Impact Lab – Page 226 – A Laboratory of the Future Human Experience

Low-Earth orbit: A launchpad for Europe’s spacetech startups

March 6, 2023

Satellites going, up to the skies

Low Earth orbit (LEO) is a popular destination for space tech startups due to its proximity to Earth and the potential for new innovations. In Europe, several companies are exploring the possibility of launching LEO launchpads to support these startups.

One such company is Isar Aerospace, a German startup that is developing a rocket capable of launching small satellites into LEO. CEO Daniel Metzler believes that LEO is the “next frontier for space tech startups,” and sees Isar Aerospace as a key player in this emerging market.

Another company, UK-based Orbex, is developing a 3D-printed rocket called Prime that is designed to launch small satellites into LEO. CEO Chris Larmour sees LEO as a “game-changer” for the industry and believes that Orbex can help European startups compete with larger US-based companies.

Science & Technology News, Space Flight

Japanese startup announces balloon flights taking passengers up to space

March 5, 2023

A Japanese startup announced plans Tuesday to launch commercial space viewing balloon flights that it hopes will bring an otherwise astronomically expensive experience down to Earth.

The company plans to use high-altitude balloons to carry people and payloads to an altitude of approximately 100,000 feet (30,480 meters), which is above the Earth’s atmosphere.

The balloons will be equipped with a pressurized cabin that can accommodate up to eight passengers and two pilots. The cabin will be designed to provide a comfortable environment for the passengers during the flight, which is expected to last for approximately two hours.

Space BD is currently working on developing the technology required for the balloon flights, including the balloons themselves, the pressurized cabin, and the propulsion system. The company has partnered with several other organizations, including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the University of Tokyo, to help develop the technology.

Science & Technology News, Space Flight

Aerogel and uranium could be the keys to building a revolutionary space engine

March 5, 2023

Aerogel is a lightweight and highly porous material that has been used in space technology for several years. It is made by removing the liquid from a gel and leaving behind a solid material with a low density. Aerogel has a wide range of applications, including insulation, capturing stardust particles, and as a component in rocket fuel.

On the other hand, uranium is a radioactive element that has been used in nuclear reactors to generate electricity. In space technology, it has been used to power space probes and other spacecraft. The use of uranium in space technology is still controversial due to the potential risks involved in the handling and transportation of radioactive materials.

Recently, researchers have been exploring the use of aerogel and uranium in combination for space engines. According to Dr. Jason Cassibry, a professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, this combination has the potential to revolutionize space travel. He said, “Aerogel and uranium together would make a very powerful engine because the aerogel would trap the energy given off by the uranium and then heat up, creating a lot of thrust.”

Food, Science & Technology News

Swiss Mirai Foods Develops the “First Thick Cultivated Steak” with Non-GM Beef Cells

March 5, 2023

Mirai Foods, a Singapore-based start-up, has claimed to have developed the world’s first thick cultivated steak using their proprietary 3D cell culture technology. According to the company, this steak has the same texture and taste as a real steak, but is produced without harming animals and with significantly lower environmental impact than traditional animal agriculture.

The company aims to make cultivated meat products more affordable and accessible to consumers. Their plan is to launch the cultivated steak in the Asian market by 2022, with plans to expand to other parts of the world later on.

“Our 3D cell culture technology enables us to create thick cuts of meat that closely mimic the texture and flavor of real meat, while being produced sustainably and humanely,” said the founder and CEO of Mirai Foods, Shojinaga. “Our cultivated steak represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable meat production.”

Electric Vehicles, Science & Technology News

Electric vehicles can now power your home for three days

March 4, 2023

The next generation of EV batteries will feed energy to your home — and the grid

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, a new trend is emerging: repurposing EV batteries to power homes during power outages. This idea is gaining traction as the demand for backup power solutions grows.

According to experts, a standard EV battery can store enough energy to power a home for several hours or even days, depending on the battery’s size and the household’s energy usage. This has led companies to explore ways to develop technology that allows EV batteries to be used as backup power sources.

Tesla has been at the forefront of this trend, experimenting with using EV batteries to power homes since 2015. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has expressed enthusiasm for the idea on Twitter, stating, “It’s just a matter of time before EVs become a primary source of home power.”

Electric Vehicles, Science & Technology News

The Wireless Charging Revolution Is Just Months Away. Here’s How It Starts.

March 3, 2023

The first public test of an electrified road could change everything.

The article you shared discusses a new technology that enables electric vehicles (EVs) to be charged wirelessly. The technology, developed by Australian start-up, Power Transfer, uses magnetic induction to charge EVs without the need for cords or cables.

According to Power Transfer CEO, Luke Delaney, the technology is “a game changer” that could make EVs more practical and convenient for drivers. “Wireless charging is the missing piece in the puzzle for electric vehicles. It’s just like Wi-Fi for your car,” he said.

The wireless charging system works by using an induction pad installed in the ground, which generates an electromagnetic field that is picked up by a receiving pad on the underside of the vehicle. This then converts the electromagnetic energy into electricity, which is used to charge the vehicle’s battery.

