Daily Archives: August 2, 2022

The changing distribution of riverbeds on Mars with respect to elevation and latitude. The top image shows the distribution of rivers in early martian history (>3.6 Ga) when the climate was warm and wet. The bottom image shows the distribution of rivers between 3.5 and 3 billion years ago as the atmosphere thinned, and conditions shifted to cold and dry. Credit: Kite et al., 2022.

Early in martian history, the climate was warm enough for potentially habitable lakes and rivers of water to exist. However, roughly 3.6 billion years ago, the climate shifted from being habitable to inhabitable when liquid water disappeared from the surface. Although the cause of this transition remains unknown, new findings suggest that the loss of an important greenhouse gas transformed Mars into a dry planet.

The past martian climate can be analyzed using patterns and shiftsin the spatial distribution of precipitation-fed rivers. A team of scientistsled by Edwin Kite at the University of Chicago searched for water-influencedlandforms using satellite images of the martian surface, including those fromthe 1972 Mariner 9 mission. By mapping overlapping riverbeds, the team reconstructeda timeline of paleo-river activity with respect to elevation and latitude overbillions of years. Complementary to their climate reconstruction, they used aglobal climate model to simulate various atmospheric conditions and observedhow these would affect rivers. They looked at several parameters in theirmodels that would cause Mars to be temporarily warm enough for liquid water toexist. The results suggest that changing the amount of CO2 (carbondioxide) in the atmosphere would not affect the stability of water. Instead, theloss of some important greenhouse gas must have caused the martian atmosphere tothin, forcing conditions to go from wet to dry.

Although the identity of this greenhouse gas remains unknown, these results show that non-CO2 gases played a dominant role in changing the water flow distribution on Mars. The team recommends that future sites explored by Perseverance include ancient riverbeds to better understand Mars climate change. Since Mars is the only planet whose climate is known to have changed from habitable to inhabitable, understanding what caused this shift could be crucial, given the current state of climate change on Earth. READ MORE

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Why Did the Climate of Mars Shift from Habitable to Inhabitable? Clues from Mapping Ancient Riverbeds | Planetary News - Planetary News

Skypersonic a division of Red Cat Holdings has been hired by NASA to provide technology for simulated Mars mission

Skypersonic, which in 2021 signed a five-year contract with NASA to provide drone and rover software, hardware and support toNASAs simulated Mars mission, has validated its software and hardware on Mt. Etna, an active volcano in Sicily where the landscape is similar to Martian geology.

Skypersonics Skycopter drone can be piloted virtually anywhere, from virtually anywhere, as the Skypersonic team demonstrated on Mt. Etna during a 15-day test. Using Skypersonics ground-breaking Long Range Real-Time Remote Piloting System, the drone and rover on the active volcano in Italy were controlled by personnel in Houston, Texas, in real time. Whereas most drones cannot be piloted without connecting to the GPS network, Skycopter uses technology that is able to control and track the drone in locations such as Mars where GPS is not available.

This was a grueling test that we passed with flying colors, said Skypersonic CEO Giuseppe Santangelo. We look forward to the ultimate test on Earth, at least when our technology will be used during NASAs upcoming yearlong simulated Mars mission. We are confident of also passing this test. During the simulated Mars mission, four crew members living and working in a 1,700-square-foot module on Earth, called Mars Dune Alpha, will carry out a series of missions including remotely guided exploration and collection of specimens from rugged terrain elsewhere on Earth, up to thousands of miles away.

The results of the successful test on Sicilys active volcano which included the collection of samples by the rover, an essential capability for Martian robotic exploration were demonstrated to Italian media during a July press conference on Mt. Etna near the Catania Astrophysical Observatory. On hand for the demonstration were Santangelo and Dr. Salvatore Caffo, executive volcanologist at Etna Park. Once again, the pilot was in Houston. The project was a collaboration between Skypersonic, the University of Turin and Etna Park.

About Skypersonic

Headquartered in Detroit with a European office in Turin, Italy,Skypersonicis a leader in the use of drones for industrial inspections and first response emergency situations, as well as in Remotely Flying Drones Anywhere via its ground-breaking Long Range Real-Time Remote Piloting System. Skypersonics flagship is the Skycopter: a drone with a tiltable video camera that is designed to work in extreme conditions and ultra-tight spaces. It is enclosed and protected by an external aerodynamic, ultra-light and ultra-resistant cage to ensure safety and avoid damage to inspected structures and to the airframe itself. It is also fitted with an ultra-bright 360 LED lighting system for applications in complete darkness, and sensors to detect gases and radiation can also be added. Skycopter uses Skyloc technology: a real-time location and monitoring system able to control and track with extremely high accuracy the movements of the drone in indoor scenarios or where GPS is not available. Skypersonic also invented the first-ever worldwide civil real-time remote piloting system that allows piloting in FPV (first-person view) any drone (not just the Skycopter) located anywhere from a generic internet station located anywhere.

