Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) is leveraging additive manufacturing to produce next-generation military equipment in Britain.RBSL makes Boxer armored vehicles and the Challenger 3, the British Armys latest Main Battle Tank, at its Hadley Castle Works Factory in Telford. The joint venture between the UKs BAE Systems and Dsseldorf-based Rheinmetall has attracted over 56 million for defense manufacturing in the region.In a recent visit to the site, Maria Eagle, Minister for Defence Procurement, held a consultation as part of the Governments new Defense Industrial Strategy. This initiative seeks to ensure the UKs defense sector remains innovative, resilient, and competitive. She stated that Telford is at the heart of UK defence, adding The Governments new Defence Industrial Strategy will drive economic growth, boost British jobs, and strengthen national security.A 950 million Challenger 3 contract has already created nearly 300 highly skilled across RBSLs facilities in Telford, Dorset, Bristol, and Newcastle. Now, a 5 billion investment will see the company equip UK forces with 148 Challenger 3 tanks and 623 Boxer vehicles, set to be in service by 2030.Additive manufacturing is playing a critical role in this manufacturing effort. According to a Rheinmetall spokesperson, 3D printers are used extensively in Challenger 3 and Boxer production lines, as well as for RBSLs In-Service Support (ISS) programs.Maria Eagle MP at RBSL Telford. Photo via Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land.3D printing military vehicles at RBSL RBSL calls the Boxer armored personnel carrier a Made in Britain product, strengthening the UKs domestic military supply chain. This nationwide production effort, delivered under the UK Mechanised Infantry Vehicle Programme, has reportedly created 4,000 highly skilled jobs in engineering, development, and complex systems integration.In addition to the Boxer, RBSL is leading the end-to-end production of the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank, unveiled during the 2024 Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) event in Millbrook. Assembly, integration, and testing stages are conducted in-house by the defense manufacturer, enhancing lethality and operational readiness for British Forces.Through programmes like Boxer and Challenger 3, RBSL is committed to providing sovereign capability for the UK, supporting the British Army, and investing in the workforce of tomorrow through our apprenticeship and graduate schemes, commented Will Gibby, Managing Director of RBSL.Additive manufacturing has been key to the joint ventures operations. The Rheinmetall spokesperson told 3D Printing Industry that the German firm has actively leveraged the technology since purchasing its first Stratasys system in 2014. This was initially used in prototyping, trial fitment of parts, and for visualization purposes.Since launching in 2019, RBSL has purchased additional 3D printers to support its business operations. For instance, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) is being leveraged to 3D print several production parts on the Challenger 3.Additionally, the company is looking into AM for supporting production where applicable in the Boxer program. It was announced last year that RBSL collaborated with European defense manufacturer MBDA to produce a Brimstone Overwatch Mission Module for the armored vehicle. 3D printing was used alongside conventional manufacturing to construct the missile system demonstrator in just ten weeks.BAE and Rheinmetalls joint venture is also collaborating with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) on Project TAMPA through its ISS program. Alongside partners like Babcock and Thales, RBSL is exploring how 3D printing can be used to produce metal spare parts for armored vehicles. Fabricating these components near the front lines is expected to drive down lead times while improving the availability of difficult-to-source obsolete components.The defense manufacturer has already been awarded contracts on Spiral 1 (non-safety critical parts) and Spiral 2 (safety-critical parts) of the project. This has seen 3D printed spares fitted to Panther, Warrior, Challenger 2, and Titan vehicles. These parts are reportedly produced by RBSLs supply chain, with the company leading the specification, design, analysis, quality, testing, trials, and qualification stages. According to Rheinmetall, TAMPA will eventually achieve full certification of parts for incorporation into the Build Standard.Challenger 3 tank. Photo via Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land.Additive manufacturing bolsters defense productionAs global shipping challenges and geopolitical developments threaten supply chains, efforts to create domestic, sovereign military manufacturing capabilities are accelerating. This is particularly evident in the US, where the Department of Defense (DoD) leverages additive manufacturing to address missile inventory shortages.Colorado-based rocket engine manufacturer Ursa Major has received substantial Pentagon funding to scale its production of 3D printed solid rocket motors. Last year, the firm signed a contract with the US Navy to design, manufacture, and test a new design for the Mk 104 dual rocket motor, which powers the SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles. The Navy and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) later provided an additional $12.5 million to scale SRM production with its Lynx 3D printing technology.The US DoD is also investing substantial capital to strengthen its submarine industrial base with metal 3D printing. Earlier this month, Australian large-format Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) specialist AML3D 3D printed prototype tailpiece components for the US Navys nuclear submarine program.Delivered through the trilateral AUKUS partnership, these Copper-Nickel parts will undergo testing before being installed on a Virginia-Class nuclear submarine for in-service trials later this year. According to AML3D, the tailpiece prototypes were manufactured in under five weeks, significantly faster than the 17-month lead time required by conventional manufacturing methods.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on X, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows a Challenger 3 tank. Photo via Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land.

