda, the Japanese manufacturer with various globally electrified models, has decided to remain cautious regarding the launch of electric motorcycles in the Brazilian market, despite recently registering the patent for the UC3 in the country.

Although Honda is the world's largest motorcycle brand and possesses internationally electrified models, none of them are currently on sale in Brazil. This hesitation contrasts with Yamaha, its main competitor, which has had a fully electric motorcycle available in the national territory for over a year.

In response to questions about its electrification plans, Honda confirmed rumors that it does not currently intend to introduce electrified motorcycles in Brazil. The company recognizes the potential of the Brazilian market for electrification but points out that several factors influence the definition of a national strategy.

According to the manufacturer itself, introducing new technologies is a continuous process guided by the policy of providing the appropriate technology, in the right place, and at the opportune time. Factors such as the country's energy matrix, public infrastructure, geographical market specifics, and consumer profile are considered in this strategy.

Learning from others' mistakes

This cautious stance suggests that Honda wishes to avoid the errors made by rivals, such as Yamaha. Although Yamaha was a pioneer among the four major Japanese manufacturers (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki) in launching a 100% electric motorcycle in Brazil, the commercial results have not been satisfactory.

Data from the National Federation of Automotive Vehicle Distribution (Fenabrave) indicates that Yamaha is not among the leading distributors of electric motorcycles in the country and has not achieved prominence among the top 15 best-selling brands in the category since the beginning of the year.

Although other companies, such as Shineray and Watts, specializing in electrified vehicles, present a larger portfolio of electric models, it was expected that one of the largest global manufacturers would stand out with its product. A motivational factor cited for Yamaha's modest performance is price; in April of this year, the brand reduced the value of its only electric motorcycle in Brazil by R$ 8 thousand, from R$ 33,990 to R$ 25,990, and today it costs R$ 25,590.

Although the exact sales figure for the Yamaha Neo’s Connected is unknown, the ranking suggests that fewer than 138 units have been licensed since the launch, a volume lower than that achieved by the ninth-placed brand just this year.

Honda's future prospects

Despite the temporary resistance, Honda keeps the door open for Brazil. The company stated that it recognizes the market's potential and will continue to investigate solutions that best meet the needs of the Brazilian consumer.

Honda demonstrated an optimistic vision, stating that 'everything is possible.' This aligns with the manufacturer's global plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, setting an implicit deadline for the arrival of electric motorcycles in Brazil.

The company concluded that the pace of introducing electric models varies according to the market and will continue to work on both fronts with the goal of strengthening the role of motorcycles and their environmental products that meet customer expectations.

Payment for 554 buses provided by the Uttarakhand Transport Department for events involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah remains unpaid. The Union of Rodways Employees of Uttarakhand has sent a letter to the Dehradun district administrator demanding the prompt disbursement of the remaining amount of 28.2 million rupees.

The union asserts that this delay is increasing financial pressure on the corporation, which is already facing economic difficulties. Furthermore, in its appeal, the union pointed out that employees have not received regular salaries since April 2025, and pension payments have been delayed since September 2025. This situation is complicated by expenses for diesel fuel, spare parts, and daily operation.

According to the letter sent by regional president Mukesh Nainati on June 16, 2026, 299 buses were utilized to transport participants during the 'Government of the People of Every' program on March 7, 2026. A payment of 14.42 million rupees is expected for these buses. Similarly, 255 buses were provided from various depots for the Prime Minister's visit to Uttarakhand on April 14, 2026, for which a payment of 13.81 million rupees has also not been received.

The union states that the invoices were previously submitted to the relevant departments, and instructions were even given to the Chief Development Office to take necessary measures; however, the payment has not arrived. The union insists that the delayed amount be paid as a priority to mitigate the negative impact on employee salaries, pension benefits, and the corporation's daily operations.

The Dehradun administration also sent a letter to the government protocol department, informing them that payment for 299 buses (1.44 million rupees) and 255 buses (1.38 million rupees) remains outstanding. However, in a response dated July 7 from the protocol department, it was clearly stated to the district administrator that such payments were not provided under the Uttarakhand State Hospitality Rules, as amended in 2024. For this reason, the initial version of the proposal was returned to the district administrator's office.

During a phone conversation with Protocol Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, it was revealed that the regulations only provide for payment for VIP transport, accommodation, and meals. Thus, it is evident that the payment has still not been made, while Rodways workers and pensioners await their funds. The union now demands the swift transfer of 28.2 million rupees to reduce the financial burden on the corporation.

SpaceX disclosed its first financial report since the IPO in June on Tuesday (4). The company, led by Elon Musk, demonstrated revenue exceeding market expectations in the second quarter, driven mainly by the Starlink satellite internet service. However, the company continues to register significant losses due to high investments in artificial intelligence.