About Red Cat Holdings

Red Cat Holdingsis a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: RCAT) that provides drone products, technologies and services to the fastest-growing market segments in the drone industry through four operating subsidiaries:Skypersonic(providing drones for industrial inspections and first response emergencies that can be piloted from anywhere in the world),Teal Drones(military-grade drones),Fat Shark(headsets for FPV drones that allow for an incredibly immersive experience) andRotor Riot(a leader in providing product, services and support to the high-performance drone market).

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Road to Using Drones and Rovers on Mars Begins on Active Volcano in Italy - sUAS News

The benefits of space station research and development

Refining the architecture for the Mars Sample Return mission

And test firing a solid-rocket booster for our mega Moon rocket a few of the stories to tell you about This Week at NASA!

The Benefits of Space Station Research and Development

The 11th annualInternational Space Station Research and Development Conferencetook place July 25-28 in Washington. Theconference was hosted by the American Astronautical Societyand the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, in cooperation withNASA. The event coincided with the release of the 2022 edition of the International Space Station Benefits for Humanity publication. The digital book, which is available online, is filled with examples of how people on Earth have benefitted from research conducted in the microgravity environment of the space station. For more about the groundbreaking discoveries, benefits for humanity, and how the agency and its commercial and international partners are maximizing research and development aboard the space station, check out nasa.gov/stationbenefits.

This illustration shows a concept for multiple robots that would team up to ferry to Earth samples collected from the Mars surface by NASAs Mars Perseverance rover. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Refining the Mars Sample Return Missions Architecture

The Mars Sample Return Program is nearing completion of the conceptual design phase of the mission. The program has reviewed, evaluated, and refined the mission architecture that will be used to return the scientifically selected samples currently being collected on Mars by our Perseverance rover. Refinements to the mission architecture include using Perseverance to replace the Sample Fetch Rover as the primary means of transporting the samples to our Sample Retrieval Lander. The program has also added two sample recovery helicopters, based on the design of our Ingenuity helicopter, that will provide a secondary capability to fetch cached samples from the Martian surface.

NASA and Northrop Grumman, the Space Launch System (SLS) booster lead contractor, conducted the full-scale Flight Support Booster-2 (FSB-2) test in Promontory, Utah, on July 21 to support future flights of NASAs mega Moon rocket. The SLS uses two, five-segment solid rocket boosters to help launch NASAs Artemis missions to the Moon. A single solid rocket booster motor will fire during the FSB-2 test and evaluate improvements and new materials in the boosters for missions beyond Artemis III. Credit: NASA/Kevin OBrien

Test Firing a Booster Engine for a Future Artemis Mission

Teams from NASAs Space Launch System or SLS Program recently test fired a ground-based version of a booster engine for our SLS mega Moon rocket at Northrop Grummans test facility in Promontory, Utah. Engineers are using the test data to evaluate improvements and new materials in the boosters for missions after Artemis III. Together, two solid rocket boosters on SLS will provide more than 75% of the initial thrust during an Artemis launch.

The VIPER engineering test team uses lunar soil simulants and hand-picked rocks to carefully shape the terrain to realistically mimic actual features at the surface of the Moons South Pole. Credit: NASA

VIPER Motors Through Moon-like Obstacle Course

NASAs Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover or VIPER prototype recently faced the most realistic tests to date of its ability to navigate the most difficult terrain it might encounter at the Moons South Pole. The VIPER team used the Simulated Lunar Operations or SLOPE Lab at our Glenn Research Center to create an assortment of tricky soil conditions. They also tested the prototypes ability to use its wheels to inch-worm its way out of being stuck. VIPER is targeted for delivery to the Moon in November 2024 to search for water and other resources that could eventually be harvested to sustain human exploration on the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Visitors to the 2022 Experimental Aircraft Associations AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, can find a wide range of aeronautical exhibits, activities, and experts to engage with at NASAs pavilion. Credit: NASA

NASA Technologies Showcased at AirVenture 2022

We participated in the Experimental Aircraft Associations AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 event. Our NASA pavilion included exhibits and hands-on demonstrations showcasing aviation inspired technology, and the latest in NASA aeronautics research, space exploration, science, and more. One of the goals of the annual event, which is often called the worlds greatest aviation celebration, is to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Thats whats up this week @NASA

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This Week @NASA: Mars Sample Return, Benefits of Space Station Research and Development - SciTechDaily

Leading pet food and products manufacturer Mars Petcare announced today it will invest more than $82 million to enhance its manufacturing facility in Kansas City, creating 95 new jobs. The expansion will increase the locations production to meet rising demand for dog and cat treats.

