NASA aims to end a 50-year old ban on supersonic civilian aircraft in the US

Plus: World's first 3D-printed fish fillets produced by Israeli firm 'Steakholder' [Blueprint]( Sponsored by It is nearly 20 years since the final supersonic passenger service, a Concorde flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City to London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2003. However, a ban on supersonic flights over the USA has been in place since the 1970s, after complaints of excessive noise. That ban is about to be lifted, and today we look at the implications for supersonic civilian aircraft development. But first, here’s [your video of the day]( featuring a very different and stubbornly subsonic kind of plane. Good morning. I’m Tim, an Editor at IE. This is The Blueprint. Let's get into it. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers heard all about the mystery of where Earth's water comes from. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [Super Guppy]( [Super Guppy makes history with unique capabilities in the aerospace industry]( Based on the Boeing C-97 cargo plane and the Boeing 377 airliner, the huge “Guppy” super-transports are some of the unique aircraft ever built. MUST READ [Supersonic civilian aircraft]( [NASA aims to end a 50-year old ban on supersonic civilian aircraft in the US]( It’s been a long time since the last supersonic passenger service flew out of the United States, and a ban on supersonic flight has stood for 50 years. But now things are changing. NASA is inching close to a solution that could help lift the restriction on all civilian supersonic flights over land in the United States. The agency’s Quesst mission to develop a more silent supersonic airplane for commercial operations is nearing its final developmental stages. “Instead of a rule-based solely on speed, we are proposing the rule be based on sound. If the sound of a supersonic flight isn’t loud enough to bother anyone below, there’s no reason why the airplane can’t be flying supersonic,” said Peter Coen, Quesst mission integration manager. NASA is on the path of proving that the technology works, and plans to conduct community overflights and public surveys to change perceptions against such aircraft. [Read More]( INNOVATION Israeli firm ‘Steakholder’ finally produces world’s first 3D-printed fish fillets 3D-printed cultivated meat company Steakholder Foods has developed the world’s first 3D bio-printed cultivated fish product engineered with customized bio-inks utilizing grouper cells provided by Umami Meats. The companies offer an alternative for vegetarians and vegans who refuse to eat meat of any kind for ethical or practical reasons. They can now get all the benefits and texture of fish without having to harm any animals and with a far lesser environmental footprint. [Read More]( THE SPONSOR OF THE DAY [Fogland Backpack]( [The hiking season is coming. Have you got everything before hitting the trail?]( Embarking on a hike is probably one of the most adventurous things to do in the world. However, that doesn't go to say it's the easiest activity to undertake. With a lot of preparation involved, any individual needs to have an arsenal of tools and accessories ready to weather the toughest snowstorms, blizzards, and more. The most essential accessory is a nice, sturdy waterproof backpack that can be used in all weather conditions since it holds all your important belongings. With little room for compromise when it comes to getting the perfect waterproof backpack, Breakwater Supply can help you get one that fulfills your backpacking needs perfectly. Their Fogland Backpack was named as the [Best Waterproof Backpack in 2023]( recently. With ample room to fit all your belongings, this backpack is available on Amazon and Breakwater Supply's official store. Make haste and get yours now! [LEARN MORE]( TRANSPORTATION Skoda unveils new generations of Superb and Kodiaq SUVs Skoda Auto has released official silhouette images of the successors to its flagship models, the Superb hatchback and Combi estate versions, and the Kodiaq SUV. The fourth-generation Superb and the second-generation Kodiaq will have separate world premieres this autumn. Both cars will have modern, efficient petrol and diesel engines, as well as plug-in and mild hybrid options. The upcoming models will also have new features, improved technologies, and completely redesigned interiors. [Read More]( CULTURE Robot dog’s role in New York garage collapse incident justifies its use says City mayor Earlier this month, the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced the induction of two robotic dogs into its force, a move that was opposed by rights activists citing surveillance concerns. Now an incident of a garage collapse where a robotic dog was used in search and rescue operations is being hailed by the City Mayor Eric Adams as justification for its use. Critics of technology adoption, however, are not convinced. The induction of the robotic dogs was criticized over fears of surveillance and invasion of individual privacy. [Read More]( MAIL & MUSINGS Do you find the prospect of 3D-printed meat appetizing? [Yes, it's ethical]( [No, thank you]( [I'd certainly try it]( [I see no need for it]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS We shared a pair of recent AI-generated beer and pizza commercials. They left the majority of you nauseated, though a third of voters were fascinated. 54% Nauseous 35% Fascinated 8% I now want a pizza and a beer 3% Inspired QUOTE OF THE DAY Once you have tasted supersonic flight, subsonic travel feels like going back in time. André Turcat, first pilot to fly Concorde THINGS WE LOVE [Jaban Upholstered Armchair]( [Magpie Pocket Laser]( [Breakfast for Two Tray]( [AHB Bathroom Vanity]( AND ANOTHER THING - The art of ground engineering: [Piling expert reveals buildings' hidden strength]( [premium] - Rice on Red Planet? 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