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Firefly Aerospace Ready to Launch Alpha FLTA005 for NASA No Earlier Than June 26

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Noise of Summer mission will launch eight educational payloads for NASA’s CubeSat Launch Services Initiative

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif., June 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, today announced its Alpha Flight 5 (FLTA005) mission, called Noise of Summer, is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 26. The 30-minute launch window will open at 9 p.m. PST.

“The Firefly team has rapidly matured our Alpha rocket and our responsive launch operations to deliver the dependable one-metric-ton rocket the market is demanding,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “We’re proud to support this NASA mission that will not only prove out the capabilities of Alpha as a repeatable, reliable launch vehicle, but also advance our mission of making space for everyone by supporting some incredible student-led CubeSat initiatives.”

Launching from Firefly’s SLC-2 complex at the Vandenberg Space Force Base, Alpha FLTA005 supports Firefly’s Venture-Class Launch Services Demo 2 contract with NASA that serves to validate the capabilities of launch vehicles that support a new launch class and provide more access to space for small satellites and spacecraft. The mission will deploy the following eight payloads selected through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Services Initiative, providing U.S. educational institutions and nonprofits with low-cost access to space.

CatSat – University of Arizona: CatSat is a technology demonstration of an inflatable antenna for high-speed communications. After reaching low Earth orbit, CatSat’s antenna will deploy and inflate to a diameter of just over one-and-a-half feet to transmit high-definition Earth photos to X-band ground stations at approximately 50 megabits per second, more than 5 times faster than typical home internet speeds.

KUbeSat-1 ­­- University of Kansas: KUbeSat-1 will demonstrate a new method to measure the energy and species of primary cosmic rays hitting Earth utilizing a Cosmic Ray Detector. The payload will also utilize High-Altitude Calibration technology to research very high frequency signals generated by cosmic ray interactions with the atmosphere.

MESAT1 – University of Maine: MESAT1 is a climate focused payload that will identify urban heat islands, determine concentration of phytoplankton in water bodies, and help predict harmful algal blooms. Four multispectral cameras on board will relay the data down to University of Maine’s ground station for further processing.

R5-S4 and R5-S2-2.0 – NASA’s Johnson Space Center: R5-S4 and R5-S2 will be the first in a line of R5 spacecrafts launched to orbit, featuring Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Fiducial AprilTags to solve the problem of relative navigation between spacecraft. R5-S4 will also demonstrate a “spacecraft license plate” with a small blinking light that continuously flashes a unique number that can be read with a small telescope on the ground to identify and better track satellites among tens of thousands of objects currently in orbit. 

Serenity 3 – Teachers in Space: Licensed as an amateur radio broadcaster, Serenity 3 includes a suite of data sensors and a camera that will send data back to Earth and communicate with radios on the ground, allowing anyone with a ham radio to “talk” to Serenity. For details on communicating with and requesting photos from Serenity, visit www.TIS.org/Serenity-satellite.

SOC-i – University of Washington: Satellite for Optimal Control and Imaging (SOC-i) will test an algorithm aimed at supporting autonomous operations with constrained attitude guidance maneuvers computed in real-time aboard the spacecraft. The payload utilizes uses optimization-based attitude guidance methods to compute trajectories in real-time that meet a set of five constraints throughout the maneuvers.

TechEdSat-11 (TES-11) – NASA Ames Research Center: TES-11 will conduct several technology demonstrations, including an exo-brake with a deployable parachute-like device aimed at reducing CubeSat de-orbit times, and BrainStack-3, a graphics processing unit and neuromorphic processors that allow for artificial intelligence experiments in low Earth orbit. TES-11 is part of a series of collaborative missions called TechEdSat that pair university students with NASA researchers to evaluate new technologies for use in small satellites while providing student mentorship opportunities with engineers at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“Through innovative technology partnerships, NASA provides these CubeSat developers a low-cost pathway to conduct scientific investigations and technology demonstrations in space,” said Hamilton Fernandez, mission manager with NASA’s Launch Services Program. “NASA benefits by having a mechanism for low-cost technology development and scientific research to help bridge strategic knowledge gaps and accelerate flight-qualified technology. The students benefit through hands on experience, which develops the future workforce of the U.S. space industry.”

Alpha FLTA005 and Firefly’s future Alpha launches will continue to be performed as responsive space operations that are observed by members of the U.S. Space Force Tactically Responsive Space team to further define the training, infrastructure, and operational requirements for repeatable, on-demand launch capabilities. During the final launch operations, Firefly will transport the payload fairing to the launch pad and mate it to Firefly’s Alpha rocket within hours of the scheduled liftoff, compared to weeks in a typical operation.