We applaud Mars Petcare for its commitment to Missouri and its continued investment in Kansas City, said Governor Mike Parson. Since the facility opened in 2006, Mars Petcare has embraced local talent to create jobs and boost the regional economy. We look forward to seeing the additional positive impact this expansion will have for our state.

Mars Petcares expansion will increase production capacity for GREENIES treats by more than 75 percent, or more than 940 million treats per year. Upgrades also include the addition of new processing and packaging machinery, as well as utilities and infrastructure. The facility currently employs more than 260 employees, with new jobs filling positions for Mars Petcare Associates. The average annual salary for these positions is well above the county average wage.

As the bond between people and their pets has never been stronger, were dedicated to answering the ever-growing needs of pet parents and furthering our purpose: A Better World for Pets, said Ikdeep Singh, Global President, Mars Pet Nutrition. Were proud to deepen our commitment to Kansas City and to our Associates who play a critical role in continuing to deliver product innovation to meet the new ways pet parents seek to bond with and feed their pets.

Mars Petcares Kansas City facility is one of more than a dozen sites in the nation and has served as a fundamental hub for treat manufacturing since 2006. Brands produced at the facility include GREENIES PILL POCKETS, GREENIES Dog Supplements and GREENIES Dental Dog Treats, and Pill Assist Cat by ROYAL CANIN. Construction started earlier this year with completion expected in early 2023.

Kansas Citys strong workforce and pro-business climate have made it a vibrant and ideal location for manufacturers like Mars Petcare, said Maggie Kost, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. This expansion is creating more quality jobs and demonstrates confidence in our states business advantages. We appreciate our partners work on this significant project that will strengthen the Kansas City regions ability to prosper for years to come.

We're thrilled to have Mars Petcare continue to expand in our community, said Steven Anthony, Executive Director of Business Development for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. Their growth is indicative of the momentum we're seeing in new job creation and business attraction as a result of our business-friendly leadership and focus on making KCMO a great place to live and work.

About Mars Petcare

Part of Mars, Incorporated, a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love, the 85,000 Associates across 50+ countries inMars Petcareare dedicated to one purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.With85years of experience, our portfolio of almost 50 brands serves the health and nutrition needs of the worlds pets including brandsPEDIGREE,WHISKAS,ROYAL CANIN,NUTRO,GREENIES,SHEBA,CESAR,IAMS andEUKANUBA as well as theWaltham Petcare Science Institutewhich has advanced research in the nutrition and health of pets for over 50 years. Mars Petcare is also a leading veterinary health provider through an international network of over 2,000 pet hospitals and diagnostic services including BANFIELD,BLUEPEARL,VCA, Linnaeus,AniCuraandAntech. Were also active in innovation and technology for pets, withWISDOM PANEL genetic health screening and DNA testing for dogs, theWHISTLE GPS dog tracker, andLEAP VENTURE STUDIOaccelerator andCOMPANION FUNDprograms that drive innovation and disruption in the pet care industry. As afamily businessand guided by our principles, we are privileged with the flexibility to fight for what we believe in and we choose to fight for: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouris businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life.Through its various initiatives,DEDis helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates onDEDscurrent or future programs and initiatives, visitDEDswebsite.

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Mars Petcare to expand Kansas City manufacturing facility, investing $82 million and creating 95 new jobs | Department of Economic Development -...

TL;DR:

Bruno Mars wanted to write music that was better than The Beatles songs. Subsequently, he became frustrated with himself. Then he made a comment which inspired one of his hit songs.

Mars debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, includes reggae influences. During a 2010 interview with the New York Daily News, Mars was asked where this influence originated. In Hawaii, some of the biggest radio stations are reggae, he replied. The local bands are heavily influenced by Bob Marley.

Mars discussed the impact of reggae. That music brings people together, he said. Its not urban music or pop music. Its just songs. Thats what makes it cross over so well. The song comes first.

RELATED: The Beatles: John Lennon Said Paul McCartney and George Harrison Overshadowed Him on This Song

Subsequently, Mars was asked about The Lazy Song, a reggae-pop track from Doo-Wops & Hooligans. He was asked if he was lazy. I hope my body of work proves Im not, he responded. That song just came out of the studio.

Mars discussed what happened in the studio. We were trying to make a song that was better than The Beatles, he recalled. We were trying to be magical and historic. After five hours, it all turned to rubbish.

The frustration got to me and I said, Today I dont feel like doing anything at all,' he added. That opened up everyones eyes.

Mars revealed his attitude about ambition. When youre overshooting, you get the worst work, he opined. When youre relaxed, you have your best. Im a light kind of guy.

