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NASA, DARPA partner with Lockheed Martin nuclear-powered spaceship

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1 year ago

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Lockheed Martin, a prominent weapons manufacturer, has been chosen by a US Department of Defense agency and NASA to lead the development of a nuclear-powered spacecraft under the ambitious Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) project. 

The groundbreaking contract, valued at approximately $500 million, aims to revolutionise space exploration with the introduction of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) engines. 

The project envisions a faster and more efficient propulsion system, with nuclear-powered rocket engines transferring heat from a reactor to hydrogen propellant to produce thrust. This advancement holds the potential to significantly reduce transit times between destinations, a critical factor in safeguarding crew members from radiation exposure during human missions to Mars.

Kirk Shireman, Vice President of Lunar Exploration Campaigns at Lockheed Martin Space, expressed excitement about the project’s potential: “These more powerful and efficient nuclear thermal propulsion systems can provide faster transit times between destinations. Reducing transit time is vital for human missions to Mars to limit a crew’s exposure to radiation.”

Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Virginia-based BWX Technologies to create the nuclear fission reactor for the engine, while the Department of Energy will contribute high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel for the reactor.

The DRACO project aims to achieve the first-ever in-space demonstration of nuclear thermal propulsion. Previous attempts, such as NASA’s NERVA program in the 1960s and 70s, focused on developing nuclear-powered rocket engines for deep-space missions, but no operational flights were executed.

With safety being the top priority, Lockheed Martin emphasised that the reactor will remain inactive until the spacecraft reaches a nuclear safe orbit, ensuring the system remains benign until it reaches a safe environment. Tabitha Dodson, programme manager for the DRACO program at DARPA, further clarified, “A reactor that has never been turned on is cold and benign. You can put your hand right inside the core and touch the fuel like you would any other heavy metal.”

However, concerns about potential operational failures during launch or in space have been raised. A launch failure plunging the spacecraft into the ocean could pose risks of radioactive material dispersion. To mitigate this, BWX Technologies plans to install “poison wires and poison systems” to prevent the reactor from becoming a major hazard if it comes into contact with water.

The demonstration of the nuclear thermal rocket engine is scheduled for no later than 2027, promising exciting possibilities for faster and more efficient space travel. As Lockheed Martin spearheads the historic project, experts will closely monitor its progress, marking a significant leap towards the future of space exploration and defense.

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Unlawful VPNs: Terrorists Utilize Unregistered VPNs to Disseminate Propaganda

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16 hours ago

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Terrorists utilize illicit VPNs to disseminate propaganda and misinformation while concealing their identities.

Several accounts have been uncovered and are under investigation.

The cessation of non-registered VPNs is crucial for the nation’s economy.

The PTA is blocking illegal URLs and websites disseminating objectionable material upon verification.

Forensic investigations of websites have yielded startling results.

Disseminating erroneous information is more facile using unregistered VPNs.

Terrorists were exploiting these unverified VPNs.

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Air University Holds A Revolutionary Event For Students Focusing On Cybersecurity

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16 hours ago

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Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest.
Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.

Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area.
At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge.
As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.

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How to turn on low-light mode on WhatsApp for better video calls

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16 hours ago

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The Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has launched a new feature designed to facilitate video calls in low-light environments.

Frequent users of WhatsApp for video calls with loved ones may appreciate the recently launched low-light mode.

The function enhances video call clarity in low-light conditions, facilitating more effective connections regardless of location.

Are you inclined to experiment with it? Here is a comprehensive guide on employing low-light mode to enhance video quality during WhatsApp calls.

A sequential instructional manual

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your device.

Step 2: Commence a video call with any family member or acquaintance.

Step 3: Observe the bulb icon positioned at the top-right corner of your screen.

Step 4: Select the bulb icon to activate it. To deactivate it, you click on the icon once more.

Your friends and family will now perceive you more distinctly due to improved visibility and less graininess, regardless of the surrounding lighting circumstances. This feature is presently accessible solely on Android and iOS devices, and not on Windows.

Furthermore, explore: Methods to categorise WhatsApp conversations using personalised lists: A sequential instructional manual.

Key considerations to retain

As this is a provisional configuration, it must be activated with each call you make.

In addition to the low-light mode, WhatsApp provides several additional intriguing features for video calls, such as background removal, filters, and enhancement options.

Background removal: The background remover function allows you to alter your backdrop during video conferences.

Filters: This functionality enables you to apply a filter from a selection during video calls with friends and family, enhancing the vibrancy of your interactions.

WhatsApp offers a fundamental touch-up feature to improve your appearance during video talks.

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