For more details on the Alpha FLTA005 Noise of Summer mission and livestream, visit fireflyspace.com/missions/noise-of-summer/.

About Firefly Aerospace 
Firefly Aerospace is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and on-orbit services. Headquartered in central Texas, Firefly is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners (“AEI”) focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. Firefly’s small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide the space industry with a single source for missions from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. For more information, visit www.fireflyspace.com.

Contact
press@fireflyspace.com

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SOURCE Firefly Aerospace, Inc.

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Emeren Group Ltd Announces Appointment of Financial Advisor and Legal Counsel to the Special Committee

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NORWALK, Conn., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Emeren Group Ltd (“Emeren” or the “Company”) (www.emeren.com) (NYSE: SOL), a leading global solar project developer, owner, and operator, today announced that the special committee (the “Special Committee”) of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has retained Kroll, LLC as its independent financial advisor and Morrison & Foerster as its U.S. legal counsel. The Special Committee was formed to evaluate and consider the preliminary non-binding proposal received by the Board on March 17, 2025 (the “Proposal”) as well as other potential strategic alternatives that the Company may pursue.

The Board cautions the Company’s shareholders and others considering trading the Company’s securities that no decisions have been made with respect to the Proposal or any alternative strategic option that the Company may pursue. There can be no assurance that any definitive offer will be received, that any definitive agreement will be executed relating to the transaction contemplated by the Proposal or that any other transaction will be approved or consummated. The Company does not undertake any obligation to provide any updates with respect to any transaction, except as required under applicable law.

About Emeren Group Ltd

Emeren Group Ltd (NYSE: SOL), a renewable energy leader, showcases a comprehensive portfolio of solar projects and Independent Power Producer (IPP) assets, complemented by a significant global Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity. Specializing in the entire solar project lifecycle — from development through construction to financing — we excel by leveraging local talent in each market, ensuring our sustainable energy solutions are at the forefront of efficiency and impact. Our commitment to enhancing solar power and energy storage underlines our dedication to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility. For more information, go to www.emeren.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “targets, “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Emeren’s beliefs and expectations, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Emeren’s strategic and operational plans, are or contain forward-looking statements. Emeren may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its periodic reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. All forward-looking statements are based upon management’s expectations at the time of the statements and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: execution of Emeren’s strategies and business plans; growth and trends of the industries in which Emeren operates; market acceptance of Emeren’s products and services; competition in the industries in which Emeren operates; Emeren’s ability to control costs and expenses; Emeren’s ability to retain key personnel and attract new talent; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Emeren’s industry, corporate structure and business operations; seasonality in the business; fluctuations in currencies exchange rates; risks related to acquisitions or investments Emeren has made or will make in the future; accounting adjustments that may occur during the quarterly or annual close or auditing process; and fluctuations in general economic, political, geopolitical and business conditions. Further information regarding these and other risks are included in Emeren’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement and based on assumptions that Emeren believes to be reasonable as of this date, and Emeren undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact: 

Emeren Group Ltd – Investor Relations
+1 (925) 425-7335
ir@emeren.com

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SOURCE Emeren Group Ltd

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AI Evolution and Life Sciences: Embracing New Frontiers at Dalton Venture CEO Summit 2025

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 HONG KONG, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Dalton Venture CEO Summit 2025 , jointly hosted by Dalton Venture and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), successfully concluded at Hong Kong Science Park. The summit brought together over 100 distinguished guests, including government officials, leading scholars, entrepreneurs, and investors from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and beyond, to explore new global opportunities in life sciences innovation.

The event gathered more than 60 entrepreneurs from Dalton Venture’s portfolio companies across cutting-edge sectors such as cell and gene therapy, ophthalmology, AI in healthcare, embodied AI, bio-3D-printing, and cardiovascular technologies.

Uniting Industry, Research, and Capital to Accelerate Globalization

Founding Managing Partner Sun Qi highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages as an East-West bridge, with world-class research infrastructure and capital markets. “Dalton Venture sees Hong Kong not only as a gateway to the world but as a convergence point for technology, capital, industry, and vision,” as he said.

Ms. Cheong Man Lei, Lillian, JP, Deputy Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered a video keynote address. She emphasized Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming an international innovation and technology hub, citing initiatives like the HK$10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme. She warmly welcomed more Mainland Chinese enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s platform for international expansion.