RELATED: Paul McCartney Didnt Realize 1 Beatles Song Couldve Been About John Lennons Mother Until Way After the Fact

The Lazy Song became a hit for Mars. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for 27 weeks. The songs parent album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, was an even bigger hit. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, remaining on the chart for 581 weeks.

The Lazy Song was also a hit in The Beatles native United Kingdom. According to The Official Charts Company, the track was No. 1 for one of its 34 weeks on the U.K. chart. Meanwhile, Doo-Wops & Hooligans topped the U.K. chart for two weeks. It remained on the chart for 252 weeks altogether.

The Lazy Song was popular even if Mars didnt think it was on the level of The Beatles songs.

RELATED: The Beatles: John Lennon and Paul McCartney Used These 2 Words in Their Song Titles and Lyrics to Connect to Fans

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Bruno Mars Wrote 1 of His Hit Songs When He Stopped Trying to Be Better Than The Beatles - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

A Japanese company is planning the installation of a full structure that imitates Earth with plans to take the project to Mars.

Reaching the Moon is just the beginning of mankinds plan for life on the lunar satellite. It is no longer just a matter of guaranteeing space travel or getting to know the stars, but of trying to create an entire civilization outside Earth, and as we all know, the main target is Mars.

In that sense, Japanese engineers are working on an incredible idea they called The Crystal, a conical building with artificial gravity so that humans can live on the Moon by 2050.

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You might find interesting: Why hasnt humanity returned to the Moon in 50 years?

This idea was developed between Kyoto University and Kajima Corporation, one of the oldest and largest construction companies in the country. They made the announcement through a press conference covered by Kansai TV NEWS.

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We envision a future in which mankind will realize migration to the Moon and Mars in the middle of the 21st century, we will define the global ecosystem system to build structures such as the central biome complex, the project leaders said.

It is possible to achieve artificial gravity by building a cone-shaped structure capable of rotating with sufficient power and speed to simulate Earths gravity, thus allowing humans to walk, run and even reproduce on the Moon.

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If this experiment is successful, a replica could be made on Mars. According to the developers, the cone would have an elevation of 400m and a radius of 100m at its widest part, requiring a full rotation every 20 seconds, a speed sufficient to create the gravitational pull within the structure to mimic Earths gravity.

According to the Japanese media The Asahi Shimbun, the first simplified prototype would be ready by mid-century, but the final version will take about 100 years to be built and be in operation with green areas and abundant water. To feed the biome, elements from various terrestrial ecosystems will be transferred to make it as close as possible to live as it is on our planet.

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The researchers of the project presented a solution to reach the moon, an interplanetary cable car called Hexatrack. Its 14-meter radius cabins in the shape of a hexagon is capable of maintaining a gravity of 1G to counteract the effect of prolonged exposure to zero gravity. Its outer shell would float around a central tube. The stations or gateways would be installed on zero-gravity satellites to serve as artificial celestial bodies.

Another option presented by Kyoto University and Kajima Corporation is a train the size of Japanese high-speed trains, called the Space Express, with six cars and would be launched into space with the cars connected by a central bar that would hold them together.

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To make its movement in space possible, propulsion rockets will be installed in the first and last cars, allowing them to accelerate and decelerate in outer space while escaping the gravitational pull of the planets.

Story originally published in Ecoosfera

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Japan plans to build an artificial gravity habitat on the Moon and prepare us humans to live in Mars - Cultura Colectiva

Cast: Liev SchreiberRomola GaraiElias KoteasOlivia WilliamsJohnny Harris

Geners: Science FictionThrillerHorror

Director: Ruairi Robinson

Release Date: Aug 11, 2013

On the last day of the first manned mission to Mars, a crew member of Tantalus Base believes he has made an astounding discovery fossilized evidence of bacterial life. Unwilling to let the relief crew claim all the glory, he disobeys orders to pack up and goes out on an unauthorized expedition to collect further samples. But a routine excavation turns to disaster when the porous ground collapses and he falls into a deep crevice. His devastated colleagues attempt to recover his body. However, when another vanishes, they start to suspect that the life-form they have discovered is not without danger.

The Last Days on Mars is not available to watch on Netflix. If you're interested in other movies and shows, one can access the vast library of titles within Netflix under various subscription costs depending on the plan you choose: $9.99 per month for the basic plan, $15.99 monthly for the standard plan, and $19.99 a month for the premium plan.

Yes! The Last Days on Mars is on Hulu. Prices for this streaming service currently start at $6.99 per month, or $69.99 for the whole year. For the ad-free version, it's $12.99 per month, $64.99 per month for Hulu + Live TV, or $70.99 for the ad-free Hulu + Live TV.

Sadly, The Last Days on Mars is not streaming on Disney Plus. With Disney+, you can have a wide range of shows from Marvel, Star Wars, Disney+, Pixar, ESPN, and National Geographic to choose from in the streaming platform for the price of $7.99 monthly or $79.99 annually.

