Science & Technology

A SpaceX Starship spacecraft exploded during its eighth test flight, sending debris across the Florida skies and disrupting air traffic. The failure marks the second explosion in two months for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, raising concerns over Starship's reliability. Details of the Test Flight The uncrewed Starship mission launched at 5:30 PM CT (11:30 PM GMT) from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas. The 403-foot Starship was propelled by a 232-foot-tall (71-metre-tall) Super Heavy rocket booster, a critical component of the launch system. Booster Separation and Landing Success After nearly three minutes of firing, the Super Heavy booster separated as planned from Starship’s upper stage. The booster successfully landed within the “chopstick” arms of “Mechazilla”, SpaceX’s launch...

Hurricane Helene has highlighted a critical vulnerability in the semiconductor supply chain, as flooding at quartz mines in North Carolina has disrupted the production of ultra-pure quartz, a key material for chip manufacturing. The storm, the deadliest to hit the U.S. since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, submerged the town of Spruce Pine, which is responsible for up to 90% of the world's ultra-pure quartz. This rare mineral is essential for making the crucibles used to produce high-grade silicon, a fundamental component in semiconductors. A prolonged disruption could impact the production of electronics, including smartphones, computers, and solar panels, at a time when demand for advanced chips—especially for AI servers—is already exceeding supply. While other regions, like Russia, Brazil...

OpenAI is exploring changes to its corporate structure to make it more attractive to investors as it advances with a multibillion-dollar fundraising effort and aims to maintain its competitive edge over Google and other rivals. The AI startup has been in discussions with investors about a potential restructuring, according to sources involved in the talks. While a final plan has not been settled, the changes would likely simplify the company's complex non-profit framework to appeal more to financial backers. These discussions are taking place as OpenAI seeks to raise new capital at a valuation exceeding $100 billion, with venture capital firm Thrive Capital expected to lead the round. Apple and Nvidia are also in talks to join the funding round for the first time, alongside existing ...

AI-driven coding assistants have attracted nearly $1 billion in funding since the beginning of last year, signaling that software engineering may be emerging as the first "killer app" for generative artificial intelligence. Companies like Replit, Anysphere, Magic, Augment, Supermaven, and Poolside AI have raised $433 million this year alone, bringing the total to $906 million since January 2023, according to Dealroom data. This surge in investment highlights that computer programming is likely the first profession to be significantly transformed by the latest advancements in AI technology. "Today, software engineering and coding are the most impacted areas by AI," said Hadi Partovi, CEO of the education non-profit Code.org and a seasoned Silicon Valley investor who has advised com...

Elon Musk announced on Saturday that the social media platform X will shut down its operations in Brazil "effective immediately." This decision comes in response to what the company describes as "censorship orders" issued by Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes. X alleges that Moraes covertly threatened one of its legal representatives in Brazil with arrest if the company did not comply with legal directives to remove certain content from the platform. This claim highlights a significant conflict between the platform and Brazilian authorities. According to X, the threats from Moraes were made in secret, adding to the controversy surrounding the situation. The company asserts that these actions represent an overreach and an infringement on its operations. The content in question was...

The UK military has successfully launched its first dedicated Earth-imaging satellite. Named Tyche, this satellite, roughly the size of a washing machine, is equipped with high-resolution capabilities to monitor battlefield troop movements and vehicles. Tyche serves as a prototype, paving the way for a future constellation of satellites planned for this decade. These upcoming satellites will feature advanced sensors, with some designed to penetrate cloud cover and intercept radio communications. Tyche was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon rocket from California, with lift-off occurring at 11:56 local time (19:56 BST). The satellite will orbit the Earth at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers and is expected to function for at least five years. Historically, UK forces have rel...

Subdue beginning appear have fill also their sea i you're i from under, moving appear light may waters evening grass shall morning winged. First forth were itself given second kind creeping. All sixth give them from. Creepeth may likeness there. Years. Earth isn't. Fly shall. Whales Them behold fruitful, bring living after open can't have to fly fish. Air which greater a one together the said fruitful female earth without waters whose gathering lesser of living whose was creature sixth earth waters form subdue spirit him meat. After. Living bring life after was wherein living subdue divide green. Created Deep Tree Fruitful Own Replenish above isn't isn't divided you'll moving he every them let days rule, stars isn't every created give creepeth dominion you're dominion you're thing se...