Regal RetailJakob Sprenger and AZA Studio translate Wall Streets art deco style to Aesops new New York outpostByKelly Pau January 15, 2025East, Interiors (Sean Davidson)SHARECult-favorite hair, body, and skin care brandAesopsretail spaces are perhaps as beloved as the brands scents and lotions. Each store takes on the personalities of its locale without losing touch of the brands own identity. For Aesops new location in downtown New York,Jakob Sprenger, in collaboration withAZA Studio, references the art deco style of Wall Streets historic sites, as well as the 37-story Munson Building, where the retail space is located. The result is a lush, immersive interior, which the brands outpost are known for, but with a regal twist. The new outpost, a former lobby space, is defined by tall ceilings and walls clad in Fior di Pesco marble. The renovation continues the grandeur of the building with pilasters that display Aesops skin care and fragrances, while crown moldings and a coffered ceiling add to the elegance.Read more about the shop on aninteriormag.com.

All images courtesy of Mission Archologique Franco-Suisse de Saqqra, shared with permissionIn Saqqara, Archaeologists Uncover the Sumptuous 4,100-Year-Old Tomb of a Royal PhysicianJanuary 15, 2025Kate MothesFor ancient Egyptians, the afterlifealso called Duat, among other nameswas a mystical realm overseen by the god Osiris, who personified rebirth and life after death. But entry to Duat was anything but guaranteed; when a person died, their spirit traveled across vast, challenging terrain and deposited them at the Hall of Final Judgment, where their heart was weighed against a feather from Maat, the goddess of justice and truth.In preparation for the afterlife, royals, dignitaries, and the wealthy elite constructed great tombs. The most elaborate among them were painted with ornamental murals that shared ones accomplishments, packed with artwork and riches to demonstrate each individuals status and accompany them to Duat.Expansive ancient necropolises complemented large cities, where societys upper crust commissioned tombs, temples, and pyramids. For the capital of Memphis, the final resting place was typically Saqqara, which contains some of Egypts oldest monuments, some of which date back to the First Dynasty around 5,000 years ago.Scholars continue to unfurl millennia-old mysteries as archaeological excavations carry on in Saqqara. And sometimes, as researchers from the Mission Archologique Franco-Suisse de Saqqra (MAFS) recently found out, marvelous and unexpected discoveries still emerge from the sand.During the 2024 season, as the team excavated near a mastabaa large-scale, rectangular, flat-roofed tombthey discovered a number of smaller burials, including a kiln tomb. Also known as oven tombs, these burials are made of raw bricks that are characterized by their vaulted ceiling, says a statement from MAFS. They are built several meters below the ground, and the only way to access them is through the burial shaft, always placed to the north of the entrance.Typically, kiln tombs are fairly simple mud brick monuments, sometimes with limestone walls, and even less often decorations, MAFS says. Today, they are also often empty as a result of looting throughout the centuries. But instead of a basic, unadorned room, the team found vibrant wall paintings commemorating a doctor who died around 4,000 years ago.Archaeologists uncovered a stone tablet bearing the doctors name, Tetinebefou, near the entrance. A stele is a stone slab featuring text, imagery, or both, and in ancient Egypt, a false door stele represented a portal for the deceaseds spirit pass through into the afterlife. As researchers explored farther, the physicians name was represented in other locations, confirming it to be his tomb.As reported in Live Science, Tetinebefou was known as a dean of the palace physicians, with inscriptions referring to him also as conjurer of the goddess Serqet, who was associated with protection from scorpion stings. He was also prescribed the titles of director of medicinal plants and chief dentist, both of which are unusual designations in ancient Egypt. Its unclear which pharaoh he may have served, but MAFSs lead Egyptologist Phillippe Collombert suggests Tetinebefou may have worked under Pepi II, who reigned between approximately 2246 and 2152B.C.E.Inside the tomb, relief carvings of urns, furniture, hieroglyphs, and garments are complemented by colorful patterns and richly textured ceiling. At some point in the past, the doctors tomb had indeed been looted, and only tiny fragments of objects remained. The decorations, however, mark an exceptional discovery.A documentary slated for 2026, directed by Frdric Wilner, will take a deeper dive into the details of this excavation. In the meantime, explore more on the MAFS website.Next article

Published January 15, 2025 10:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': Illegal movie downloads could be hiding dangerous new malware Researchers found Peaklight malware targeting illegal movie downloaders. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson provides tips to protect yourself from malware. Apples Macs are generally considered more secure than Windows PCs, but they are not immune to hackers. Numerous incidents demonstrate that Macs are not impenetrable, and a new one has recently been added to the list. Security researchers have discovered a new variant of stealer malware that targets browser credentials, cryptocurrency wallets and other personal data. Ireported on this malware in 2024 as well. Previously, it relied on macOS browser extensions to steal data. Now, it uses phishing websites and fake GitHub repositories to target Macs, which have a user base of 100 million people.Enter the giveaway by signing up for myfree newsletter. A person working on their Apple laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The evolution of info-stealer Mac malwareCybersecurity companyCheck Point has discovered a new variant of info-stealer malware, BanShee. Elastic Security Labs first highlighted this malware in mid-2024, noting that it operates as malware-as-a-service, a business model in which cybercriminals provide access to malicious software and related infrastructure for a fee. At that time, it was available for as much as $3,000 per month.Check Point says this malware evolved in September after being exposed. This time, its developers had "stolen" a string encryption algorithm from Apples own XProtect antivirus engine, which replaced the plain text strings used in the original version. Since antivirus programs expect to see this kind of encryption from Apples legitimate security tools, they werent flagged as suspicious, allowing the BanShee to remain undetected and quietly steal data from targeted devices. A woman working on her Apple desktop and Apple laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How the Mac malware operatesBanShee Stealer is a prime example of how advanced malware has become. Once its on a system, it gets straight to work stealing all kinds of sensitive information. It goes after data from browsers like Chrome, Brave, Edge and Vivaldi, as well as cryptocurrency wallet extensions. It even takes advantage of two-factor authentication (2FA) extensions to grab credentials. On top of that, it collects details about the devices software and hardware, as well as the external IP address.The Mac malware also tricks users with fake pop-ups that look like real system prompts, tricking victims into entering their macOS passwords. Once it has gathered the stolen information, BanShee exfiltrates it to command-and-control servers, using encrypted and encoded files to ensure the data remains secure.The malwares creators used GitHub repositories to spread BanShee. They set up fake repositories that looked like they hosted popular software, complete with stars and reviews, to seem trustworthy. These campaigns didnt just target macOS users with BanShee. They also hit Windows users with a differentmalware called Lumma Stealer. Over three waves, the attackers used these fake repositories to trick people into downloading their malicious files. A woman working on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)5 tips to protect yourself from Mac malwareFollow these essential tips to safeguard your Mac from the latest malware threats, including the notorious BanShee Stealer.1) Have strong antivirus software:The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2)Be cautious with downloads and links: Only download software from reputable sources such as the Mac App Store or official websites of trusted developers. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages prompting you to download or install updates, especially if they contain links. Phishing attempts often disguise themselves as legitimate update notifications or urgent messages.3)Keep your software updated: Ensure that both macOS and all installed applications are up to date. Apple frequently releases security patches and updates that address vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for macOS and your apps to stay protected without having to manually check for updates. If you need more help, see myguide on keeping all your devices updated.4)Use strong and unique passwords:To protect your Mac from malware, its also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Avoid reusing passwords across different sites or services. Apassword manager can be incredibly helpful here; it generates and stores complex passwords for you, making them difficult for hackers to crack.It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and automatically fills them in when you log into accounts, so you dont have to remember them yourself. By reducing the number of passwords you need to recall, youre less likely to reuse them, which lowers the risk of security breaches. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.5)Use two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable2FA for your important accounts, including your Apple ID, email and any financial services. This adds an extra step to the login process, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they have your password.Kurts key takeawayNo device is immune to cyberattacks when a human operator is involved. Take the BanShee Stealer, for example. It managed to target Macs not due to weak cybersecurity measures by Apple but because it successfully tricked users into installing it and granting the required permissions. Most breaches, hacks and other cyberattacks stem from human error. This highlights the importance of maintaining basic cybersecurity hygiene. It's crucial to know what youre downloading, ensure its from a trusted source and carefully review the permissions you grant to any online service or application.When downloading new software, how do you determine if its safe to install? Do you rely on app store ratings, reviews or something else? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