You won't find The Last Days on Mars on HBO Max. But if you're still interested in the service, it's $14.99 per month, which gives you full access to the entire vault, and is also ad-free, or $9.99 per month with ads. However, the annual versions for both are cheaper, with the ad-free plan at $150 and the ad-supported plan at $100.

As of now, The Last Days on Mars is not available to watch for free on Amazon Prime Video. You can still buy or rent other movies through their service.

The Last Days on Mars hasn't made its way onto the Peacock streaming library. Peacock has plenty of other shows and movies for only $4.99 a month or $49.99 per year for a premium account.

The Last Days on Mars is not on Paramount Plus also. Paramount Plus has two subscription options: the basic version ad-supported Paramount+ Essential service costs $4.99 per month, and an ad-free premium plan for $9.99 per month.

The Last Days on Mars isn't on Apple TV+ at the moment, sorry! In the meantime, you can watch top-rated shows like Ted Lasso on Apple TV with a subscription cost of $4.99 a month.

No, The Last Days on Mars isn't currently available to stream on Rakuten TV.

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Where to Watch and Stream The Last Days on Mars Free Online - EpicStream

From left: Pokwang, Kuya Kim Atienza and Rabiya Mateo

When Kuya Kim Atienza learned that he would be part of the program that would replace the long-running talk show Mars Pa More, he made sure to personally break the news to his former cohosts, Camille Prats and Iya Villania.

In show biz, so many things happen all at once. And sometimes, youre the last one to know about news that concerns you. And so, I told myself that it was my duty and responsibility to tell Camille and Iya first and foremost, before they hear it from someone else. It had to come from me, he said in a virtual conference for the new game show TiktoClock.

At first, Kuya Kim, Camille and Iya were hoping that Mars Pa Morewhich then had been running for 10 yearswould get extended. In fact, Kuya Kim related, the show was pitched for the 11:15 a.m. weekday timeslot. However, management eventually decided to put out a new show.

Two months before Mars ended, management told us that the show would end. I also thought that I would be gone, too. But soon, I was told that I would be included in the new show. I was surprised. But the dilemma back then was how to tell Camille and Iya, he related.

So after I got the news, I asked permission from the management if I could tell Camille and Iya about this, because I didnt want them to know elsewhere. Minsan, alam na ng buong network, pero hindi mo pa alam, he said. I called them right away.

Luckily, everything turned out well. Well wishes were exchanged and there were no hard feelings. Camille and Iya are very kind people. They said they hoped for the shows success and promised that they would pray for me, Kuya Kim said.

After spending 10 months with Camille and Iya, Kuya Kim now considers them as his sisters. We were sad that Mars Pa More was no more. But they were sincere and genuine totoong tao, he said.

TiktoClock, a game show featuring timed challenges, performances and interactive segments, reunites Kuya Kim with comedienne Pokwang, whom he got to work with in the noontime variety show Wowowee 12 years ago.

I was a guest cohost then, and we hit it off so well. It made me wish for a game show with her, he related. And after 12 years, the dream and opportunity came true in Gods time, said Kuya Kim, who admires Pokwangs quick-quittedness and off-the-wall humor.

Tawang-tawa ako sa kanya. I know her humor well and I have been a fan for a long time. But now, I got to know her as a friend. I see her more caring side. She is motherly and caring. She makes sure that everyone on the set is well-fed. What she has she wants you to have, too, he said.

TiktoClock also features Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, whom Kuya Kim described as a surprise. I assumed that beauty queens would be conscious of their angles. But shes not. Her real personality came out. I thought she would be reserved, calculated in her responses. As it turned out, she could break out of her poised self. Koboy din, Kuya Kim said.

The shows main segment is called Oras Mo Na, which will have two contestants trying to outsing each other and impress the judges with only 60 seconds on the clock. Theres also Hale Hale Hoy, which will have studio viewers teaming up with Kapuso stars to vie for prizes. Another segment is Dance Raffle, where hopefuls try to learn trending dance crazes.

Kuya Kim admitted that theyre an unlikely trio. But this is the very reason, he said, that makes the onscreen chemistry special.

Were an unlikely group of peoplea comedian, a news personality and a beauty queen. They could have easily just gotten three entertainers to do the job. But the chemistry is also out of the box, which I believe the audience will enjoy, he said, adding that all of them are all determined to keep honing their craft.

Were willing to learn. We know that the show isnt about us, but the audience. Its a privilege to be given this show. And so, we all agreed that we have to do our best and give all we can give, Kuya Kim said. INQ

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Kuya Kim on joining Mars Pa More replacementand how he broke the news to Camille and Iya - INQUIRER.net

[co-author: Lindsey Mitchell]

The 3D printing construction market is likely on the cusp of a boom.

