“A thin layer of organic photovoltaic (PV) film applied to the windows and rooftops of homes and businesses around the world has the potential to generate solar energy at radically lower costs.”
The Engineer, 15-28 October 2007
Wow, windows that are also solar panels - imagine every pane of glass in new buildings actually contributing even a small amount of electricity. We need more stuff like this.
Now we’re talking! MIT’s Professor Dava Newman has re-engineered the spacesuit, making for a form that will be more comfortable, lighter, more flexible and - darn it - sexier!
This is achieved by stopping the body exploding in a near-vacuum by structural reinforcement, rather than pressurisation. Makes for an easier, safer repair too - punctures can be fixed with a simple bandage affair, unlike regular suits where depressurisation will occur if the hapless astronaut can’t make it back inside pronto.
Whatever the technology, it looks like we’ve finally got the spacesuit of our science fiction dreams! Can someone ask Dava to make a transparent one please?