pathdoc - stock.adobe.comNewsGovernment, Nesta and ODI issue 600k smart data challenge to technologistsDepartment for Business and Trade, Challenge Works and the Open Data Institute have issued a Smart Data Challenge to app developers and entrepreneurs with a total prize fund of 600,000ByBrian McKenna,Enterprise Applications EditorPublished: 15 Jan 2025 15:41 The Department for Business and Trade, Challenge Works and the Open Data Institute have issued a Smart Data Challenge with a total prize fund of 600,000.The three entities have said the prize money will go to the most innovative apps and technologies and that they encourage entrants from the data and innovation sector to enter. They are especially keen to see ideas that can be applied in financial services, energy, retail, transport and home buying.In support of the challenge, Justin Madders, minister for employment rights, competition and markets, said: Smart data has the potential to supercharge a wave of innovative startups right across the country. As weve seen with open banking, which has raised over 2bn of private funding, I hope other sectors can take advantage of the competition to provide real change for consumers and boost economic growth right across the nation.The government hopes that the UKs past role in promoting open banking, which allows for financial data to be shared between banks and other third parties through application programming interfaces (APIs), can be a model for using smart data to improve services for consumers and small businesses.The three sponsoring entities said the biggest hurdle facing data technologists is a lack of real-world smart data. Successful teams will gain exclusive access to a smart data sandbox that has been built for the prize to test and develop their ideas into working prototypes.The idea looks to be to reward cross-sector technologies that benefit consumers and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), increasing competition and growing the economy.The sandbox comprises synthetic data which is data artificially made, not generated from real-world activities from multiple datasets about people and businesses across 11 data domains, including banking, insurance, investing, property, energy and retail. The sponsors said the prize money will go to those who identify use cases that use multiple datasets and show benefits for people and business that will last. The Smart Data Challenge Prize is ... calling on diverse innovators from across industry, academia and civil society to enter their smart data solutions that will make peoples lives better and easier Holly Jamieson, Challenge WorksHolly Jamieson, executive director of Challenge Works, which is part of Nesta, a government-supported charity that encourages innovation, said: The Smart Data Challenge Prize is an open innovation competition it is calling on diverse innovators from across industry, academia and civil society to enter their smart data solutions that will make peoples lives better and easier. Challenge prizes have a proven track record of creating opportunities for innovative entrants, startups and entrepreneurs because they support the best ideas no matter their origin.Louise Burke, CEO of the Open Data Institute, said: The biggest obstacle facing smart data innovators right now is the lack of real-world smart data available to them. To experiment, iterate and scale proofs of concept, innovators need access to high-quality, robust and secure data to demonstrate how their ideas will create lasting benefits for people and businesses. The smart data sandbox will bring together data on people and businesses across 11 broad data domains. It will enable innovators to develop their ideas into prototype solutions to demonstrate the viability and benefits of smart data in different sectors.The Smart Data Challenge Prize follows on from a smaller Smart Data Discovery Challenge, which was launched under the Conservative government in October 2023 and named winners in March 2024.The winners of that smaller-scale challenge include Rodeo, an app to help gig workers understand their variable pay to plan their finances, and Mealia, an app that integrates supermarket data to recommend cost savings and healthier eating.Challenges being targeted by this new competition include the cost of living, the transition to clean power and net zero, improving access to services, creating a competitive level playing field for SMEs, and supporting vulnerable customers.In May 2025, 10 finalists will be supported with seed funding of up to 50,000, mentoring and access to the sandbox. In autumn 2025, an overall winner will be awarded 50,000. There will be two runner-up prizes of 25,000.Through the prize, the government hopes to gain insight into a range of in-depth, tested use cases across a variety of sectors, providing a clear picture of the potential barriers to development.Entries to the Smart Data Challenge Prize must be UK-led. The closing date is 14 March 2025.Read more about smart dataSmart data promise could founder against paywalls: The Open Data Institutes head of public policy examines the governments smart data plan, which could boost competition and empower the public, but needs to be set up to allow rapid creation of new markets without barriers.Government-led Smart Data Discovery Challenge launched to stoke innovation: A government-led coalition has launched an open-call competition for ideas using smart data to help support individuals and small businesses, emulating open banking.Government launches public consultation on smart data: Smart data review aimed at encouraging new data services to help customers of utilities and banks.In The Current Issue:Interview: Wendy Redshaw, chief digital information officer, NatWest Retail BankPreparing for AI regulation: The EU AI ActDownload Current IssueThe UK government's AI plan covers all the bases but needs a dose of pragmatism Computer Weekly Editors BlogData engineering - TetraScience: From lab to enterprise, what scientific data teaches us CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

The end of support is near for more than just Windows 10. But there's no need to panic.