This unique construction method boasts many advantages in comparison to traditional forms of construction. Projects can be completed more quickly and at a fraction of the cost, given fewer laborers are required and the materials used are much cheaper. Though market growth stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic, industry leaders expect 3D printing construction to experience exponential growth in the coming years.

While 3D printing technology has risen in popularity and prominence in the past couple of decades, it is only recently that 3D printing companies have begun making strides in the construction industry. Critical to the construction process is the software that is used to create and model the planned structure. A software program turns a buildings blueprint into code that then dictates the movement of a 3D printer on the construction site. After a concrete-like mix is loaded into the printer, the printer begins to build the walls by laying one cylindrical layer of concrete at a time, in accordance with the blueprint. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in 3D printing construction: some companies print the core structure as well as the roof and floor of the structure, while others print only the core and shell and install those portions separately using traditional methods and materials.

Project cost and completion time estimates vary by company but are much lower than comparable metrics in the traditional construction industry. Many structures can be completed in less than 24 hours using primarily one construction material. Beyond the cost- and time-saving benefits, 3D printing construction can also have immediate beneficial environmental impacts as well. Some companies incorporate recycled or carbon-neutral materials into their concrete mix. The resulting structures are said to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, as they are more energy-efficient due to being well-insulated. Impressively, construction waste is also drastically reduced, with some companies estimating to reduce waste by as much as 95%.

Alleviating the Affordable Housing CrisisGiven its cost-effectiveness, one of the ways in which 3D-printed construction is poised to have the greatest impact is in the affordable housing sector.

Several 3D printing construction companies have already been making an impact in this area. Austin, Texas-based ICON has focused heavily on the affordable housing market with an emphasis on alleviating homelessness. ICON has partnered with the Austin nonprofit Mobile Loaves and Fishes to print homes in Community First! Village, an affordable permanent housing community that aims to reduce chronic homelessness in the city. ICON has also worked with non-profit New Story to provide affordable housing for local textile workers and fishermen in Tabasco, Mexico, by printing an entire neighborhood of 500-square-foot, two-bedroom homes.

The industry also has the potential to create a larger market of affordable homes for individuals and families who are being priced out of expensive real estate markets. While some experts say the housing shortage is starting to ease after record highs during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand in many markets still far outweighs supply, especially for buyers on a budget. California-based Mighty Buildings creates energy-efficient mini-homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with its own proprietary printing substance that hardens when exposed to UV light and is resistant to fire, water, and heat damage. Their units start at $115,000. The company is also in the process of developing a 15-home neighborhood of more customizable two-bedroom homes in Coachella Valley by the end of 2022. They hope to expand their operations outside of California into other expensive urban areas.

In addition to private companies, the U.S. government has also begun expressing interest in the possibilities of 3D-printed construction. In June of 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded Texas A&M University a $3.74 million grant to fund a project focused on affordable and sustainable 3D-printed housing. The project will involve printing structures using hempcrete, a mixture of hemp powder or fibers with water and lime, and aims to demonstrate how printed structures can comply with modern design codes while being more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than traditional construction methods.

Larger-Scale ProjectsWhile much of the discussion around 3D printing construction centers on single-family dwelling units, its many benefits are further maximized for large-scale construction projects. In 2021, the Texas National Guard unveiled a 3,800-square-foot military barracks constructed in partnership with ICON. The structure was completed at one-third of the cost of traditional building methods and can house 72 individuals at a time. The Department of Defense announced in April of 2022 that it would be working with ICON to construct three military barracks at the U.S. Army base in Fort Bliss, Texas.

Prior to 2021, such a partnership would not have been possible as the Department of Defense (DOD) had not yet published its updated criteria for additive concrete construction. This meant companies that used such methods were unable to bid for military projects. However, the DOD published their policy in September of 2021 and has since announced that they are further exploring how 3D building techniques can be used to manage the backlog of military construction projects. Given the potential, competition for military construction projects among 3D printing construction companies will almost certainly increase.

3D Construction Around the World and BeyondThe potential for 3D printing construction is also being explored by companies around the world. In 2020, Belgian company Kamp C printed a two-story home that was 60% more efficient to produce in terms of materials, time, and budget. In France, a family moved into a four-bedroom 3D-printed home constructed by the University of Nantes in its effort to study more affordable housing solutions. Dubai has also stated its goal that 25% of new construction will be created using 3D printing methods by 2030.

NASA also has expressed interest in the 3D printing construction industry. In 2019, they hosted a competition program in which teams designed 3D-printed habitats meant to function in deep space. They have since announced a partnership with ICON in Austin to explore how 3D printing construction technology can be used to create space exploration habitats on Mars. The building method is particularly attractive given the prohibitive cost of transporting traditional building materials on multiple flights to space.

