Short Takes – 7-26-24

AT&T failed to test disastrous update that kicked all devices off network. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “The Bureau finds that the extensive scope and duration of this outage was the result of several factors, all attributable to AT&T Mobility, including a configuration error, a lack of adherence to AT&T Mobility's internal procedures, a lack of peer review, a failure to adequately test after installation, inadequate laboratory testing, insufficient safeguards and controls to ensure approval of changes affecting the core network, a lack of controls to mitigate the effects of the outage once it began, and a variety of system issues that prolonged the outage once the configuration error had been remedied.”

Researchers discover battery-free technology which harvests power from radio and Wi-Fi signals for low-powered devices. TomsHardware.com article. Pull quote: “Radio Frequency Energy Harvesting (RF-EH) technologies have been researched by many scientists who also published their findings- including those who have reviewed design, methodologies and potential applications. It indicates that energy harvesting is possible from frequencies used for LTE, DTV, GSM, WLAN, HIPERLAN and C-Band typically used in urban and semi-urban areas. While it couldn't solve issues created by larger applications, it plays a vital role in not using batteries for certain devices. But only time will tell what devices we could expect from such potential implementations.”

Redcar chemical plant workers to strike over ‘serious’ public safety concerns. UniteTheUnions.org article.  Pull quote: “Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members are seriously concerned about public safety should Huntsman go ahead with its [headcount reduction] plans. These are highly skilled and specialised workers who are worried enough to strike. They have Unite’s total support – Huntsman Polyurethanes will not be allowed to ignore their concerns.”

Spending fight turns to stopgap as House GOP stumbles. The CR debate begins; December or March. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““[In 2017] We forced [Trump] to have to sign bills that he did not get to negotiate. … Frankly, they didn’t even have an [Office of Management and Budget] director at the time, we got [them] done,” he said. “I don’t think you do that to a new president, and honestly, I don’t think you do it to a new Congress.””

Falcon 9 cleared to resume launches. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: ““After a comprehensive review, the FAA determined no public safety issues were involved in the anomaly that occurred during the SpaceX Starlink Group 9-3 launch on July 11,” the agency stated. “This public safety determination means the Falcon 9 vehicle may return to flight operations while the overall investigation remains open, provided all other license requirements are met.””

SpaceX moving Crew Dragon splashdowns to West Coast after multiple space debris incidents. Space.com article. Pull quote: “Repeated issues with large chunks of debris from Dragon — "trunks" where the fuel and electrical supplies are held — have repeatedly crashed down in areas ranging from Australia to North Carolina. One measure to fix that will be tasking future spacecraft after Crew-9, perhaps as soon as Crew-10, to splash down on the U.S. Pacific coast, SpaceX said during a press conference today (July 26).”