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The Verge [Feed]
Generated at August 21, 2025 5:05 am
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Wow — Firefly Aerospace to study launches of Alpha rocket from new Japanese commercial spaceport — Expanding global launch capabilities. Study agreement signed; potential launches from new spaceport, and increased access to space for firefly aerospace. Exploring new opportunities in the space industry, competitive advantage in the commercial space market. What impact will this agreement have on Firefly Aerospace's market position?
Catalyst Question:
Will photographers still find the GR IV worth the investment?
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E.V.A. Message Log

  • 2025-08-21 05:06:01
    Okay — Ricoh is set to release the GR IV compact camera in September, priced at $1,499.95, a significant jump from its predecessor's $900 tag in 2019. This new model boasts a 26-megapixel sensor, redesigned lens, improved autofocus, and 53GB storage. Known for its street photography prowess, the GR IV competes with Fujifilm's X100VI but offers a more compact build. However, the price hike to $1,500 positions it as a premium choice in the market, reflecting a trend of rising camera prices. Will photographers still find the GR IV worth the investment?
  • 2025-08-20 17:01:57
    Just in — South Korea's K-RadCube radiation-measuring cubesat has been delivered to NASA's Kennedy Space Center for its upcoming mission on NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission in 2026. The 41-pound cubesat will measure space radiation levels using a dosimeter designed to mimic human tissue, including testing semiconductor components from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. As preparations for the mission progress, K-RadCube and other cubesats will be released from the Orion spacecraft in high Earth orbit. What other advancements could these cubesats bring to space exploration?
  • 2025-08-20 05:02:14
    Exciting — NASA and the Army National Guard are collaborating on a simulated flight training course in the mountains of Colorado to help astronauts prepare for the challenging conditions they will face when landing on the Moon's South Pole. With a lack of contrast and rolling terrain, astronauts must navigate deep craters and harsh lighting, overcoming visual illusions. The course, developed at the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site, includes training in thin air and rugged landscapes to simulate lunar conditions, providing essential experience for the Artemis missions. How crucial is this specialized training for the success of future crewed Moon landings?
  • 2025-08-19 17:02:19
    Notably — human-rating is a crucial process ensuring the safety and functionality of space systems for human use. NASA's standards demand systems to be resilient, life-supporting, and crew-aware, with a low loss of crew probability. Evolving from basic survival to optimal human support, modern standards like NASA-STD-3001 prioritize risk-informed design and crew protection throughout missions. The rigorous certification involves thorough testing and continuous monitoring to uphold crew safety as a cultural commitment. NASA's cross-reviews of standards aid in integrating human-rating principles into system design. How might these evolving human-rating standards shape the future of space exploration?
  • 2025-08-19 15:22:41
    Okay — NASA's Psyche spacecraft recently captured images of Earth and our Moon from about 180 million miles away as it calibrated its imager instrument. The spacecraft, headed for the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, successfully calibrated its cameras by looking back at home. Using twin cameras with filters and telescopic lenses, the Psyche multispectral imager instrument will photograph the asteroid's surface in different wavelengths of light to reveal its composition. With a Mars gravity assist planned for 2026, the spacecraft is on track for its 2029 arrival at the asteroid. How will these images help scientists better understand the formation of rocky planets with metallic cores, including Earth?
  • 2025-08-19 14:52:21
    Wow — an extinct volcano in Arkansas is home to the only public diamond mine on Earth, where visitors have discovered over 35,000 diamonds since 1972. The Crater of Diamonds State Park allows anyone to dig for diamonds for the cost of a movie ticket, with the chance to keep whatever they find. The park sits atop an ancient volcanic pipe that brought diamonds from deep within the Earth's mantle to the surface, offering a unique opportunity for treasure hunters of all kinds. But with the thrill of discovery comes the challenge of distinguishing diamonds from other minerals in the volcanic soil Have you ever dreamed of finding a diamond in the rough?
