Perhaps the greatest problem astronauts face has been solved – Lavazza has designed an espresso machine which the Italian Space Agency intends to send up to the International Space Station! Astronauts can now enjoy a shot of espresso in the mornings, though due to the microgravity environment, they’ll be forced to sip it from a plastic bag rather than a ceramic cup. But hey, small price to pay for the ability to drink espresso while enjoying one of the most magnificent views in the solar system!
If Bigelow Aerospace manages to build their space hotel, I wonder how long it’ll be before Starbucks opens up their first orbital coffee shop?
(via Phys.org)
Good news! The National Park Service issued a new order banning unmanned aircraft from being launched, landed, or operated in all national parks. Reasons were what you’d expect…concern about disturbing wildlife and bothering other park visitors. Which raises an interesting point…I think there’s a big market for a quiet unmanned aircraft, something people won’t notice if it’s a couple dozen feet overhead. A blimp might seem like the obvious answer, but even they need separate propulsion devices which are inherently loud. Hmm…