The hottest Space Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

On Concepts of Date and Time

Poczwardowski Notes • 78 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🔬 Science Time Space Imagination Technology
  1. In 1899, the SS Warrimoo crossed the equator and the international date line at midnight, leading to unique consequences for the ship.
  2. The story of the SS Warrimoo in 1899 is hard to verify due to technology limitations and lack of evidence, unlike the USS Topeka in 1999, which had precise measurement and documentation.
  3. These stories of ships straddling different dates and time zones remind us that concepts like date, time zones, and the international date line are human-made and help us cooperate effectively in our shared world.

Links for 2024-01-19

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🔬 Science AI Technology Nuclear Climate Space
  1. Mark Zuckerberg aims to create artificial general intelligence with Meta having 600,000 GPUs by 2024
  2. Microsoft introduces new method to enhance LLM inference speed by 20 times
  3. Liquid-metal-based microelectrode arrays integrated with ultrathin retinal prosthesis for vision restoration

Are commercial space stations a fantasy?

Europe in Space • 137 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Space Commercial Research International Launch
  1. Operating a commercial space station is not straightforward due to high costs and limited demand.
  2. In-orbit manufacturing and satellite fueling are potential applications for commercial space stations, but their feasibility is still uncertain.
  3. Developing a European space station requires focus on crewed launch capabilities and understanding the need for sovereign presence in orbit.

A History of Nukes in Space

Nathan’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Space Nuclear Satellites
  1. The history of nukes in space involves testing and speculation about potential nuclear threats, with past incidents including nuclear tests and the use of nuclear reactors in space.
  2. Treaties banning nuclear weapons in space exist, but enforcement is challenging as seen with Russia's violations of international treaties.
  3. Nuclear weapons and reactors in space can have significant impacts, from high-altitude EMP events disrupting electronics to the potential dangers of detonating a nuclear weapon in orbit.

Overcoming challenges in Martian and Earth agriculture: a path to sustainable food production

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🔬 Science Agriculture Space Environment Technology Research
  1. Growing food on Mars will be challenging. Scientists need to consider energy needs, special farming techniques, and the importance of making the environment attractive for all settlers.
  2. For a permanent Mars colony, it’s better to produce most food on-site rather than bringing it from Earth. This means finding ways to efficiently grow food using available Martian resources.
  3. Advancements in technology, like genetic engineering and farm automation, are crucial. These innovations can help make food production sustainable both on Mars and here on Earth.
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What They’re Still Not Telling Us About the UFOs They Shot Down

theconnector • 117 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Space Regulation Climate
  1. The US government has limited information about UFOs shot down in American airspace, leading to various speculations.
  2. There is a focus on militarizing space and colonizing other planets instead of pursuing sustainable and peaceful initiatives.
  3. The push for corporate colonization of space, supported by massive government funding, is driven by destructive myths rather than practical priorities.

So long Aeolus, and thanks for all the wind data

Europe in Space • 117 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🔬 Science Space Technology Data Environment Satellites
  1. Aeolus satellite mission ended and made significant contributions to improving weather forecasting with its pioneering technology
  2. Aeolus had a unique instrument to collect global wind data and its impact goes beyond just weather forecasts
  3. The mission had a lasting impact and economic benefits, leading to approval for a second Aeolus mission

Women in Space: #EmbraceEquity

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🔬 Science Space Women Technology Education STEM
  1. Women make up only about 20-22% of the space industry workforce, and only 12% of all astronauts have been women. We need to work together to change this.
  2. Successful women in space and tech inspire others to join the field. Recognizing their achievements can encourage girls to explore careers in these areas.
  3. Organizations are helping to support women in space careers, showing that having more diverse voices leads to better innovation and exploration in the industry.

Mental health in space: don’t get too crazy about space

Space Ambition • 299 implied HN points • 18 Nov 22
🔬 Science Space Psychology Medicine Technology Health
  1. Space travel is really tough on astronauts' mental health. They deal with social and sensory deprivation, plus the stress of strict schedules and technical tasks, which can lead to serious issues if not managed well.
  2. Preventing mental health problems in space is key. Space agencies carefully select astronauts based on their personalities and provide support like remote check-ins and family care packages to keep morale high.
  3. As space missions get longer and more complex, the need for dedicated mental health support will grow. Future solutions might include AI tools and better station designs to help astronauts cope with mental challenges during missions.