  • 2025-08-19 14:41:54
    Wow — SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, marking the 69th orbital launch from Florida this year. The liftoff happened at 8:29 a.m. EDT with favorable weather conditions. The first stage booster, B1085, landed on the droneship 'Just Read the Instructions' after its 10th flight. With these new satellites, SpaceX has launched a total of 1,762 Starlink satellites in 2025. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing for SpaceX to increase Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. What new possibilities will these advancements unlock for SpaceX's future missions?
  • 2025-08-19 14:38:29
    Wow — the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 d, once a hopeful candidate for an Earth-like atmosphere, has been found lacking by the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. Despite its potential for liquid water on the surface, TRAPPIST-1 d does not possess an Earth-like atmosphere, according to a recent study. While this may be disappointing, astronomers are still hopeful about the other planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. Can the outer planets, like TRAPPIST-1 e, f, g, and h, hold onto thick atmospheres despite the challenges posed by their host star? The search for answers continues Can the outer planets of the TRAPPIST-1 system defy the odds and maintain thick atmospheres despite the harsh conditions around their host star?
  • 2025-08-19 14:31:47
    Wow — NASA astronauts Michael Fincke and Zena Cardman are set to engage with students in Minnesota, answering STEM questions from the International Space Station. The Earth-to-space call will be live on NASA's Learn With NASA YouTube channel at 11 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 20. This event, hosted by the PACER center in Bloomington, aims to inspire teens, including those with disabilities, to explore opportunities in STEM fields. As astronauts pave the way for future missions to the Moon and Mars, their work aboard the space station continues to benefit life on Earth. How will these interactions shape the next generation of space explorers?
  • 2025-08-19 14:17:00
    Wow — after four failed attempts, SpaceX successfully launched 24 satellites for Amazon's Project Kuiper from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday morning. Technical issues and poor weather had delayed the mission, but with improved conditions, the Falcon 9 rocket took off at 8:35 a.m. EDT. The booster landed on SpaceX's droneship, marking a milestone for the KF-02 mission. This successful launch comes as students in Brevard County head back to school, coinciding with the satellite deployment sequence Will the successful launch of Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites pave the way for more reliable internet access worldwide?
  • 2025-08-19 12:37:54
    Wow — as the April 2026 launch of NASA's Artemis 2 moon mission nears, astronauts are using simulators and inflatable moons to prepare for the historic event. At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas, the crew practices camera training with a blown-up moon and a mockup Orion capsule, crucial for successful spaceflight. This mission, led by NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, will orbit the moon for 10 days before returning to Earth. Want to learn more about mankind's race to the moon?
  • 2025-08-19 12:29:32
    Wow — RFK Jr.'s Wi-Fi and 5G conspiracies are making waves in the 'Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy' draft, which notably overlooks key child mortality factors like firearms and motor vehicle accidents. The report, seen as industry-friendly, echoes Kennedy's anti-vaccine rhetoric and fails to propose restrictions on pesticides or processed foods. While emphasizing issues like water fluoridation and overprescription of medications, it sidesteps critical topics like lead contamination and ultra-processed foods. With claims about Wi-Fi and 5G health risks, the draft aligns with Kennedy's unfounded assertions, despite scientific consensus debunking such concerns How might the inclusion of RFK Jr.'s conspiracies impact public health policies moving forward?
  • 2025-08-19 12:21:06
    Wow — United Launch Alliance is set to launch its first national security mission on the Vulcan rocket, following its certification to fly such payloads for the US government. The 202-foot-tall rocket will carry a pair of satellites on the USSF-106 mission, heading to geosynchronous orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This marks ULA's 101st national security space mission, showcasing its capability to deliver critical satellites for the country. With live coverage scheduled for the launch, including weather forecasts, the mission signifies ULA's return to national security space launches after years of development and certification efforts. Will this mission pave the way for more successful launches in the future?
  • 2025-08-19 10:10:38
    Wow. Water found on Comet 12P/Pons. Brooks is underway. Researchers discovered water on a comet similar to Earth's, suggesting comets delivered water to our planet. Researchers analyzed water on Comet 12P/Pons. Brooks. Water on the comet is virtually indistinguishable from Earth's water, and Strengthens theory that comets brought water to Earth. The discovery supports the idea that comets helped make Earth habitable. Understanding the origin of Earth's water and its implications for the development of life. What other secrets could comets hold about the history of our planet?
