🌑A heat-switch for moon rovers to fight extreme lunar weather, Cybertruck gets SWAT-ready makeover, High-res satellite inspector could scan roads and save taxpayer money

INTERESTING ENGINEERING SHOP

A new “heat switch device” could extend the lifespan of lunar exploration vehicles in the extreme Moon environment.

Researchers at Japan’s Nagoya University have developed this novel technology which can switch between daytime heat dissipation and nighttime insulation in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The team envisions this new technology to also be applied to spacecraft temperature management. For more on this development, check out today’s Must-Read.

🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on jobs.interestingengineering.com:

> iOS Engineer
> Software Engineer - Rendering Engine, PICO

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MUST READ

🌑 Japan invents heat-switch for moon rovers to fight deadly lunar weather

The heat-switch technology features a loop heat pipe (LHP) with an electrohydrodynamic pump (EDH), which works in tandem and activates the heat switch when temperatures fluctuate.

The device actively drains heat from electrical equipment during the day to ensure the rover’s systems operate at peak efficiency. At night, the device safeguards the electronics from extreme cold by automatically converting to insulation mode.

This approach “lays the foundation for potential integration into future lunar missions, contributing to the realization of sustained lunar exploration efforts,” said the researchers in a press release.

🪖 Cybertruck gets SWAT-ready military beast makeover by Californian firm

UP.FIT, a new Californian startup, is offering militarized upgrade packages for Tesla Cybertrucks for law enforcement and private security firms.

These packages include “Patrol,” “Admin,” and “Tactical & Specialty” variants and include upgrades like front compartment rifle and shotgun mounts, “pursuit-rated tires,” and siren systems. Additionally, UP.FIT will offer NIJ 3IIA Ballistics Protection.

The “tactical” Cybertruck will have a range of 340 miles (547 km) and go from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds. These upgrades will potentially raise costs to over $90,000.

🛰️ High-res satellite inspector could scan roads, infrastructure flaws in US

A new study has demonstrated how high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data can detect ground infrastructure damage from space.

The technology will allow damage to be detected early on, providing a preventative measure to keep roads, bridges, and other infrastructure safe while saving taxpayer money.

Unlike optical imaging, SAR data is particularly useful because it can observe the ground at any time, regardless of weather conditions or time of day. Beyond efficiency gains, the researchers believe that this approach can bolster overall infrastructure asset management.

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IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS

In yesterday’s quiz, we asked, Which would stop swinging first?

The answer is: The period of a pendulum (the time it takes to complete a swing) is proportional to the length of the string, so the shortest pendulum will swing the fastest. Air resistance is proportional to the square of the velocity, meaning there would be a greater resistance to motion for pendulum C, and hence it would be slowed to rest the quickest.

Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on Instagram and Facebook! 

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