Hasta La Gadget!

The GRX-810 alloy can withstand temperatures of 2000F and might become a key component of rocket-engine design in the future.

It is a 3D-printed oxide dispersion-strengthened alloy, which means that its structure is highly engineered by placing different types of particles at precise locations in the lattice of the material. These materials are incredibly resistant and ideal for harsh weather conditions in space or near-space.

NASA says that it has 1000x more endurance to such conditions than existing alloys currently in use. This longevity and the optimized process of 3D-printing components should have a massive impact on the cost of space flights.

Note that “1000x longer endurance” does not equate to a “1000x stronger” metal. It means the material’s lifespan is longer as it resists heat and stress better. That said, the GRX-810 allow is twice as strong regarding fracturing. NASA points out that it is also 3.5X more flexible to bend/stretch than existing alternatives, which is impressive.

NASA used a thermodynamic computer simulation to develop the required composition of this alloy and claims the optimum composition was found after only 30 simulations.

Beyond aerospace usage, I wonder how fast this type of material engineering might spread to consumer-centric products such as automobile or mobile device design. The ability to print extremely precise details coupled with engineering the suitable material for the job opens many design possibilities.

NASA’s Super Aerospace Alloy is 1000x More Durable

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The FCC’s crackdown on Russian ties to US telecom is making headway. The agency voted today to fine Montana-based wireless carrier Truphone for not disclosing that it is indirectly owned by Russian oligarchs, reportedReuters. Any company with an FCC common carrier license has to receive approval from the agency before letting a foreign entity hold more than 25 percent of its equity or voting interests. For violating that rule, the agency proposed a fine of $660,639 and is requiring Truphone to repeat parts of the FCC’s vetting process.

The ownership of Truphone and control of its FCC licenses were repeatedly transferred to foreign entities without proper vetting by the FCC, according to a press release. 

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks told Reuters that the company has been indirectly owned by “a small group of Russian oligarchs since at least 2011 … With the importance of the internet and the shifting national security environment facing our nation, protecting our communications networks has never been more critical.”

One of those Russian oligarchs is Chelsea Premier League football club owner Roman Abramovich, who has been sanctioned by the UK, EU and Canada. Truphone raised $200 million from funds owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, making him a minority owner. The company acknowledged its ties to Abramovich in a statement back in April, and said an outside advisory firm would be reviewing its strategic operations.

Truphone is only the latest company to fall under FCC scrutiny. Last month the agency put Russian cyber firm Kaspersky Labs on its national security threat list, meaning that US firms are banned from using FCC subsidies to pay for its services.

NASA’s Perseverance rover captured a lucky cosmic event on April 2: Mars’ distinctly potato-shaped moon Phobos eclipsing the Sun. This new video comes fresh off the heels of NASA’s InSight lander capturing a wistful Martian sunrise.

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If you’re in the market to buy a soundbar, you might want to save your cash for what Sonos has coming up.

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Mehmet Oz and Dave McCormick were far less critical of masks and vaccines — until they pivoted to the right.