The ‘world's first space factory’ has successfully been deployed

Plus: Betelgeuse is ‘brightening’ up again — will it finally explode? A Californian startup has broken new ground in space manufacturing by deploying its first satellite, W-Series 1, into orbit. A the world's first space factory, the satellite is capable of producing materials in microgravity conditions that are either of superior quality or impossible to make here on Earth. "From more powerful fiber optic cables to new, life-saving pharmaceuticals, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space," Varda explains. We've more on this promising development in today's [Must Read story]( below. But first, here’s [your video of the day](. Good morning. I’m Tim, an Editor at IE. This is the Blueprint. Let's get into it. Last Sunday, Blueprint subscribers learned how insects are inspiring next generation 3D-printed microphones. Don't miss out — [subscribe to IE+]( today to receive exclusive interviews, features, and much more. VIDEO OF THE DAY [The XM7: A game-changer in modern warfare]( [The XM7: A game-changer in modern warfare]( The XM7 is more than a mere weapon; it symbolizes progress and innovation in military technology. As a part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program, the XM7 marks a new era in combat weaponry. MUST READ [World's first space factory]( [The ‘world's first space factory’ has successfully been deployed]( California-based startup Varda Space Industries has achieved a remarkable feat by deploying its first satellite, W-Series 1, into orbit. Varda aims to mass-produce materials that are more efficiently developed in microgravity. The satellite launch marks the beginning of their mission to investigate pharmaceutical production in space, leveraging the benefits of microgravity for superior drug development. Additionally, the company has partnered with the U.S. Air Force to conduct hypersonic tests, further pushing the boundaries of aerospace technology. [Read More]( SCIENCE Betelgeuse is ‘brightening’ up again — will it finally explode? Betelgeuse, one of the most prominent stars in the night sky, has been displaying intriguing behavior — it is oddly increasing in brightness, sparking speculation about an impending supernova explosion. [Read More]( THE SPONSOR OF THE DAY [Say goodbye to unruly grass and hello to a perfectly manicured yard!]( Honestly, who'd say no to a picture-perfect lawn that contributes majorly to a stunning outdoor space? Having an efficient lawn mower is essential for this plan to materialize. The [Greenworks 20-inch Electric Corded Lawn Mower]( can weave that magic across your lawn and trim it neatly with its powerful cutting capabilities. It boasts a 12 Amp motor and a 20-inch steel deck with a 3600 RPM to cut through the toughest grass. Unleash the beauty of your garden with this powerful lawn mower! [LEARN MORE]( INNOVATION This wafer-thin intelligent heating system warms your house in seconds A Finish-based firm has developed a novel concept for an intelligent warming wall. Its Halia radiant warmers are fast response, enabling near instant warmth. You can use Halia to warm only the regions you require when you require it. This means there will be no more energy waste or pointless heating of vacant spaces. [Read More]( CULTURE Paul McCartney: Thanks to AI, we will soon have a final Beatles song In an interview with BBC Radio, the 80-year-old maestro revealed that a final Beatles song was made with AI's help and will be released this year. McCartney said that while AI gives the music industry some leeway, it’s also exciting because it’s the future. “So there’s a good side to it and then there’s a scary side. And we’ll just have to see where that leads.” [Read More]( [Interesting Engineering]( MAIL & MUSINGS Do you think we will see Betelgeuse explode as a supernova soon? [Yes, it seems likely]( [No, it'll be a while]( [It's not my problem]( [It already exploded, but the light has not arrived yet as it’s 650 light years from Earth]( YESTERDAY'S RESULTS Half of you said that laser weapons already play a role in warfare, with only 10 percent saying their potential is exaggerated. 50% Yes, they already do 37% Maybe in future 10% No, they’re overhyped 3% They should be banned QUOTE OF THE DAY Recent reports of my imminent demise are indeed a bit premature. ‘Betelgeuse’, via its Twitter account THINGS WE LOVE [Garren Square Arm Tufted Club Chair]( [WBM Selenite Crystal Lamp]( [Magnetic Levitating Globe]( [Binford Free-standing Single Bathroom Vanity]( AND ANOTHER THING - [Seeing the dead causes rapid aging in flies, according to study]( - New CEO's promise: [Twitter will be ‘world's most accurate real-time information source’]( - [This nanodevice can measure the absolute power of microwave radiation]( - Ad Astra: [The future of space propulsion technology]( [premium] - [New hyperrealistic game takes you racing on other planets]( - [Climate change is contributing to a more turbulent plane ride]( - ‘Her Space, Her Time’: [Quantum physicist Dr Shohini Ghose to release book championing women in science]( - Bye-bye bandages? [New technology heals wounds using patient's own blood]( [premium] - New optical fiber cable transmits at the speed of [17 million internet connections]( - China's [new parachute system]( could solve its rocket reentry problem - AI plays god: [ChatGPT delivers its first sermon]( [Subscribe to IE+]( [About Us]( [Advertise]( [Contact Us]( [Privacy Policy]( [Term of Service]( © Copyright 2023 | The Blueprint is by Interesting Engineering, Inc. 530 Fifth Ave, 9th floor New York, NY 10036 | All Rights Reserved You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to our newsletter. Manage you e-mail preferences or unsubscribe [here.](