Short Takes – 1-31-24

Here’s why COVID-19 isn’t seasonal so far. Sciencenews.org article. Pull quote: “For now, though, the coronavirus is on its own ever-changing timetable. Whether it eventually settles into a seasonal virus may depend on us. The strength of our collective immune systems and our willingness to take precautions to not spread any illness to others may eventually wrestle it into seasonal submission.”

What is the New NFPA 660 Combustible Dust Standard About? BakerRisk.com article. Contains some advertorial content. Pull quote: “By consolidating legacy information, NFPA 660 will ensure that relevant and effective guidelines, recommendations, and best practices are all in the same location for easier access to this information. In doing this, facilities and worksites will be able to browse one standard to learn how to handle combustible dusts instead of looking through several. The hope is that this will reduce confusion and eliminate conflicting information found in existing standalone standards.”

The Past, Present, and Future of Inflatable Space Habitats. Hackaday.com article. Includes a nice review of earlier technology. Pull quote: “As for the first practical application of the technology, Sierra Space and Blue Origin are working together to develop the Orbital Reef commercial space station, which is slated to have at least one LIFE module as part of its baseline configuration. NASA awarded the Orbital Reef project $130 million in December of 2021, with the goal of having it operational by the time the International Space Station is retired, which is currently scheduled for sometime in 2030.”

House Republicans poised to add controversial riders to annual spending bills. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “At the same time, some House GOP appropriators also say they’ve begun to identify potential changes that could find bipartisan support in spending talks. That includes what Fleischmann described to reporters this week as a “bipartisan and bicameral coalescing” around electric transformers.”

ESA launches first metal 3D printer to ISS. ESA.int article. Pull quote: “One of ESA’s goals for future development is to create a circular space economy and recycle  materials in orbit to allow for a better use of resources. One way would be to repurpose bits from old satellites into new tools or structures. The 3D printer would eliminate the need to send a tool up with a rocket and allow the astronauts to print the needed parts in orbit.”

Drones are changing emergency response in this Pacific Northwest city. SmartCitiesDive.com article. Pull quote: “Cities like Bellevue, Washington, are working toward that ideal with the use of unmanned aerial systems, or UAS. For the last few years, the city has piloted emergency drone services using devices from BRINC Drones that provide aerial night and day vision, thermal sensors and live video streaming.” I wonder how/if they handle cybersecurity for those UAS systems?