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why the first spacex astronaut launch marks a crucial leap for nasa’s ambitions
CNBC

NASA and SpaceX have opened a new chapter in human spaceflight. 

Collaboration between the two companies nurtured the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft into being. Last Saturday, two NASA astronauts boarded the spacecraft and successfully launched to orbit. 

WHY IT MATTERS: The SpaceX astronaut launch represents the first time NASA astronauts have launched from U.S. soil since the Apollo program ended nine years ago. SpaceX and NASA’s collaboration also denotes a significantly expanded role for the private sector in space and will result in enormous cost savings.

 

major international companies launch ‘restarting together’ initiative
CARIBBEAN BUSINESS

Let’s restart together, say Airbus Bizlab, BASF, Boston Consulting Group, CEMEX, Citi, Endeavor, IDB Lab, IESE Business School, Microsoft for Startups, South Summit, and Telefónica. 

These leading companies recently announced their joint initiative. Soon, they’ll be teaming up to search for innovative projects that contribute meaningfully to recovery in the post-COVID-19 world. Desired projects include those that improve employment prospects, revitalize small businesses, and propose sustainable, reusable mechanisms for crisis situations. 

WHY IT MATTERS: According to the OECD, we’re facing the worst recession in a century. Recovery is going to require projects developed by sharp, innovative minds and supported by leading businesses.

 

ESRI AND IDB OFFER SOLUTION TO COMBAT COVID-19 IN LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
businesswire

Thanks to the Inter-American Development Bank and the California-based location intelligence supplier Esri, Latin America will soon be able to leverage enhanced technology in the fight against COVID-19. 

The two entities recently unveiled a partnership that will enable governments in Latin America to tap into Esri’s geospatial technology and analytical models. With these tools at their fingertips, governments will be able to set up dashboards and control centers to monitor the spread of COVID-19, track equipment and asset availability, and oversee critical supply chains. 

WHY IT MATTERS: Last week, the WHO declared Latin America the new epicenter of the pandemic. Smart use of location intelligence is crucial for a timely, more nimble response.