Google parent Alphabet said artificial intelligence-infused navigation software has significantly sped up plans to deploy Project Loon internet balloons to serve remote regions of the world Word that being able to more smartly guide high-altitude baloons promised to improve coverage while curbing cost came as Loon hit headwinds in some locales where it has been testing the technology. “Our timelines are starting to move up on how we can do more for the world sooner,” said Astro Teller, who heads the team at the Alphabet unit X, in charge of “moonshot” projects of the technology giant.
Category: New Zealand
NASA’s Balloon Program Returns to Wanaka, New Zealand
For a third consecutive year, NASA is returning to Wanaka, New Zealand, to launch a long-duration, heavy-lift super pressure balloon into one of the most dynamic and severe flight regimes inside the Earth’s atmosphere. After launch, planned for the late March/early April timeframe, the 18.8-million-cubic-foot SPB will ascend to an altitude of 110,000 feet where the stratospheric winds will propel it at speeds up to and exceeding 100 knots through the heating and cooling of the day-night cycle on a weeks-long journey around the southern hemisphere.
NASA confirms 10-year arrangement for super balloon launches
Wanaka Airport Operations Manager Ralph Fegan today welcomed the news that NASA will return to Wanaka in 2017 for its third super pressure balloon launch, scheduled for late March/early April, and will be further committing to the site as one of its global launch bases for up to 10 years. “We’re delighted that NASA has confirmed a 10-year arrangement to continue launches in Wanaka,” said Ralph.
10 Things to Know for Today
This Feb. 4, 2017 photo released by NBC shows Alec Baldwin as President Donald Trump in the opening sketch of “Saturday Night Live,” in New York. With the return of John Oliver to HBO and Alec Baldwin’s guest hosting slot on “Saturday Night Live,” this is shaping up like a big weekend for late-night’s treatment of the new president.
More than 80 Kiwi kids abducted each year
More than 80 children were abducted or kidnapped in the first nine months of 2016, and those most at risk were in their late teens. It is not known how many of the incidents are related to domestic disputes but experts say abductions by strangers are rare and “stranger danger” advice is outdated.
Te Manawa keeping the kids busy during the summer
Dinosaurs are set to remain all the rage at Te Manawa over the summer, with programmes designed to teach children about the extinct creatures taking place during the holidays. Children spent Friday in the museum’s courtyard playing with a snow machine, bringing a bit of white Christmas to sunny Palmerston North.