Helping general electric upgrade the US power grid
Washington DC (SPX) Nov 03, 2014 -
When researchers at General Electric Co. sought help in designing a plasma-based power switch, they turned to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL).
The proposed switch, which GE is developing under contract with the DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, could contribute to a more advanced and reliable electric grid and help to lower uti ...
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Sussex physicists find simple solution for quantum technology challenge
Sussex, UK (SPX) Nov 03, 2014 -
A solution to one of the key challenges in the development of quantum technologies has been proposed by University of Sussex physicists. In a paper published in Nature Communications, Professor Barry Garraway and colleagues show how to make a new type of flexibly designed microscopic trap for atoms.
Quantum technology devices, such as high-precision sensors and specialised superfast comput ...
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Britain modernizing military air traffic management system
London (UPI) Oct 29, 2014 -
A modernized military air traffic management system for use at more than 60 locations is to be developed and deployed by AQUILA for Britain's Ministry of Defense.
The contract, which will merge 70 current MOD contracts into one, is worth about $2.4 billion. About $645 million of that amount is for procuring advanced surveillance radars, navigation aids, radios and other equipment.
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Slovak military orders C-27J Spartans
Turin, Italy (UPI) Oct 31, 2014 -
Alenia Aermacchi is supplying two C-27J transport aircraft to the Slovak Air Force as part of the country's military modernization program.
The contract for the medium-sized, turboprop airlifters was signed earlier this week with the Slovac Defense Ministry.
Alenia Aermacchi, based in Italy, said the contract includes provision of initial logistic support and pilot and maintenanc ...
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Antique submarines still key to struggling Taiwan fleet
Tso-Ying Naval Base, Taiwan (AFP) Nov 02, 2014 -
At 70 years old, Taiwan's World War II-era "Hai Pao" submarine would not be out of place in a museum, but the antique vessel is still part of the navy - a sign of the island's ongoing struggle to strengthen its fleet.
The sub's interior gleams with highly polished copper and is the pride of its crew.
But the fact that the former US warship is still on active duty is testament to Taiwan' ...
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Decades-old Soviet engines powered US rocket that exploded
Washington (AFP) Oct 29, 2014 -
The Orbital Sciences rocket that exploded after launch was powered by a pair of rocket engines that were made during the Soviet era and refurbished, experts said Wednesday.
The Ukrainian-designed AJ-26 engines date back to the 1960s and 1970s, and Aerojet Rocketdyne of Sacramento, California has a stockpile that it refurbishes for Orbital Sciences.
Orbital described the AJ-26 engine on ...
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Rocket failure casts spotlight on risks of space flight
Washington (AFP) Oct 29, 2014 -
The explosion of a privately owned rocket on its way toward the International Space Station cast a spotlight on the risks involved with NASA's reliance on the fledgling commercial space industry, experts said Wednesday.
The accident was the first major setback since private companies stepped in to replace US access to space after the 30-year space shuttle program ended in 2011.
As invest ...
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