NASA funds cutting-edge Space pharmacy, futuristic asteroid defense projects

Plus: Levi’s to 'supplement' human models with AI models [Blueprint]( A new plan that would [allow astronauts to make their own medications]( in space has been chosen for NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program. Meanwhile, an innovative commercial radioisotope technology dubbed EmberCore is being proposed for a new solar system-wide spacecraft. But first, let’s take a look at your [video of the day]( which looks at how birds paved the way for modern aircraft. Good morning. I’m Sade, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Here’s to a great week ahead! Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers heard all about the status quo of net zero in countries around the world. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [What birds have taught us in aviation]( [What birds have taught us in aviation]( What other beneficial technologies could be derived from birds? MUST READ [NASA funds cutting-edge Space pharmacy, futuristic asteroid defense projects]( [NASA funds cutting-edge Space pharmacy, futuristic asteroid defense projects]( With new funding, NASA's NIAC program moves forward with its concept of providing astronauts with an in-space pharmaceutical facility. The program will also contain a plan to eliminate asteroids that pose a threat to Earth, keeping in line with NASA's desire to revolutionize space exploration as well as improve daily life on Earth. Meanwhile, EmberCore, a cutting-edge commercial radioisotope technology, is being considered for a brand-new spaceship that would pursue solar system-wide missions. The 'radioisotope-electric-propulsion spaceship' may travel at incredible speeds of 50 to 100 kilometers per second. [Read More]( SCIENCE [New Webb image shows stunning details of a dead star's remnants]( The explosion of a star and the debris it left behind are being revealed in incredible detail in a new mid-infrared image from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. It displays Cassiopeia A (Cas A), a supernova remnant produced 340 years ago by a stellar explosion. According to reports from experts, Cas A offers the best chance to examine the star's explosion's debris field and perform a sort of stellar autopsy. Significantly, it might contribute to refining our current understanding of how planets and humans initially came to be. [Read More]( INNOVATION [Land it like SpaceX: China claims breakthrough in rocket vertical landing]( China has successfully tested a vertical rocket landing in the ocean, laying the foundation for future space travel and recycling technology. The 0.5-meter-diameter, 2.1-meter-long rocket prototype reached a height of more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). It then dropped smoothly, slowed down—thanks to the engine's reverse thrust—and landed securely with a precision of less than 10 meters at a speed of fewer than two meters per second. The 10-minute test may eventually result in the reuse of rocket stages, matching what its American counterpart, SpaceX, does. [Read More]( CULTURE [Levi’s to 'supplement' human models with AI models]( In a recent announcement, Levi Strauss & Co., also known as Levi's, stated that it would collaborate with an AI firm to "supplement" human models with AI-generated ones. The AI-driven "digital model studio" creates "human-like avatars" that can be fully customized by changing their hairstyle, skin color, body shape, and other attributes, as well as by adding their own 3D clothing to digital models. Levi's asserts that it can produce an AI-based model in around five minutes, which makes it 90% faster than photoshoots. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS NASA takes another step towards revolutionizing space exploration as well as improving daily life on Earth. Which concept do you find most interesting? [Defending Earth from extraterrestrial threats]( [Improving the human space exploration experience]( [Both of the above]( [I’m not interested in any of the above]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS In the previous poll, we asked you for your views on the U.S.’ current lead in space exploration. This followed the announcement that Europe is launching its first-ever mission to Jupiter. The results are as follows: 42% It’s essential that the U.S remains leader in space exploration 31% It's not necessary for the U.S. to continue to lead space exploration 24% It makes little difference which country leads space exploration 3% I’m not sure QUOTE OF THE DAY “Airplanes are beautiful dreams. Engineers turn dreams into reality.” Hayao Miyazaki, Japanese animation director [TV time just got better]( THINGS WE LOVE [NEEGO Wireless Bluetooth Headphones]( [Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro]( [Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Backpack]( [Avantree Medley Air TV Earbuds]( AND ANOTHER THING - Eyes on the skies! Astrogeologist explains [why space rocks are so important](. [premium] - If tech is driving the ‘productivity bandwagon,’ it’s [time to hit the brakes](. (Financial Times) - Inside the discovery of the [largest bacteria ever found](. [premium] - Searching the web for science: [how small mistakes create big problems](. (Nature) - [Exploring emotions, the brain, and free will]( with Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett. [premium] - How the [Human Genome Project]( revolutionized biology. (TechCrunch) - 'Coco': Animal rescue center successfully [treats dog for alcohol addiction](. 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