✈️ MAGGIE: NASA plans massive solar-powered electric plane for Mars mission

As part of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program, the space agency announced the creation of a compact ‘fixed-wing aircraft’ equipped with ‘ultra-high productivity efficiency powered by solar energy to fly in the Martian atmosphere.’

This concept is introduced as MAGGIE aims to revolutionize space technology by allowing global-scale atmospheric measurements on Mars, marking a significant leap forward on the exploration of the Red Planet in today’s Must Read.

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NASA introduced MAGGIE describing it as “a compact fixed-wing aircraft with ultra-high productivity efficiency powered by solar energy to fly in the Martian atmosphere.” This next-generation aircraft would be capable of doing global-scale atmospheric measurements on Mars, ushering in a new age of space technology. 

The concept’s mission entails a comprehensive exploration strategy that is aiming to unravel mysteries related to Martian geophysics, atmospheric chemistry, and the Red Planet's potential for supporting past or present life. The gathered data will play a crucial role in furthering our understanding of Mars and broadening the potential for upcoming exploration and research endeavors.

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) unveiled a pioneering medical technique that involves inhaling nanoparticle sensors followed by a urine test. This innovative approach holds the promise of significantly speeding up and enhancing the early detection of lung cancer. Furthermore, this innovation holds particular promise for low and middle-income countries where the accessibility of computed tomography (CT) scanners is limited.

‘World’s highest-performing stretchable organic solar cell’ according to researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has been developed using organic material. This material helped build the photoactive layer of the solar cell, which turns light into energy. This leap in technology holds immense promise for the future development of wearable technologies that are both flexible and energy-efficient.

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