Electric Vehicles, Science & Technology News

European Union approves sales ban on new petrol and diesel cars

March 3, 2023

It takes effect in 2035.

The European Union has approved a proposal to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 as part of a package of measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. The proposal, known as “Fit for 55,” is a comprehensive plan to cut the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

The ban on petrol and diesel car sales is a significant step towards reducing emissions from the transport sector, which is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Frans Timmermans, the EU’s climate chief, emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “We are going to need a massive transformation of our transport sector. It’s a huge challenge, but it’s also a huge opportunity. If we do this right, we can create jobs and we can make our economies more sustainable and more competitive.”

The “Fit for 55” package also includes other measures such as tightening emissions standards for new cars, increasing the use of renewable energy, and introducing a carbon border tax on imports of certain goods from outside the EU.

Medical Breakthrough, Science & Technology News

Artificial blood being developed in Baltimore could save lives in emergencies

March 3, 2023

Dr. Allan Doctor, a researcher at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, is making significant strides in the development of an artificial blood substitute that could potentially be used in emergency situations where traditional donated blood is not available or suitable.

Dr. Doctor and his team have been working on this project for many years, and their research has led to the creation of a synthetic hemoglobin molecule that can carry oxygen, similar to the natural hemoglobin found in human blood.

According to Dr. Doctor, “The beauty of this molecule is that it’s very simple. It doesn’t have any of the immune components, and so we think it has the potential to be used in the emergency setting.”

One of the key advantages of this artificial blood substitute is that it would be much easier to store and transport than donated blood, which has a limited shelf life and requires special handling. Additionally, the synthetic hemoglobin molecule would not require blood typing or matching, making it a valuable resource for emergency situations.

quantum computing, Science & Technology News

Engineers discover a new way to control atomic nuclei as qubits

March 2, 2023

A team of engineers at the University of California, Berkeley, has discovered a new method of controlling atomic nuclei as qubits, a breakthrough that could lead to significant advancements in quantum computing.

The traditional approach to controlling qubits, which are the basic building blocks of quantum computers, involves manipulating the electron cloud that surrounds an atomic nucleus. However, the Berkeley team found that they could control the nucleus itself by using an electrical field to manipulate the spin of the atomic nucleus.

“This new approach opens up a whole new area of research in quantum computing,” said Alexei Bylinskii, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer sciences at UC Berkeley and lead author of the study.

Science & Technology News, Space

China’s space station experiments pave the way for new space technology

March 2, 2023

China’s Tiangong space station has conducted a series of experiments aimed at advancing space technology, laying the foundation for future missions to the moon and Mars.

“The experiments conducted on the Tiangong space station will not only benefit China’s manned space program but will also contribute to the development of the world’s space industry,” said Yu Dengyun, a researcher with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

Among the experiments carried out on the space station were tests on space medicine, space agriculture, space material science, space life science, and space astronomy.

The space medicine experiments focused on the effects of microgravity on the human body, with the goal of developing countermeasures to mitigate the negative impacts of extended stays in space. Researchers also studied the effects of different levels of radiation on biological organisms, which will help improve space radiation protection technology.

3D Printer, Science & Technology News

Oakland-based startup is 3D-printing homes in 24 hours

March 2, 2023

An Oakland-based startup called Mighty Buildings is using 3D printing technology to revolutionize the construction industry by building homes in just 24 hours. The company claims that their proprietary 3D printing system allows them to produce building components with greater precision and speed than traditional construction methods.

According to the CEO of Mighty Buildings, Sam Ruben, their technology allows them to print “entire walls complete with insulation and built-in finishes like windowsills and electrical sockets,” which results in a faster and more efficient building process. Ruben also notes that their system uses 95% less labor and produces 10 times less waste than traditional construction methods.

Electric Vehicles, Science & Technology News

Wireless Charging for Autonomous Electric Buses — World 1st

March 2, 2023

How many buzzwords can you fit into one story or title? Wireless charging for autonomous electric buses is about as good as it gets. (Perhaps we could squeeze “AI” in there somewhere.) Well, it certainly caught my attention. The news comes from WiTricity, which calls itself “the leader in wireless EV charging.” Unsurprisingly, the setting for this news is China. WiTricity partnered with YuTong Bus, the largest bus producer in China (and presumably the world), to charge up YuTong’s autonomous electric buses.

The article discusses a world-first demonstration of wireless charging technology for autonomous electric buses in Oslo, Norway. The project is a collaboration between public transport company Ruter, electric vehicle infrastructure company Momentum Dynamics, and bus manufacturer Volvo.

Arild Hermstad, Vice Mayor for Environment and Transport for the City of Oslo, emphasizes the importance of electric and autonomous buses in achieving cleaner, quieter, and more efficient public transportation. “Wireless charging technology will make it even easier to operate these buses, and we are excited to be a part of this groundbreaking project,” Hermstad notes.