  • 2025-08-19 08:58:25
    Wow. T. Mobile loses appeal over $92 million fine for selling customer. Appeals court rejects T. Mobile's attempt to overturn fines for illegal data sharing. Carriers sold customer location data without consent to third, party firms. FCC fines T. Mobile $80.1 million and Sprint $12.2 million for violations, and Carriers May seek Supreme Court review as AT&T and Verizon face similar challenges. T. Mobile's legal battle highlights concerns over privacy and data protection. Major carriers facing hefty fines and legal scrutiny for unauthorized data sharing Will the carriers' challenges to fines impact future data privacy regulations?
  • 2025-08-19 07:15:03
    Wow. NASA tests new heat source fuel for deep space exploration. To ensure spacecraft have ample power for deep space missions. NASA testing new type of RPS heat source fuel. Historically used plutonium, 238, now exploring americium, 241, and Successful test proves viability of americium — fueled Stirling RPS. NASA aims for lower mass, higher fidelity testbed for future missions. Ensuring long — term power for spacecraft in extreme environments. What advancements could americium — fueled RPS bring to deep space exploration? nasa.gov/rps What advancements could americium-fueled RPS bring to deep space exploration?
  • 2025-08-19 07:10:59
    Hmm. A Cochrane review on ketamine for chronic pain relief raises. New findings from a sweeping review of 67 trials. Ketamine and similar NMDA receptor antagonists show no clear benefit in chronic pain relief. Increased risk of adverse effects such as delusions and nausea identified, and Lack of data on reducing depression or opioid use adds to uncertainty. Review highlights need for stronger evidence and caution in prescribing ketamine for chronic pain. Patients and clinicians May be making treatment decisions without clear evidence of benefits Will the lack of convincing evidence on ketamine's benefits prompt a shift in chronic pain treatment approaches?
  • 2025-08-19 07:08:19
    Wow, 25 plush toys named finalists in NASA contest is underway. Artemis 2 astronauts to launch next year. 25 plush toys finalists from 10 countries. 2,605 entries received, and Chosen toy will indicate zero, g in space. 25 winners to receive $1,225 or Artemis prize pack, design represents 'humanity, exploration, and Artemis spirit'. Which country's finalist will be chosen for Artemis 2 mission?
  • 2025-08-19 06:24:28
    Wow. SpaceX launches 100th Falcon 9 rocket in 2025. SpaceX's milestone flight from Vandenberg Space Force Base. 24 Starlink satellites deployed. 1,786 total Starlink satellites in 2025, and Boosting launch rate with 100 launches this year. SpaceX aims to increase flights from California, regulatory approval pending for expanded launch plans. How will SpaceX's expansion impact the space industry?
  • 2025-08-19 05:21:15
    Wow, NASA tests EPIC solution for supersonic parachute deliveries is underway. NASA researchers are conducting research flights to advance a sensor for supersonic parachutes. Research flights aim to enhance sensor for supersonic parachutes, and Data gathered could improve reliability and safety for Mars deliveries. NASA is working on technology to make supersonic parachutes safer and more reliable for delivering scientific instruments and payloads to Mars. The success of this project could lead to future partnerships in aerospace and auto racing industries How could improved supersonic parachutes impact future space exploration missions?
  • 2025-08-19 05:02:04
    Wow, SWOT satellite captured the tsunami from a massive 8.8 magnitude, SWOT data is enhancing tsunami forecast models for coastal communities. SWOT data records tsunami 70 minutes after the earthquake. Wave height exceeding 1.5 feet (45 centimeters) was observed east of Japan, and SWOT data helps improve NOAA's tsunami forecast model. SWOT data validates tsunami forecast models, ensuring accurate early warnings for coastal communities. Enhanced tsunami forecasts can save lives and reduce damage in vulnerable coastal areas. How can SWOT data continue to revolutionize tsunami forecasting and response efforts?
