On the theoretical level, fusion, the process that fuels the sun, can provide unlimited clean energy for humanity. However, fusion-based power plants have seemingly been out of range from the realm of practicality, simply because scientists are not aware of many materials that could survive the punishing conditions concocted inside a fusion nuclear reactor. But…
A team of three researchers, working at Boeing, has submitted a patent application for a laser-powered aircraft propulsion system. Although it does seem ambitious, given our current, quite limited, knowledge of nuclear fission and fusion, the company believes that this self-powered engine could one day be used to propel airplanes, spacecraft and even missiles. (more…)
While not quite as bold as the old protagonist of Pixar-classic Up, Erik Roner has surely proved his unusual case of daredevilry, by successfully climbing to a height of 8,000 ft in air. And, the entire gimmick was achieved by just using a lawn-chair that was attached to 90 balloons fueled by 50 tanks of…