Total revenue reached US$ 7.8 billion (equivalent to R$ 40.2 billion), surpassing the projection of LSEG analysts, who expected US$ 6.9 billion (R$ 35.6 billion). This figure represents a significant increase of 92% compared to the US$ 4.1 billion (R$ 21.1 billion) recorded in the same period last year. Although the earnings per share was US$ 0.09 (R$ 0.46), this result was better than the market average expectation, which predicted a loss of US$ 0.26 (R$ 1.34) per share.

Segmented performance of SpaceX

Regarding operational segments, the connectivity division, which includes Starlink, remains the main revenue generator and the only profitable operation of the company. In this quarter, this division generated US$ 4.2 billion (R$ 22 billion), exceeding the estimate of US$ 3.8 billion (R$ 19.7 billion), with an operating profit of US$ 1.6 billion (R$ 8.5 billion). SpaceX announced that Starlink reached 12 million subscribers, doubling last year's number and growing 17% compared to the first quarter.

The space division, responsible for rocket launches and contracts with NASA, achieved revenue of US$ 962 million (R$ 4.9 billion), above the forecast of US$ 835 million (R$ 4.3 billion). Despite this, this sector ended the quarter with an operating loss of US$ 542 million (R$ 2.8 billion).

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) area generated US$ 2.5 billion (R$ 13.2 billion), also above the expectation of US$ 2.18 billion (R$ 11.2 billion), but registered an operating loss of US$ 1.2 billion (R$ 6.5 billion). High costs associated with AI infrastructure continue to put pressure on the company's finances. In 2025, SpaceX projected a loss of US$ 4.9 billion (R$ 25.2 billion), mainly due to these investments. In February, the company announced its merger with xAI, Elon Musk's AI startup, aiming to develop data centers in space.

SpaceX's financial situation since the IPO

Since the start of the stock market negotiations, the company's shares had fallen by approximately 16% until Monday's close, reflecting investor apprehension regarding substantial spending on AI and the profitability of space activities. After the release of the results, however, the market reacted positively, and SpaceX shares rose by 9.4% on Tuesday, closing the trading session quoted at US$ 125.33 (R$ 644.66). Even with the rise, the shares are still below the US$ 135 (R$ 694.40) level established in the IPO.

Elon Musk's outlook

Regarding Starlink, SpaceX believes there is still vast growth potential, potentially establishing itself as the leading internet provider in large parts of the globe. This assessment was made by CEO Elon Musk during the results conference call. According to the executive, it is plausible that the satellite internet service could supply most of the world's connectivity.

Musk stated: 'It is not out of the question that, at some point, Starlink will provide most of the world's internet, at least in the countries where we have authorization to operate, which is the vast majority.'

He added that he predicts this scenario could materialize in less than ten years.

Additionally, the company formed a partnership with Nvidia to create space computing systems. These systems will be capable of running artificial intelligence models directly on solar-powered satellites. The two companies will collaborate on the Starmind AI1 project, an embedded computing platform that will use Nvidia Rubin GPUs and Vera CPUs to deliver performance comparable to terrestrial data centers. SpaceX's idea is to perform part of the processing in orbit and send only the results to Earth via the Starlink network, which would reduce latency and take advantage of constant solar energy in space.

Roberto Pena Spinelli, a physicist and AI specialist, expressed caution about the plan, stating: 'Everything you try to do in space is more complicated. Nowadays, I still think it's a big madness. (...) I don't think there is any chance of it being sustainable today or in the near future.'

Starship and its next steps

SpaceX plans to conduct the 14th test flight of Starship before the end of August. An important novelty will be the attempt to capture the rocket's upper stage using the arms of the launch tower. Elon Musk announced this on Tuesday (4), during the first quarterly results call since the IPO. Musk stated: 'Assuming we receive regulatory approval for this, we will try to capture the Ship with the tower in the next flight, which is provisionally scheduled for the end of this month.' The execution of this flight depends on obtaining the proper authorization from regulatory bodies.

The term 'Ship' refers to the upper stage of Starship, which is 52 meters high. The complete vehicle also features a first stage called Super Heavy. SpaceX has already captured the Super Heavy with the tower, but has not yet attempted this procedure with the Ship. In addition to the capture attempt, Flight 14 should be the first to place payloads into operational orbit, something unprecedented for Starship. The previous flight, the 13th, on July 24, transported 20 Starlink V3 satellites, but these were deployed in suborbital trajectory. If everything goes as planned, according to Musk, in Flight 14 these satellites will be inserted into operational orbit.

Rocket collision prediction on the Moon

Regarding the rocket destined for the Moon, an upper stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9, there was a predicted collision scheduled for 3:35 AM (Brasília time). Brazilian astronomers monitored the event live. By the close of the newsletter, no telescope managed to record this collision, and an update will be provided if any image is released by NASA.