Autonomous nano sub prepares for missions beneath Antarctic ice and frozen moons

Plus: Fusion milestone passed, shape-changing drones, and “alien corpses” on display. 🥶 German scientists and engineers are preparing a tiny robotic trailblazer for an exploratory plunge beneath Antarctica's ice, hoping to offer a glimpse into the hidden ocean worlds of our solar system. This new nano-scale submarine will have to survive extreme conditions as it explores the freezing abyss as soon as 2026. If it succeeds, it could be sent on a new mission to hunt for alien life forms elsewhere in the solar system. Jump to today’s [Must Read]( to learn more about this ingenious project. Good morning. I’m Tim, newsletter editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. What else is new today? 🔥 Hot job alert: Northrop Grumman is hiring a [Sr. Principal Software Engineer]( for $194,500 per year. Apply before it's too late! VIDEO OF THE DAY [Is Nikola Tesla Overrated?]( Why do Russia and China fear the B-2 Spirit bomber so much? With its bat-like silhouette, the B-2 uses composite materials to render it nearly undetectable. SUPPORT INTERESTING ENGINEERING Invest in science and engineering Insider access to exclusive content, featuring riveting stories that take you right to the heart of the action. Engage with our thriving online community, dive into captivating science discoveries, and stay informed with our enlightening weekly premium newsletters. With IE+, quality reporting is more than just news - and it is Ad-Free. [SUBSCRIBE]( HOT TOPICS - 📲 [What AI features are on offer in Apple's new products?]( Apple just released four new iPhone 15 models and a Series 9 Watch. How do they differ from their previous models? - 🔋 [Scientists X-ray Li-ion batteries for deeper insight]( The research provided quantitative proof that electrode performance depends on carbon coating and not ion diffusion. - 🥤 [Cola from the future? Coca-Cola reveals AI-generated drink]( Coca-Cola’s Y3000 Zero Sugar limited edition drink launched earlier this month. - 🍣 [World first: 3D-printed vegan salmon now in supermarkets]( innovative product will hit supermarket shelves today. - 🏁 [Swiss students have broken the 1-second EV acceleration mark]( A team of students from ETH Zurich and Lucerne University hand-built the official world record holder. Must Read [This nano submarine will explore solar system's icy moons]( 🪐 A team of German inventors is creating an innovative 10 x 50 centimeter autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to initially study subglacial Antarctic lakes in 2026. Deployed via a melting probe, the sub will collect data about these mysterious extreme ecosystems. Its robust sensors will hopefully reveal insights about possible microbial life thriving in the darkness, advancing the search for extraterrestrial organisms. The audacious project will develop technologies to penetrate the kilometers-thick ice shells of Europa and Enceladus, frozen moons that may hide vast subsurface oceans. While Antarctic conditions differ, the research aids future missions to breach the frozen frontier and sample water from alien seas. [[Read More]( [Science]( ⚛️ Tokamak Energy’s Demo4 powers ahead with cryogenic success Tokamak Energy's Demo4 fusion reactor has passed critical cryogenic tests, validating its high-temperature superconductor magnets can withstand freezing temperatures needed for fusion. The breakthrough inches Demo4 closer to assembly, advancing fusion technology goals of safe, sustainable carbon-free energy. [[Read More]( [Innovation]( 🍁 Tiny robot changes shape mid-air to cover large distance The innovative origami-inspired microflier robot transforms shape in mid-air to achieve stable, long-distance flight without batteries. Weighing just 400 milligrams, the solar-powered microflier switches between flat and folded states to mimic elm and maple leaves, allowing it to be dropped from drones and efficiently glide over 130 feet as it descends. [[Read More]( [Culture]( 👽 UFO expert unveils ‘alien corpses’ in Mexico Congress In a bizarre event, ufologist Jaime Maussan presented two mummified bodies claimed to be 1,100 year old aliens in Mexico's Congress. Maussan believes the humanoid corpses with avian-like traits, found in Peru, prove extraterrestrial life. However, it is worthwhile noting that his past alien claims have been thoroughly debunked. [[Read More]( QUESTION OF THE DAY What is your opinion of the “alien corpses” displayed in Mexico’s Congress? [Obvious fakes]( [Interesting, if nothing else]( [They look real to me]( [Need more evidence, analysis]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Few of you are worried about the non-ionizing radiation emitted by smartphones, with 65 percent saying you have no concerns. However, 11 percent report feeling sick. 66% I have no concerns 19% I always use hands free 11% It makes me feel sick 4% I use a Faraday cage “The new autonom­ous sys­tem is unique and should make it pos­sible in the future to study the global li­quid-wa­ter ocean be­low the icy sur­faces of Jupiter’s moon Europa and Sat­urn’s moon En­ce­ladus.” Ralf Bach­mayer, pro­ject leader at University of Bremen’s MARUM THE UNIQUE BOUTIQUE [Magnetic Levitation Globe]( [$40.99]( [Large Room Aroma Diffuser]( [$29.99]( [Goodeco Elephant Statue]( [$33.99]( [Mixology Bartender Kit]( [$40.22]( AND ANOTHER THING - [Did a drone beat human pilots? 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