Links for 2024-01-16

Axis of Ordinary • 58 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics AI Space Psychology Miscellaneous Politics Ukraine
  1. AI advancements include evaluating LLMs on protocol planning in biology and using multiple AI models for transparent robot plans.
  2. Space exploration discusses Titan's potential for human colonization and the unique properties of the Godel universe.
  3. Psychology insights cover diminished neural responses in autistic adults and the tendency of people to shun help in challenging situations.

Pierre-Damien Vaujour, CEO of Loft Orbital, is making space simple for 2 new $100M+ customers

Ubiquitous Thoughts • 98 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🕹 Technology Space Startups Investing Entrepreneurship Innovation
  1. Loft Orbital simplifies space access by providing infrastructure for customers to deploy missions on.
  2. The company evolved from physical to virtual missions based on customer needs for accessible space deployment.
  3. Pierre-Damien Vaujour emphasizes the importance of talking to customers, iterating product features, and being inspired about exploration in his professional and personal life.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #81

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 84 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Space Biotech AI Tech Culture Futurism
  1. SpaceX launched a private lander, Odysseus, aiming for the moon on a pioneering mission, marking a significant step in private space exploration and NASA's Artemis program
  2. Researchers in South Korea developed a method to grow beef on rice grains, creating a rice-beef hybrid that can enhance the nutritional value of rice-based diets in many parts of Asia
  3. A breakthrough in quantum technology allows for room-temperature quantum optomechanics, opening doors for practical applications of quantum control and observation

Weekly Dose of Optimism #82

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 74 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Gene-editing Space Automation
  1. Google introduced Gemma, a family of open models inspired by its Gemini technology, now available to developers, signaling openness in AI safety.
  2. MEGA is a new CRISPR tool that targets RNA instead of DNA for more precise and reversible cell therapy design, potentially leading to safer gene editing.
  3. Significant events in space this week included Varda's capsule return, Intuitive Machine's lunar landing, Blue Origin's New Glenn rollout, and a former Disney star becoming a space data company CEO.

Planned Obsolescence

Dada Drummer Almanach • 255 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Media Labor Technology Music Space
  1. Planned obsolescence in technology can lead to unintended consequences like a decline in quality and essential maintenance being neglected.
  2. Digital advancements like AI in music and movies can eliminate important human interactions and connections.
  3. Labor is crucial for maintaining shared spaces like movie theaters and music venues, and eliminating human jobs can ultimately eliminate the social experience these spaces provide.

no. 60: choices made by others

let them eat cake • 179 implied HN points • 24 Sep 22
🏝 Travel Leisure Tourism Cuisine Cities Space
  1. Leisure travel often revolves around consuming experiences or products, making it different from other types of travel like volunteering or religious pilgrimages.
  2. The character of a city, particularly in France, is shaped by choices made by others long ago, leading to similarities in street activities and settings.
  3. Cities in the US and France are increasingly dominated by activities like eating and shopping, potentially transforming them into tourist destinations as other uses of space become less prioritized.

Marvin’s Best Weekly Reads January 14th, 2024

The Hard Fork by Marvin Liao • 39 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups Innovation AI Space Entrepreneurship
  1. El Segundo's hardware scene has been thriving with the influence of companies like SpaceX, shaping a positive hardware ecosystem with various local companies.
  2. Lessons from history and human civilization show a long and significant past.
  3. Seed investing is evolving, with Seed becoming the new Series A, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics for success.

18 months since - funding statistics for the 2021 space startup cohort

Intersections (by Filip) • 59 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Space Startups Finance Investments Data Analysis
  1. Raw data reveals the financial landscape of space startups in 2021, with significant amounts invested and patterns in subsequent funding rounds.
  2. Data collection discrepancies highlight the importance of a diverse dataset and the impact of subsequent funding on company growth and investor interest.
  3. Understanding the timeline of funding, company failures, loyal investors, and the need for continuous rounds sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by space startups.

Europe unanimously adopts secure comms initiative

Europe in Space • 58 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Space Satellites Cybersecurity Telecommunications European Union
  1. Europe adopted a secure communications initiative called IRIS2 with overwhelming support.
  2. The project aims to develop a secure European communications constellation with 170 low Earth orbit satellites and a budget of €2.4 billion.
  3. The initiative faces challenges like tight timelines for satellite development and launch capacity constraints, especially with the Ariane 6 rocket.