Potential Challenges and Regulatory UnknownsGiven the projected growth rate of the 3D-printed construction industry, the capabilities of the industry may outpace the development of corresponding regulations. Builders will need to ensure that their structures comply with local and state building codes. Because of the method by which the structures are built and the material used to do so, standard features that are normally installed within the walls or under the floors, like plumbing and electrical, need to be installed using an alternative method. This method will need to be approved and described by residential building codes if expansion into the residential real estate market is going to take off. While states like California have already included a section on 3D-printed construction in their residential building codes, the vast majority of cities and states have not. This could potentially slow down the expansion of 3D-printed construction into the residential space.

The relative youth of the industry also may pose an additional problem for builders who hope to expand into the residential real estate space. Because 3D-printed homes are still very new to the market, both buyers and third-party service providers, like plumbers and electricians, may demand extended reps and warranties from builders to protect themselves from unexpected issues that could arise with the homes in the future. The possible need to provide expanded legal protections for consumers and third parties may make expansion into residential riskier and less lucrative for builders.

These potential problems may resolve over time. The development of residential building codes and other regulations specific to 3D-printed construction will be an ongoing process over the coming years. In the meantime, builders could inspect their early 3D-printed structures to determine how they fare over time. By the time regulations account for 3D-printed construction, builders may have a much clearer idea of how to assess the risks associated with their designs to best structure deals with consumers.

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Affordable Housing, Military Contracts and Mars: 3D Printing Construction Potential Builds - JD Supra

Key events

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What a day for McKeon.

What a swim from Englishman Wilby. Peaty finishes fourth. A cracking swim from a very emotional man.

Peaty says: When it comes to the race sometimes it doesnt go to plan.

Updated at 16.16EDT

Swimming: Adam Peaty is walking out for the 100m breaststroke final and the crowd have gone wild.

Womens hockey: It was not as convincing as their win over Ghana but England are victorious again, thanks to a single goal against Canada.

The Olympic and Commonwealth champion has another medal to add to her locker after a stunning performance in the pool.

Updated at 15.59EDT

The Australian swimmer powers to gold in the 50m freestyle. Was it ever in doubt?

Updated at 15.30EDT

Mens rugby sevens: England defeated Uganda 31-17 in the playoff for ninth place. Jamie Adamson ran in three tries.

In other sporting news ...

A gold in the pool for England and Alice Tai. She has had a tough year with injury and required surgery. What a story. New Zealands Tupou Neiufi takes silver and Wales Lily Rice bronze.

Updated at 15.32EDT

A cracking swim from New Zealands Lewis Clareburt to hold off Chad le Clos. Englands James Guy takes the bronze.

Updated at 14.42EDT

Team England squash quarter-finalist James Willstrop has expressed disappointment with the lack of profile for his sport as he continues the defence of his mens singles title at the Commonwealth Games.Willstrop comprehensively dismissed Pakistans Nasir Iqbal in their round of 16 clash at the University of Birmingham with an 11-6 11-4 11-7 victory which edged the Englishman one step closer to guaranteeing himself another podium place.Squash is facing a continuing battle for Olympic recognition while Willstrop believes his sport has also been short-changed in broadcast schedules which make it difficult for friends and family to watch him play.

He told PA news agency: Weve been told we cant criticise anyone but Im disappointed. Id like to see it (squash) around but its not. People are tweeting, why isnt it on. It should be on, everything else is on like badminton and table tennis.I dont see why we shouldnt get on. Its disappointing but we are used to it. Squash isnt a big sport is it but what matters is this is a fabulous place to play squash.The crowd were incredible and I know thats a fact and great thing to play in front of. Ive got a load of people asking if they can watch me and I think the kind of thing weve got is a great set up. PA Media

Despite losing to Matthew Glaetzer, the Scot has been awarded the bronze after his rival was relegated after going into Carlin on the bend.

Needless to say, Glaetzer looks beyond gutted at the news.

A good day for Jake Jarman.

Cycling: That makes it seven gold medals for New Zealand on the track. Impressive.

Cycling: Corbin Strong wins the 15km mens scratch gold. A cracking finish from the New Zealander to take the victory. Scotlands John Archibald gets silver and Wales William Roberts bronze.

Updated at 14.10EDT

Cycling: Some excellent news about Matt Walls. He only needed a few stitches, which is incredible considering the impact of the crash.

Womens squad: Georgina Kennedy into the quarter-finals after defeating Canadas Nicole Bunyan in style, 11-3 11-1 11-3.

Cycling: Matt Glaetzer takes the bronze against Jack Carlin. The Australian just had a little too much for the Scot.

