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

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.

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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.

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