Sorry Folks There Aren't Any Space Aliens

Dilan’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🔬 Science Space Physics Astronomy
  1. Science is not a religion, it relies on observations and experiments for truth
  2. The vastness of the universe and the limits of the speed of light make it highly unlikely for humans to ever come into contact with extraterrestrial intelligence
  3. Despite the fascination with space aliens, there is no scientific evidence supporting their existence or visits to Earth

Low Effort podcast #1: Stephanie Jarmak

Holly Elmore • 58 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎙 Podcasts Science Interview Space
  1. Stephanie Jarmak is a planetary scientist who imaged the asteroid Psyche with the James Webb Space Telescope.
  2. She will be joining the NASA Science Explorer team and supporting open science initiatives as their Project Scientist for Planetary Science.
  3. The podcast features a conversation about incentive structures in science and discusses getting your own asteroid.

Compilation Post #3

Extropic Thoughts • 39 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
🔬 Science Health Space Environment Genetics Research
  1. Child mortality rates have drastically decreased over centuries, signifying significant progress in global healthcare.
  2. America's GDP and economic dominance have continued to grow, especially when compared to its developed peers like in 1990.
  3. AI advancements like ChatGPT's 'iPhone moment' and BloombergGPT are reshaping industries with their capabilities.

FAQs: Starship, Starlink, and some SpaceX-conomics

The efficient frontier • 39 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Space Economics Innovation Market Integration
  1. SpaceX will price their Starship slots based on the cost of launching a Starlink satellite, creating a connection between launch prices and satellite values.
  2. Even if SpaceX's goal is to get to Mars fast, they still need profits to fund big projects and attract capital.
  3. SpaceX may aim to grow the space industry, but they will likely price Starship slots at cost plus markup, not markdown, due to market power.

20241103

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Business Space Life Health
  1. You can create a personal AI assistant that checks your investment data. This AI can find clues about whether your investments will succeed or fail.
  2. AI can look at both funded startups and those you didn’t choose to find new investment opportunities. It helps you make smarter choices based on market trends.
  3. Using AI is transforming many areas, including business and life. It's changing how companies operate and even impacting job roles in various sectors.

Breakthrough of the Year is JWST

Science Forever • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🔬 Science Space NASA Inspiration Coverage
  1. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is Science's Breakthrough of the Year for 2022.
  2. There is an insightful video available related to the coverage of JWST, created by Kevin McClean and Megan Cantwell.
  3. Despite controversy, there is a call to rename the JWST to better reflect inclusivity in space exploration.

About China’s “Intelligence Satellites”...

Ill-Defined Space • 28 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Space Satellites Data Analysis Military Commercial
  1. The claim that China has 359 intelligence satellites may be inaccurate, as this number includes civil and military satellites, not just those intended for intelligence purposes.
  2. While China's spacecraft deployments have increased, they have not tripled, as suggested by a U.S. Space Command general.
  3. Despite concerns about China's space activities, the data indicates that U.S. military spacecraft deployments have not significantly increased, and the role of commercial spacecraft in the industry is substantial.

CATHEDRAL | Chapter One - Four Years Out

Castles in the Sky • 24 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
📚 Literature Fiction Family Space Emotions Relationships
  1. The protagonist and their family face a life-changing decision of joining an interstellar mission aboard the Ark spaceship.
  2. The family's emotional journey showcases love, gratitude, and tough choices as they prepare to leave Earth behind.
  3. The story highlights themes of sacrifice, family bonds, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of monumental change.

Indian Space Startups: More Growth Required

Ill-Defined Space • 57 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Space Startups Industry India Rocket launches
  1. India's space industry has seen significant growth in the number of startups, but more is needed to compete globally.
  2. India possesses strong launch capabilities, with the ability to explore the Moon, but needs to increase launch frequency to match other countries.
  3. Although India encourages international spacecraft deployment, there are challenges such as limited rocket inventory that must be addressed for significant industry growth.

Cows Jump Over the Moon

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Space Robotics Health
  1. In space, there's a focus on growing tissue and organs, potentially improving human health on Earth.
  2. The low gravity of the moon makes it an ideal spot for launching missions and building structures using autonomous robotics.
  3. Investors are keen on AI-led robotics for space exploration, aiming to achieve human-level perception and judgment for robots.