The new Focal UM212 studio monitors have been developed with feedback from audio professionals in ... [+] the recording industry.FocalHigh-end French speaker brand Focal has announced the launch of its Utopia Main, a new range of studio monitors designed for recording professionals like record producers, sound engineers, mixers and musicians. Using innovative drivers, high-end design, plenty of power and some advanced functionality.Focal claims that Utopia Main 112 (UM 112) and Utopia Main 212 (UM 212) are the ultimate monitors from the renowned French acoustic brand rooted in a development project that started in 2017. Focal says the new Utopia Main range marks the most significant milestone for the brands Professional Audio division since it was set up in 2002.Backed by more than 40 years of research in driver design and 20 years of developing studio monitors, each component has been designed to disrupt the studio monitor market. The monitors maintain their precision even at the highest SPL in the studio environment, ensuring the kind of sound essential for reference recording, mixing and mastering.The 'M'-Shaped MembraneThe M-shape concept was a design applied to Focals all-new 5" midrange drivers with a 'W'-membrane and the companys 1.5" Beryllium tweeter. The M profile increases rigidity through reinforcement and the acoustic optimization of its magnet to avoid resonances. Focal says the dynamic range and transparency delivered by the 5" driver are unparalleled due to the M-shape moving in and out in a perfect pistonic movement producing a strong planar waveform that gives a true phantom center.The 'M"-shaped driver is a design developed by Focal for its all-new 5" midrange drivers. FocalMORE FOR YOUIn addition, the small-roll suspension that integrates Focals Tuned Mass Damper patented technology seriously reduces intermodulation created by the suspension. This produces a top-notch midrange that enables the Utopia Main monitors to achieve exceptional output across all music genres and audio-related tasks with a precise stereo image.The tweeter used in the new Utopia Main is a combination of Beryllium with an 'M'-shaped membrane providing excellent transient response without causing listening fatigue. Thats an important feature if youre spending hours mastering or mixing a recording. For the first time, the TMD technology was integrated into the high-frequency driver, reducing THD at 3kHz. The voice coil diameter was also increased to 25mm, for improved heat dissipation and reduced thermal compression. Finally, a fully optimized rear acoustic environment with a waveguide and an Infinite Acoustic Load boosts the tweeters performance.Focal says that main monitors require a low-end performance that can maintain precision, even at the highest sound pressure levels. For this, the Utopia Main range has 13" long-excursion subwoofers, housed in a large enclosure, paired with bass-reflex ports (one driver for the UM 112 model and two drivers for the UM 212).The tweeter used in the new Utopia Main is a combination of Beryllium with an 'M'-shaped membrane ... [+] providing excellent transient response without causing listening fatigue.FocalBy combining light mobile parts and a soft suspension, the drivers produce excellent articulation and definition. The cabinet design is the result of an in-depth study that led Focals engineers to specify 30mm-thick MDF panels, reinforced with a bracing network that removes warping. Quarter-wavelength resonance reduction systems were also implemented.A Unique Amplification SystemSince main monitors are frequently soffit-mounted, they require external electronics for studio use. The patented amplifiers used in the UM 112 and UM 212 are a combination of Class H design with a current-mode amplification for natural and transparent amplification possible for a driver.Most amplifiers control voltage instead of current, but the link between current and voltage is made via the impedance of the drive unit, which will vary depending on temperature, frequency and the coils position inside the magnet. By controlling the current rather than voltage, one directly controls the force submitted to the membrane and eliminates unwanted artifacts. Combined with analog filtering, Focal claims the amplifiers achieve the lowest THD level ever measured in the anechoic chamber.The new Focal Utopia UM 112 monitors are priced at $30,000 / 22,000 / 26,000 while the larger UM ... [+] 212 model sells for $50,000 / 38,000 / 46,000.FocalBehind the Utopia Main project is a team of acoustic and electronic engineers as well as some of the most renowned audio engineers in the industry. Focal says it wanted to ensure the Utopia Main went from concept to completion using genuine feedback from real users and professionals in the field.The project went through complex testing phases in some of the worlds legendary recording studios with producers, mixers and mastering engineers with more than 70 Grammy-award nominations between them. They tested the speakers, provided feedback and contributed to the fine-tuning of the final prototypes before the monitors went into production. Focal is hoping that Utopia Main 112 and 212 will set new industry benchmarks in the professional audio and music sectors.Pricing & Availability: Focals Utopia Main studio monitors are available now. The UM 112 monitors are priced at $30,000 / 22,000 / 26,000 while the UM 212 model sells for $50,000 / 38,000 / 46,000.

