The Deep End #19
A new superconductor, Amazon vs Starlink, Russian jets vs American drones, and more
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Breakthrough: New superconductor that works at room temperature and ambient pressure
Scientists have claimed to make a breakthrough that would be “one of the holy grails of modern physics” – but experts have urged caution about the results. In recent days, many commentators have become excited by two papers that claim to document the production of a new superconductor that works at room temperature and ambient pressure. Scientists in Korea said they had synthesized a new material called LK-99 that would represent one of the biggest physics breakthroughs of recent decades.
More here.
Amazon goes head-to-head with Starlink, new facility in Florida to prep Kuiper internet satellites for launch
Amazon will invest $120 million in a satellite processing facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.Project Kuiper is Amazon’s plan to build a network of 3,236 satellites in low Earth orbit, to provide high-speed internet access anywhere in the world.The 100,000-square-foot processing facility will serve as one of the final steps before the satellites reach orbit, preparing them for launches on the rockets of ULA and Blue Origin.
More here.
Space Force using Anduril software to integrate U.S. space surveillance sensors
The Space Force is using a software platform developed by Anduril Industries to integrate data from a decades-old network of space surveillance sensors. DoD announced July 12 that Anduril won an $8 million contract extension to field its mesh networking software at Space Surveillance Network sites through December 2024. The software autonomously analyzes data from sensors and provides an integrated picture.
More here.
Other stories
Meta’s Threads Isn’t Labeling Propaganda Accounts From Russia, China State Media - WSJ
China Dominates Solar. Does the U.S. Stand a Chance? - WSJ | Video
So far, Europe’s electricity systems are coping with the heat. - NYT
Venezuela signs up to China’s moon base initiative - SpaceNews
Russian Attack on U.S. Drone Spurs Fears of Escalation Over Syria - WSJ
Shield AI and Kratos Team up to Integrate AI Pilot on Valkyrie XQ-58 PRNewswire
Lockheed secures $221M Army deal for high-powered air defense laser prototype - Breaking Defense
UK to Spend $12B on New Military Tech, Weapons Stockpiles - TheDefensePost
Astranis CEO briefs the National Space Council and National Security Council - Twitter