All articles tagged with #commercialization
Originally Published 7 months ago — by IndieWire
Jenna Ortega believes her 'Wednesday' character would dislike the commercialization of the series, despite her being featured on merchandise like mugs and T-shirts.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
Arctic Ice, a startup founded in 2022 by two Greenlanders, is shipping ancient Arctic ice from Greenland to Dubai for sale to high-end bars and restaurants. The company claims to be offering a novel way to harness a natural resource and raise awareness of the Arctic, but it has attracted controversy due to the environmental impact of shipping a diminishing natural resource halfway across the world. Critics argue that it's wasteful to ship ice thousands of miles on fossil fuel-powered ships when Dubai already makes its own ice. The company faces backlash on social media and has received criticism for its operations, but it also has supporters who appreciate the aesthetic and story of the ice.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by CNN
After a failed lunar landing mission last month, NASA is preparing to launch a second spacecraft, Odysseus, developed by Intuitive Machines, in an attempt to make the first US lunar touchdown in over five decades. The spacecraft is set to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is expected to touch down on the moon on February 22. This mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, aiming to develop lunar landers under relatively cheap, fixed-price contracts, as the global race to plant robotic spacecraft on the moon intensifies. If successful, Odysseus could pave the way for regular robotic trips to the moon and contribute to future lunar exploration efforts.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Conversation
NASA's recent lunar mission carrying human ashes and mementos sparked controversy, highlighting the ethical and legal complexities of commercial space exploration. As space becomes increasingly privatized, companies like Astrobotic are offering the opportunity to send personal items to the Moon for a fee. However, this raises questions about cultural sensitivity, international space law, and the potential impact on historical lunar sites. The incident underscores the need for a robust legal and ethical framework to govern commercial activities in space as humanity ventures further into the cosmos.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by South China Morning Post
China's private aerospace company, LandSpace, successfully launched its methane-powered rocket, Zhuque 2 Y-3, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, becoming the first in the world to do so. The rocket deployed three satellites into orbit, marking a milestone in the commercialization of liquid-powered rockets in China. LandSpace aims to achieve low-cost, large-scale manufacturing and delivery of rockets to ensure continuous and stable launch success. With further improvements, the rocket's payload capacity is expected to reach 4 tonnes, meeting the needs of spacecraft and near-Earth orbit satellites. China aims to become a world-leading space power and is inspired by companies like SpaceX to drive innovation in space technology.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
As the International Space Station (I.S.S.) approaches retirement in 2030, the orbital environment it leaves behind is vastly different from when it was built. The number of satellites in orbit has multiplied, and the space is now crowded with human-made space debris. The commercialization of low Earth orbit (LEO) is booming, with projections of a $312-billion-a-year economy by 2035. However, this rapid expansion poses risks, including the threat of collisions and interference with astronomy research. Unfettered profit-seeking and the lack of coordination among national authorities are contributing to the problem. As humanity ventures further into space, it must consider the environmental impact and avoid repeating the mistakes made on Earth.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Forbes
California-based startup Astroforge is preparing to launch the first-ever commercial deep space mission with the goal of mining asteroids for precious metals. The company successfully test fired the rockets that will enable its spacecraft, Brokkr-2, to reach an asteroid in about nine months. Astroforge aims to tap into the abundant metals found in asteroids, which could help meet the increasing demand for metals as the world transitions to clean energy. With lower launch costs and off-the-shelf components available, the company estimates the total cost of its mission to be less than $10 million. If successful, Astroforge plans to develop further missions to characterize asteroids, develop mining technologies, and eventually mine and return material to Earth for sale.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Denver 7 Colorado News
An assistant professor from the University of Colorado at Boulder has developed Magic Ink, a tattoo ink that can be turned on and off using different types of light. The ink, which replaces standard tattoo ink nanoparticles with lab-built nanoparticles, can be activated with UV light and deactivated with bright white light or sunlight. It offers a temporary tattoo option for those who are less committed and could also benefit cancer patients who want to remove the small alignment tattoos they receive during radiation therapy. Magic Ink is in the process of commercialization and has been tested on over 50 people.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by SpaceNews
Trends in China's utilization of the Tiangong space station, such as involving civilian astronauts and non-state-owned enterprise companies, could change the global perception of China's space program, according to a report from the Department of the Air Force's China Aerospace Studies Institute. This could lead to improved standing in joint programs with the United Nations and potentially encourage the European Space Agency to reassess its decision to not participate in the Tiangong program. The development of commercialization efforts and the solicitation for non-state-owned enterprise proposals for resupply vehicles will also impact the long-term development of China's space program and global perception of it. These changes may bring greater transparency and outside assessments, but the independence of Chinese commercial companies from state-owned entities and PLA influence will be a factor. Additionally, Tiangong could be seen as a competitor to commercial ventures engaged in the International Space Station, while China and the U.S. seek partners for their respective lunar programs.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo News
Barbie mania has taken Latin America by storm, with pink-colored tacos, pastries, and even commercial planes bearing the Barbie logo. However, the phenomenon has also taken on a darker, macabre tone. In Peru, anti-government protesters dressed up women as Barbies in giant boxes labeled "Barbie Dictator" and "Genocidal Barbie" to protest the current administration. Meanwhile, Barbie-themed goods are being sold throughout the region, and even political figures are using Barbie imagery in their campaigns. However, there is a darker side to this trend, as one Barbie doll has been transformed into a "Searching Mother" to raise awareness about the plight of missing persons in Mexico.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by European Space Agency
The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing its In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) missions, which aim to extend the life and functionalities of satellites already in orbit. ESA has invited industry partners to outline their vision for Europe's first IOS mission, with funding provided to mature their ideas. The telecommunications industry is particularly interested in life extension services, including orbital maintenance and fuel replenishment. Three of the four proposals came from "New Space" companies, and ESA's Space Safety program plans to move forward with two of the proposed missions, with the goal of making IOS a common procedure by the early to mid-2030s.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Endpoints News
The FDA has approved BioMarin's gene therapy, Roctavian, for the treatment of hemophilia A, following a turbulent regulatory journey that included a surprise rejection in 2020 and a review extension earlier this year. BioMarin aims to commercialize Roctavian and hopes it will become a key blockbuster drug, potentially doubling the company's revenues to $4 billion to $5 billion by the middle of the decade. The list price for the therapy has not been disclosed yet.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Climbing
The growth of indoor climbing gyms has transformed the sport into a booming industry, but it has also led to concerns about the loss of its original culture and focus on intentional training. While gyms have become more welcoming and diverse, they have also become more expensive and monetized. The increasing financial barriers and competitive marketplace have shortened the lifespan of gyms, forcing them to cater to popular perceptions of climbing rather than preserving a valuable culture. Gym owners must balance profitability with maintaining a sense of community and understanding the needs of climbers. The article explores the changes in climbing gyms and the challenges they face in adapting to the demands of a growing market.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Nikkei Asia
Toyota plans to release an electric vehicle powered by an all-solid-state battery as early as 2027, with the technology expected to more than double the car's range from a single charge. The Japanese automaker revealed the plans in a recent briefing and expects the technology to be commercialized in 2027 or 2028. Toyota aims to sell 3.5 million electric vehicles a year by 2030.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ESPN
Yao Ming has resigned as chairman of the board of the Chinese Basketball Association Management Company, which runs the business arm of the CBA. The reason behind his departure is unknown, but the board of directors has determined it is time for new leadership. Yao remains the president of the Chinese Basketball Association. The CBA has been plagued by allegations of corruption, and two teams were recently ejected from the league finals for engaging in unsporting conduct. Yao's replacement is veteran sports journalist Xu Jicheng.