🚀 NASA engineer's 'new force,' 400,000 solar balconies, World's 1st diesel engine

Dr. Charles Buhler, a seasoned NASA engineer and co-founder of Exodus Propulsion Technologies, claims his company’s propellantless propulsion drive defies the laws of physics.

The NASA veteran states that the propulsion drive is capable of generating enough thrust to counteract Earth’s gravity without expelling mass. It’s a bold claim, and it may end up being filed alongside similar controversial concepts like the propellant-free EmDrive. For more on this story, check out today’s Must-Read.

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MUST READ

🚀 NASA veteran’s propellantless propulsion drive defies laws of physics

NASA veteran Dr Charles Buhler and his team set out to explore propellantless propulsion concepts more than two decades ago. Their propulsion drive is based on a novel approach that takes advantage of asymmetry in electrostatic pressure to propel the drive forward.

From 2016 to 2020, for example, the team’s best devices were producing a little over one hundred thousandth of a gravity. Ultimately, though, they set out to achieve “unity.” Unity refers to the moment the drive produces enough thrust to lift itself in Earth’s gravity.

In 2023, Buhler said the propellantless drive finally reached one full Earth gravity. He and his team claim that their propulsion system has demonstrated the ability to exert a force equivalent to Earth’s gravity without emitting mass via propellant. Essentially, they believe they have discovered a new force that was previously unknown.

☀️ 400,000 ‘solar balconies’ boost German home energy harvesting capacity

Plug-in solar systems on balconies are becoming increasingly popular among Germans living in smaller apartments. So far, more than 400,000 such systems have been installed, with over 50,000 units sold in the first quarter of this year alone.

The solar balcony solution is similar to a rooftop solar system but much smaller. Instead of an array of panels, it consists of a maximum of two panels and connects directly to an electrical socket.

The system’s energy output is a tenth of what a rooftop solution can produce, but the greatest advantage for users is the ease of use. Unlike a rooftop system that requires professionals for installation, balcony solar systems can be assembled by anyone using the instructions provided.

🛞 China unveils world’s 1st diesel engine with 53.09% thermal efficiency

Since the invention of the diesel internal combustion engine 127 years ago, engineers and scientists have strived to improve its thermal efficiency. In a remarkable feat, the first diesel engine in history with an intrinsic thermal efficiency of 53.09 percent was unveiled by Chinese firm Weichai Power.

The percentage of diesel combustion energy transferred into useful engine output work without needing a waste heat recovery mechanism is known as the base engine’s thermal efficiency. The engine’s economy improves with the base engine’s increased thermal efficiency.

Apparently, this innovation could result in yearly fuel savings of about 31 million tons and a decrease in carbon emissions of 97 million tons.

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HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY

SCIENCE

> Heavy rains in southern China have invoked an uproar among residents. In particular, tens of millions of people have been impacted in the Guangdong province. (More)

> Researchers may have found the “strongest statistical evidence” yet of Planet 9 (also called Planet X)’s existence. For years, astronomers have been on the hunt for the mysterious planet. (More)

> Insects have no muscles in their wings. Now, a study on gene-engineered fruit flies reveals their flight capabilities depend on a complex hinge system at the base of the wings. (More)

ENERGY

> What about harnessing the power of black holes? After all, stars inspired nuclear fusion. Researchers of a new study explore — theoretically — the potential of “a cellular battery composed of micro black holes.” (More)

> Barcelona’s residents are facing the worst drought on record. Officials believe a floating desalinator is a “more economical and environmentally sustainable solution” than shipping in water. (More)

> Japan is gearing up to test its space-based solar power station next year. The plan is on track and aims to help the world reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. (More)

INNOVATION

> The latest in the never-ending series of AI innovations is one for the artists, those who love the written word. Dubbed “Poetry Camera,” the AI-enabled device stays true to its name—it turns pictures into poems! (More)

> Mikhail Korniyenko, Denis Efremov, and Alexander Lynnik jumped out of a plane 34,500 feet above the North Pole. Normally, commercial skydiving restricts the height at which someone can jump in the range of 10-14,000 feet. (More)

> British YouTuber James Bruton has created what might be the world’s first driveable, self-balancing, omnidirectional, mecanum-wheeled electrical bike. Made from a mix of off-the-shelf and 3D-printed parts, the bike is certainly unique. (More)

VIDEO

> Dead spiders could be used as efficient micro-grabbers. Scientists manipulate spider legs hydraulically after death. That way, they can be used to grab fine items instead of using robots. (More)

> Optics expert Guy Cramer has invented a kind of invisibility shield for soldiers. By misaligning two layers of lenticular lenses, he creates a negative refractive index. That camouflages whatever is behind the lenses. (More)

> In a groundbreaking development, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) has unveiled footage of the first-ever human vs. AI dogfight. So, will we find out who wins? (More)

IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS

In yesterday’s quiz, we asked, Which of the light bulbs will light up if switch 1 in the on position and switch 2 is in the off position?

The answer is: A,C,D

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