Hong Kong Science Park as a Launchpad for Life Sciences Innovation

Ms. Gracie Ng, Chief of Staff and Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer of HKSTP, also extended a warm welcome. She highlighted HKSTP’s role in cultivating a vibrant life sciences ecosystem through research support, incubation services, and funding channels, including its HK$1 billion corporate venture fund. “We are delighted to host Dalton Venture’s CEO Summit and look forward to deepening collaboration with visionary enterprises.”

Capital Empowering Innovation: Insights from HKEX

Sam S.K. Luk, Vice President (Global Issuer Services) at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), outlined Hong Kong’s latest initiatives to support biotech and hard-tech enterprises through listing mechanisms like Chapter 18A and 18C. He emphasized that Hong Kong remains a preferred destination for innovative companies seeking global investors, citing recent resilience in the local stock market and continued inflows from Southbound trading under the Stock Connect program.

Thought Leadership on Frontier Technologies

The summit also featured keynote speeches from leading scientists and entrepreneurs.

Professor Lam Hon Ming, Distinguished Professor of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology shared insights on agricultural biotechnology and sustainability.

Professor Sirui Han, representing Professor Guo Yike, Chief Vice President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Director of the Hong Kong Center for Generative Artificial Intelligence Research and Development, discussed the evolution of large AI models and their transformative impact on life sciences.

Strengthening Cross-Border Innovation Bridges

Prior to the summit, Dalton Venture organized a closed-door dialogue with InvestHK and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), connecting over 30 Mainland biotech companies with Hong Kong’s innovation and policy resources. Discussions focused on leveraging Hong Kong as a springboard for global clinical development, regulatory pathways, and international fundraising.

Looking Ahead: Building a Global Innovation Network

Mr. Huang Ning, Founding Partner of Dalton Venture, concluded the summit by reaffirming Dalton’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating the globalization of life sciences innovation.

As innovation continues to reshape the life sciences sector, Dalton Venture remains dedicated to fostering a robust, interconnected ecosystem that links research, capital, and industry across borders — advancing healthcare for a better future.

CONTACT
Name: Lynn Ning
Email: ningx@daltonventure.cn

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SOURCE Dalton Venture

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LG Energy Solution Establishes Battery Recycling Joint Venture with Derichebourg

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Companies to build pre-processing facility in northern France to extract ‘black mass.’Construction to begin in 2026; operations to commence in 2027LG Energy Solution marks a critical first step toward a closed-loop system in Europe to strengthen value chain competitiveness.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution has announced plans to establish a joint venture with Derichebourg, the French leader in metal waste recycling, to build a state-of-the-art battery recycling plant.

Construction will begin in 2026 in Bruyères-sur-Oise, located in the Val-d’Oise region of northern France, with operations scheduled to commence in 2027.

The new plant will specialize in pre-processing, such as discharging, dismantling and shredding battery scrap—waste generated during battery production—as well as the collection of end-of-life EV batteries.

Marking LG Energy Solution’s first battery recycling joint venture in Europe, this state-of-the-art facility will have a processing capacity of over 20,000 tons per year at its full operation.

The black mass extracted at the pre-processing facility will undergo further post-processing to recover key battery raw materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which will then be used in LG Energy Solution’s battery production.

Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will supply battery scrap from its facility in Poland, while Derichebourg will provide end-of-life EV batteries collected from France and surrounding countries.

Through this joint venture, LG Energy Solution is accelerating the development of a closed-loop[1] resource circulation system in Europe. This aligns with the company’s goals to enhance raw material sourcing stability and strengthen its value chain competitiveness, while reinforcing Europe’s sustainable battery recycling ecosystem.

Considering the EU Battery Regulation, which mandates a minimum level of recycled content in batteries sold in Europe starting in 2031, this partnership will also effectively address upcoming regulatory requirements. In addition, the collaboration aims to support car manufacturers seeking to establish a closed-loop battery recycling system, further promoting a circular economy.

Derichebourg operates over 200 collecting sites in France and over 285 sites worldwide. LG Energy Solution and Derichebourg plan to deepen their strategic partnership and expand their joint efforts in the battery recycling business.

“This collaboration enables us to secure a stable and cost-competitive supply of recycled battery materials from the advanced processing of end-of-life batteries and battery scrap,” said Chang Beom Kang, CSO of LG Energy Solution. “This initiative will also significantly enhance the value we deliver to customers in the recycling sector.”

“This partnership fully supports our ambition to develop industrial solutions with a high environmental added value, while strengthening the local roots of our activities,” said Abderrahmane El Aoufir, CEO of Derichebourg.

[1] Closed-loop system: Enables the recycling of used batteries and the reuse of recovered materials in new battery production.

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 69,600 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

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