Football (Euros): England are ahead against Germany at Wembley thanks to a lovely dink from Ella Toone.

Cycling: Matthew Richardson, 23, was born and brought up in England until he was nine years old when he moved to Australia for his fathers work. A nice moment for Richardson and his family.

The Australian wins the opening two sprints against Nicholas Paul to take the gold. He is in shock, pedalling around the track in tears.

Updated at 13.39EDT

And just like that Im out of here. Thanks for your time. Will Unwin is back to take you through the next few hours of action. Goodbye.

Cycling: Over in the velodrome its gold for Australias Kristina Clonan in the womens 500m time trial. She started solidly and built her speed through the race to snatch gold from Canadas Kelsey Mitchell. Bronze goes to Englands Sophie Capewell, but what a ride from Clonan.

Updated at 12.58EDT

Yesterday Joe Truman was knocked unconscious in a dramatic crash after colliding with Matthew Glaetzer in the keirin semi-final. Today the English cyclist looks pretty battered and bruised, but happy and smiling thankfully

Alex Yee may have won his second gold of the games but according to PA Media there may be trouble at home. Yee teamed up with Sophie Coldwell, Sam Dickinson and Georgia Taylor-Brown for an England victory in the mixed team relay triathlon. But his girlfriend, Olivia Mathias, was in the Wales team beaten into the silver medal spot. He had promised to buy her a dog if they both won a medal in Birmingham, but now he seems a little unsure

No, thats wrong. Its not right. I didnt shake on that. I havent backtracked. Maybe after Paris [Olympics 2024] It was mental, running down the hill was a bit like the Tour de France, everyone on the sides, a helicopter above you. It was a bit surreal. It was really cool. Now me and Liv can put our [medals] next to each other. We have just moved house so hopefully there will be a nice place for them somewhere.

A spot of housekeeping: Englands mens and womens teams are through to the semi-finals in the wheelchair 3x3 basketball, while Englands mens bowls team have also reached the last four.

Gymnastics: Hello all, and I arrive with news that Georgia Godwin of Australia has won the womens all-around gold medal. Godwin did not put a foot wrong and deserved victory after her silver four years ago. Britains Ondine Achampong, who at 18 has immense potential, took silver in her first major tournament. Emma Spence of Canada grabbed bronze while Englands Alice Kinsella will be heartbroken to have missed out on the title and dropped to fourth place after a mistake on the beam.

Updated at 13.00EDT

Time for me to hop off for a break (or watch the football) so Ill hand over to Rob Bleaney to take you through the next hour.

Updated at 12.13EDT

Cycling: Scotlands Jack Carlin loses to Australias Matthew Richardson by 0.008. The Scot will race for the bronze medal now.

Updated at 12.12EDT

Mens bowls: Drama as England move into a 14-11 lead thanks to the final roll of the 17th end from Chestney. Genius bowling from the big man.

Mens bowls: England 13-11 Jersey after end 16. Its sooooooo close! Who will win?

Cycling: The Australian dominated the race and takes first place with points. Scotlands Neah Evans takes silver and Wales Eluned King picks up bronze.

Updated at 11.44EDT

Gymnastics: Jea Marachas wonderful floor display gets her up to seventh.

Gymnastics: Emma Spence has moved ahead of Alice Kinsella in the all-round final.

Mens bowls: Its 10-9 to England against Jersey after end 13 in the quarter final. Its pretty intense stuff on the greens.

Cycling: Laura Kenny is action very soon. She is taking part in the 25km points race. That is just 100 laps of the track.

Cycling: Chris Hoy on the crash: There are quite often crashes but they are rarely very serious. This one is the direct result of not having a barrier at the top of the fencing. Personally, I think it is preventable if they put a perspex screen to protect the crowd. I have seen a shot of it and it was horrendous to see. Something has to be done before something genuinely serious happens.

Alex Yee got the team off to a great start, which was followed up by Sophie Coldwell, Sam Dickinson and Georgia Taylor-Brown putting in fine displays to complete the job. Taylor-Brown crosses the line with flag in hand. It is a second gold for Yee in the games. Wales take silver and Australia bronze.

Updated at 11.05EDT

Mens hockey: England defeat Wales 4-2. The Welsh put in a fine defensive display but were made to pay for leaving indiscipline.

Mixed triathlon: Wales, New Zealand and Australia are working together in the chasing pack on the bikes in the vague hope they can catch Taylor-Brown in front. That is unlikely but it should be a fun battle for silver and bronze.

Mixed triathlon: Taylor-Brown opts to swim without a wetsuit and still adds to the 16-second lead she had when she entered the water. She jumps on the bike 20 seconds ahead of her competitors.

Excerpt from:

Commonwealth Games 2022: cycling crash mars day three action as it happened - The Guardian