Sponsored by the Traveler Starship Operators Manual!
https://www.mongoosepublishing.com/products/starship-operato…_ss=e&_v=1.

Spacedock delves into the process of designing an FTL drive for your fictional setting. Find the full unedited version of this script by Science Advisor Gabriel Fonseca for free here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/117769969/

THE SOJOURN — AN ORIGINAL SCI-FI AUDIO DRAMA:
https://www.thesojournaudiodrama.com/

BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjaAUlTZRHJapJmCT6eyIg/join.

SUPPORT SPACEDOCK:
https://www.patreon.com/officialspacedock?ty=h.

MERCHANDISE:
https://teespring.com/en-GB/stores/spacedock-2

NASA’s Synthetic Biology Project is collaborating with the GrabCAD community to create innovative 3D-printable bioreactor designs. These bioreactors aim to reduce the mass and volume of supplies needed for extended space missions by enabling in-situ production of essential nutrients through reusable or recyclable solutions.

The project focuses on enhancing BioNutrient Production Packs, which use bio-engineered microorganisms to generate critical nutrients like beta carotene. Crews activate these microorganisms by adding water and growth media to dormant cultures. The existing bioreactors include early polycarbonate Gen-0 models and lightweight Gen-1 soft packs. Both designs allow gas exchange to prevent over-pressurization while ensuring safe nutrient production.

NASA seeks to address key challenges for long-duration missions, including designing bioreactors that are either reusable or recyclable and can be manufactured aboard spacecraft. The bioreactor must safely handle liquid cultures, support gas exchange, and be compatible with additive manufacturing technologies. Reusability designs must consider sterilization challenges, while recyclable designs should use materials that can be reprocessed into new bioreactors.

PillBot’s thrusters and high-res cameras make remote stomach diagnostics a reality—revolutionizing gastroenterology.

Endiatx’s swallowable camera uses pumpjet thrusters for remote stomach exams, replacing invasive procedures and advancing telemedicine.

While an official launch date has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest that SpaceX is targeting January 11, 2025, for the next flight. This date was mentioned in an email from NASA to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), indicating plans to deploy an observation aircraft for the event.

Starship, which consists of two reusable stages € the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage known as Starship € stands approximately 400 feet tall when fully assembled, making it the largest rocket ever built.

The company conducted a static fire with the booster in South Texas today (Dec. 9).

NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured a stunning long-exposure photograph of two nearby galaxies—the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Small Magellanic Cloud—from the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. This rare shot offers a unique view of these galaxies, located over 160,000 light-years away, visible only from space or the Southern Hemisphere.

Astronauts and commercial space travelers are subject to damaging radiation and microgravity, along with other potential injuries. We need better ways to protect them.

Called the ship’s nosecone, footage from local media spotted this piece being welded by robots at SpaceX’s facilities in Boca Chica, Teas. These facilities are part of a sprawling complex called Starbase, and they include manufacturing, assembly and testing facilities for the world’s largest rockets.

SpaceX has already started operations at its massive Starfactory. Some operations at the plant include inspecting the thousands of heatshield tiles on the nosecone after they are installed. For Starship Flight 7 and beyond, SpaceX will use upgraded heatshield tiles and a new design for the upper stage to improve its reliability during reentry.

Footage from local media in Texas shows workers and robots working on the Starship nosecone for what is presumably a component for a rocket destined for a future flight. SpaceX’s welding robot is clearly visible as it makes small changes to the nosecone, leading to barely visible sparks. Technicians, on the other hand, work on the nosecone with heatshield tiles installed.

To get started planning a career that works on one of the world’s most pressing problems, sign up now at https://80000hours.org/isaacarthur.
The Medusa Starship Drive offers us the chance to sail between the stars, propelled by nuclear bombs.

Visit our Website: http://www.isaacarthur.net.
Join Nebula: https://go.nebula.tv/isaacarthur.
Support us on Patreon: / isaacarthur.
Support us on Subscribestar: https://www.subscribestar.com/isaac-a…
Facebook Group: / 1583992725237264
Reddit: / isaacarthur.
Twitter: / isaac_a_arthur on Twitter and RT our future content.
SFIA Discord Server: / discord.

Credits:
The Medusa Spaceship Drive.
Episode 476; December 5, 2024
Produced, Narrated \& Written: Isaac Arthur.
Graphics: Bryan Vertseeg, Ken York YD Visual, Rapid Thrash.
Select imagery/video supplied by Getty Images.
Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creator.
Brandon Liew, \

Discover how SpaceX is achieving the impossible: producing one Raptor engine every 24 hours. From rapid iteration and innovative materials to the McGregor testing facility, learn what makes this engine the muscle behind the Starship program.