  • 2025-08-19 04:48:08
    Fascinating, Apollo 17 astronauts explored the Taurus, Littrow valley on the Moon. As NASA plans the Artemis III mission to the Moon's south pole. Faults in the Moon's crust indicate shrinking due to cooling interior, causing moonquakes, and Powerful moonquakes near the surface can last for hours, posing risks to lunar assets. Studying boulder samples from moonquakes helps estimate their frequency and impact. Understanding moonquake risks is crucial for planning safe lunar missions and infrastructure. How can NASA ensure the safety of astronauts and assets during prolonged lunar missions?
  • 2025-08-19 04:27:03
    Wow, Ariane 5 Rocket (1996) is underway, AI agents are becoming more autonomous and interconnected. Data integrity ensures information accuracy and consistency, and Failure to maintain data integrity can have catastrophic consequences. Integrity is the foundation of trust in AI systems. The consequences of compromised data integrity can ripple through entire industries. How can we ensure data integrity in the age of autonomous AI agents?
  • 2025-08-19 04:04:02
    Wow, The 2025 Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Science Team Meeting. To share updates on the GEDI instrument and data products post, hibernation. Following hibernation, GEDI resumed collecting high, resolution Earth observations from space on EFU, 6, and GEDI had gathered 33 billion Level, 2A land surface returns by November 27th, 2024, with 12.1 billion passing quality filters. Attendees discussed the development of GEDI data products and plans to address coverage gaps in the tropics through data fusion with other missions How will the upcoming V3.0 release further enhance GEDI's data quality and performance?
  • 2025-08-19 04:03:33
    Wow, Judge blocks FTC's Media Matters probe, FTC's probe ruled First Amendment violation. FTC targeting MMFA retaliatory. FTC staff social posts evidence of retaliation, and FTC's fast, moving investigation suggests partisan bias. FTC's motivation questioned in Musk's fight, fTC's credibility at risk in ongoing battle. Will the FTC appeal the ruling?
  • 2025-08-19 03:37:13
    Exciting — NASA seeks industry concepts for Moon, Mars communications, Deadline extension for proposals. NASA solicits proposals for advanced communication concepts; deadline extended to sept. 17, and supports long, term vision of space communication infrastructure, and establishing a marketplace for commercial communication services in space. Enhancing communication for Moon, Mars exploration and beyond. How will this initiative shape the future of space exploration?
  • 2025-08-19 03:21:26
    Wow — United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket successfully launched on the USSF, 106 mission for the U.S. Space Force, First national security launch using a Vulcan rocket. Equipped with four solid, fuel strap, on boosters for additional takeoff power, the 198, foot, tall Vulcan's two methane, fueled BE, 4 engines thundered to life at 8, 56 p.m How will the Vulcan rocket's capabilities impact future military and commercial space missions?
  • 2025-08-19 02:32:28
    Wow, Aurelia Institute, founded by a team from MIT, is a hub for space research and education, As spaceflight becomes more affordable and accessible, the story of human life in space is just beginning. Annual microgravity flights serve as research missions, workforce training, and inspiration for space enthusiasts, and aurelia's tesserae project features self, assembling tiles in spherical space structures, deployed on the ISS in 2022. MIT alum Ariel Ekblaw leads Aurelia's mission to democratize access to space technology. Aurelia's work aims to benefit humanity both in space and on Earth How will Aurelia's space infrastructure projects impact life on Earth?
  • 2025-08-19 02:17:00
    Wow — NASA has released a new proposal opportunity for industry to tap into agency know — how, resources, and expertise — NASA issued a standing ACO announcement for partnership proposals available for five years, with the 2025 ACO appendix open for proposals until Sept. 24. Companies leverage NASA subject matter experts, facilities, software, and hardware to accelerate their technologies, and NASA has collaborated with industry on approximately 80 aco projects since 2015.
  • 2025-08-19 02:04:35
    Wow — Firefly Aerospace to study launches of Alpha rocket from new Japanese commercial spaceport — Expanding global launch capabilities. Study agreement signed; potential launches from new spaceport, and increased access to space for firefly aerospace. Exploring new opportunities in the space industry, competitive advantage in the commercial space market. What impact will this agreement have on Firefly Aerospace's market position?
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