Examining the implications of science and technology
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Testing of an orbiting solar reflector – a space mirror – could begin soon (1). The possible first step of an ambitious startup company (2) plan to create a megaconstellation of perhaps tens of thousands mirrors in low Earth orbit... Continue Reading →
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently approved a start-up company proposal to test an orbiting mirror (1). Designed to re-direct sunlight to illuminate areas after sundown, the company projects a wide range of future benefits including increased solar power... Continue Reading →
Mounting public reluctance to approve construction of hyperscale data centers has turned into a serious headache for artificial intelligence (AI) developers. However, it appears a novel solution for that problem has been devised – granting extraordinarily speedy permission for them... Continue Reading →
A start-up company proposal to test an orbiting mirror was approved by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) (1). Designed to re-direct sunlight to illuminate large areas after dark, the company plans to create a satellite mega-constellation to enhance power... Continue Reading →
Reposting a sobering examination of the difficulties involved with exploring and colonizing Mars. By Steve Hurley, Explaining Science Blog.
OpenAI has revealed a tag-team of artificial intelligence (AI) programs undertook some clever, but undesirable, activities on its own (1-3). While undergoing testing, the AI programs executed a novel escape from their “sandbox” and autonomously hacked the computer infrastructure of... Continue Reading →
As scientists edge closer to a Mars sample return mission, a call to establish a highly secure biocontainment facility on the Moon has been issued (1). Having extraterrestrial samples received and examined in an isolated lunar laboratory before transport to... Continue Reading →
Dr. Tadayo Hashimoto was the chair of the Admissions Committee and the first faculty member I met when I started graduate school at Loyola University Chicago nearly 50 years ago. His advice was always helpful and his influence extended throughout... Continue Reading →
Decades after Apollo mission astronauts fetched lunar rocks and regolith back to Earth, humankind has commenced a new era of direct exploration of solar system bodies (1). Small specimens collected from the Moon and asteroids with remotely-operated probes have been... Continue Reading →
While taking in a recent “blue” Moon event (1), I was struck by the impressive number of star-like objects moving across the night sky. Second or third magnitude in brightness, not dazzling, but easily visible despite the washing-out effects of... Continue Reading →