Forward-looking: A US space firm is trying to convince Taiwan's semiconductor giants to take their chipmaking operations off-planet. The idea is that the microgravity and vacuum environment could produce super-pure semiconductor materials that are impossible to make on Earth. Axiom Space is a Houston-based firm that runs end-to-end missions to the International Space Station. It recently visited Taiwan to propose the idea of producing chips in space. Leading the charge was Dr. Koichi Wakata, Axiom's chief technology officer for Asia-Pacific and a former Japanese astronaut who was also once a commander aboard the ISS.At a space science conference in Kaohsiung last November, Wakata laid out Axiom's vision of a commercial space era where companies can use the unique conditions in space to conduct groundbreaking research and development to manufacture revolutionary products. He claimed various sectors could benefit from space manufacturing, including biotech, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and even 3D-printed artificial organs.Divya Panchanathan, Axiom's in-space semiconductor commercialization lead, told Channel News Asia (CNA) that gravity messes with the crystal structure of advanced chip materials during manufacturing on Earth. Impurities can also creep in from the atmosphere or processing equipment.Manufacturing in low-Earth orbit eliminates those problems. The lack of gravity allows crystals to grow more uniformly and perfectly while the vacuum prevents impurities. Panchanathan says this enables the production of larger, higher-quality crystals that could offset the sky-high costs of making chips in space.Wakata reckons future partnerships could start by sending experiments to the ISS. Axiom is the only commercial entity whose modules can connect to the International Space Station, so it's already halfway there. While the ISS will retire in 2030, Axiom plans to shift operations to a planned private space station. The Axiom Station will first attach to the ISS, then separate as a free-flying commercial destination following the ISS's decommissioning. // Related StoriesOf course, making anything in space is still stupidly expensive right now. Currently, launching just a kilo of equipment or cargo costs thousands of dollars, and that's before factoring in maintaining an orbital factory. Even with cheaper rides like SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, it's unclear if premium space-grown crystals could justify the astronomical price tag. Still, Axiom thinks the economics could eventually pan out.

A moon lander from Firefly Aerospace was launched this morning carrying a variety of NASA science instruments and technology demonstrations. The Blue Ghost mission was launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:11 a.m. ET today, Wednesday January 15.The aim is for the mission to perform a soft landing on the moon. If successful it will be just the second such landing ever by a private company, following the Intuitive Machines Odyssey landing last year. These two landings are part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, which aims to have companies deliver NASA science to the moon ahead of planned human exploration there for the Artemis mission.Recommended VideosThis mission embodies the bold spirit of NASAs Artemis campaign a campaign driven by scientific exploration and discovery, said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. Each flight were a part of is vital step in the larger blueprint to establish a responsible, sustained human presence at the moon, Mars, and beyond. Each scientific instrument and technology demonstration brings us closer to realizing our vision. Congratulations to the NASA, Firefly, and SpaceX teams on this successful launch.Following launch vehicle separation, Fireflys Blue Ghost lunar lander acquired signal and completed on-orbit commissioning. Firefly AerospaceAfter the launch, the spacecraft separated from its rocket at 2:17 a.m. ET and established communications with the ground. The team then checked out the spacecrafts position and health, ensuring everything was working correctly and that data could be transferred.Please enable Javascript to view this contentNow, the Blue Ghost spacecraft will spend around 25 days in orbit around the Earth before heading toward the moon for a four-day journey there and then spending 16 days in lunar orbit. The aim is to attempt a landing on the moon on Sunday, March 2, in an area called the Mare Crisium basin, a 300-mile-wide crater located in the northern part of the moons near side, and for the spacecraft to then perform experiments in lunar drilling and sample collection.On behalf of Firefly, we want to thank SpaceX for a spot-on deployment in our target orbit, said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. The mission is now in the hands of the unstoppable Firefly team. After all the testing conducted and mission simulations completed, were now fully focused on execution as we look to complete our on-orbit operations, softly touch down on the lunar surface, and pave the way for humanitys return to the moon.Editors Recommendations

