1st hydrogen-powered plane to attempt 9-day nonstop flight, China's satellite swarm-deploying rocket explodes, Heatwave causes cars to grow baby bumps

Plus: Google DeepMind introduces first AI-powered robotic ping pong player                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 August 10, 2024 | [Read Online]( A remarkable aviation project is underway in France, where Swiss explorer Bertrand Piccard is heading the development of Climate Impulse, the world’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft. This venture aims to fly around the equator nonstop in nine days and showcase the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable aviation fuel. Climate Impulse is scheduled to begin testing in 2026 and embark on its historic flight in 2028. For more on this development, check out today’s [Must-Read]([.]( 🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on [jobs.interestingengineering.com](: >[Â]([Java Engineer]( > [CONTRACT TO HIRE – AI / ML Engineer]( Reading Time: 4 mins Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? [Subscribe here.]( MUST READ 🛩️ [World’s 1st hydrogen-powered plane to attempt 9-day nonstop global flight]( The Climate Impulse’s unique design deviates from conventional planes, with a central pod for pilots and [large liquid-hydrogen tanks]( flanking it, connected by a single thin wing. A significant challenge in the aircraft’s construction lies in maintaining liquid hydrogen at extremely low temperatures— [close to absolute zero](— throughout the nine-day flight. The construction of Climate Impulse is expected to take [two years]( and its research and development is supported by industry giants Airbus and Capgemini. 💥 [Debris alert: China’s rocket explodes after deploying 1st batch of satellite swarm]( China’s entry into the mega-constellation race with the launch of 18 satellites for its Qianfan network took an unexpected turn when the Long March 6A rocket’s upper stage [disintegrated post-deployment](. The cloud of over [300 trackable debris pieces]( in low Earth orbit resulting from the explosion has raised concerns about space safety and sustainability. This isn’t an isolated incident for Long March 6A rockets, with a [similar explosion]( occurring in November 2022. The Low Earth orbit is already crowded with numerous other satellites, and the risk of managing space debris is exacerbated by private operators like SpaceX and Blue Origin. 🥵 [‘Pregnant’ cars? China’s record heatwave causes cars to grow baby bumps]( Recent reports from China have brought an expected consequence of extreme heat to life: the [inflation of car protective films](. Social media platforms are abuzz with videos showing vehicles with bulging wraps, with some users dubbing them “[pregnant](.” While some online claims initially suggested this phenomenon only affects [locally-made Chinese vehicles](, experts clarify that these are likely aftermarket protective wraps rather than factory-installed films. Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. [Subscribe here]( HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY SCIENCE > Engineers in Australia are championing a sustainable, low-energy, and low-cost method to break down plastics. ([More]() > Researchers have discovered the fossil of a 210 million-year-old lungfish predating dinosaurs in Zimbabwe. ([More]() > A newly developed projection technology using a chemical ‘switch’ will enable physicians to project detailed, 3D models of organs on any polymer. ([More]() ENERGY > China begins ‘nuclear tourism’ in a bid to garner support amid plans to build 30 new power reactors. ([More]() > Researchers at Oxford University have developed a new power-generating coating for any object, enabling cheap solar power. ([More]() > A team of Korean researchers has unveiled the first-ever universal design principles for solid-state batteries to boost energy density. ([More]() INNOVATION > Researchers in Spain have created a new overactuated aerial robot that can autonomously control its position and orientation. ([More]() > Google DeepMind has introduced the first AI-powered robotic table tennis player capable of competing at an amateur human level. ([More]() > MIT spinout Sublime Systems unveils zero-emission cement that could slash 4 gigatons of carbon dioxide every year. ([More]() VIDEO > The Soviet Union’s Caspian Sea Monster was designed to fly across the water faster than any ship, thanks to the ground effect. Although the Sea Monster is now dead, multiple companies are developing potential heirs to the title. Who will win? ([More]() > Modern warships are not just technological marvels; they are floating fortresses, bristling with an array of sophisticated weaponry. Meet the CIWS, Harpoon, and Sea Sparrow: The deadly trio of US Navy Warships. ([More]() IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS In yesterday’s quiz, we asked, Which figure is a top-down view of the given shape? The answer is: The second figure. Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on [Instagram]( and [Facebook!]( FROM THE WEB > A new study has revealed how serotonin changes how people learn and respond to negative [information]( > Noah Lyles’ Olympic Run is the new normal for living with [Covid]( > The US Food and Drug Administration has just rejected a bid for MDMA’s approval to treat [PTSD]( > ATM software flaws left piles of cash for anyone who knew to [look]( > Playing to prosper: Researchers reveal how sports participation leads to long-term success for [girls]( Additional Reads --------------------------------------------------------------- [⚙️ Mechanical:](Explore the wonders of mechanical engineering. [🛩️ Aerospace:]( The latest on propulsion, satellites, aeronautics, and more. [🧑🏻‍🔧 Engineer Pros:]( The latest in engineering news, career updates, and insider knowledge. [🧠AI Logs:]( Insights into the intricacies and developments within the realm of artificial intelligence. 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