Musk's 2022 Twitter stock buys SEC sues Elon Musk, says he cheated Twitter investors out of $150 million SEC: Late disclosure helped Musk buy Twitter shares at $150 million discount. Jon Brodkin Jan 15, 2025 11:10 am | 12 Elon Musk speaks at the Satellite Conference and Exhibition on March 9, 2020 in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty Images | Win McNamee Elon Musk speaks at the Satellite Conference and Exhibition on March 9, 2020 in Washington, DC. Credit: Getty Images | Win McNamee Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreThe Securities and Exchange Commission sued Elon Musk yesterday over his late disclosure of a Twitter stock purchase in early 2022. Before Musk bought the whole company, he purchased a 9 percent stake in Twitter and failed to disclose it within 10 days as required under US law."Defendant Elon Musk failed to timely file with the SEC a beneficial ownership report disclosing his acquisition of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Twitter's common stock in March 2022, in violation of the federal securities laws," said the SEC lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia. "As a result, Musk was able to continue purchasing shares at artificially low prices, allowing him to underpay by at least $150 million for shares he purchased after his beneficial ownership report was due."Twitter's stock price rose 27 percent once Musk belatedly disclosed his stake, the lawsuit said. "During the period that Musk was required to publicly disclose his beneficial ownership but had failed to do so, he spent more than $500 million purchasing additional shares of Twitter common stock," it said.Musk underpaid Twitter investors for those shares, and "investors who sold Twitter common stock during this period did so at artificially low prices and thus suffered substantial economic harm," the SEC said.Musk has repeatedly claimed the SEC is harassing him, saying last month that "the SEC is just another weaponized institution doing political dirty work." Musk's lawyer said he refused an offer from the SEC to settle the case for a fine. Musk previously tried to avoid giving a third round of testimony in the investigation.The lawsuit was filed in the waning days of the Biden administration, and the next administration is less likely to aggressively pursue a charge against Musk. President-elect Donald Trump picked Musk to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, or "DOGE," as part of a plan to eliminate regulations and restructure federal agencies.New SEC leadershipSEC Chair Gary Gensler will be leaving the agency, and Trump's pick to replace him, Paul Atkins, testified to Congress in 2019 that the SEC should reduce its disclosure requirements. With Gensler and one other Democrat leaving, Republicans will have a 2-1 majority on the SEC while the Senate considers Trump's nominee, a Wall Street Journal article said.This doesn't necessarily mean that the lawsuit will be dismissed right away, according to the Journal. The disclosure rule is "routinely enforced," the article said."The new claims against Musk might be hard for a friendlier administration to immediately dismiss," the WSJ wrote. "That is because the measure Musk allegedly violated is what regulators call a strict-liability rule. Just as police officers don't have to prove drivers intended to speed to issue a ticket, regulators don't have to show an investor meant to violate [Rule] 13D to bring an enforcement action."The SEC has said it obtained thousands of documents as part of its investigation and that it was probing more than just the late disclosure. The SEC told a court in October 2023 that its investigation "pertains to considerably more than the timing and substance of a particular SEC filing; it also relates to all of Musk's purchases of Twitter stock in 2022 and his 2022 statements and SEC filings."Musk's lawyer said last month that the SEC threatened to bring "charges on numerous counts" if Musk didn't agree to settle. But the lawsuit filed yesterday includes only the late-disclosure charge. Demanding a jury trial, the SEC seeks a civil penalty and disgorgement of Musk's unjust enrichment, plus interest.Jon BrodkinSenior IT ReporterJon BrodkinSenior IT Reporter Jon is a Senior IT Reporter for Ars Technica. He covers the telecom industry, Federal Communications Commission rulemakings, broadband consumer affairs, court cases, and government regulation of the tech industry. 12 Comments