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This LEGO Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Is A Bold Brick-based Tribute to Aviation’s Fastest Jet

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The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a true aviation legend. Developed in the 1960s, this reconnaissance jet set the bar for speed and stealth, cruising at Mach 3 and reaching altitudes over 85,000 feet. Engineered primarily for high-speed, high-altitude intelligence gathering, it quickly became an icon of the Cold War era, untouchable by enemy missiles and outpacing everything else in the skies. Its titanium skin and advanced aerodynamics embodied the cutting-edge technology of its time, pushing the limits of engineering and daring. Now, this iconic aircraft has been reimagined in a completely different medium: LEGO bricks. A detailed, fan-made LEGO model of the SR-71 Blackbird is making waves for its impressive recreation of this iconic plane.

Designer: Buds 234

This LEGO model of the SR-71 distills the original aircraft’s spirit perfectly. With every detail meticulously crafted, the model captures the SR-71’s sleek, elongated form, its sharply defined nose, and its sweeping wings. The LEGO model includes functional flaps, retractable landing gear, and a fully realized cockpit, each piece integrated to honor the original’s groundbreaking design. This project, created by aerospace engineering student by the name of ‘Buds 234’, reflects both technical appreciation and a keen eye for detail—details that ensure this MOC (My Own Creation) goes beyond a typical LEGO build, bringing a model that’s both captivating and technically faithful to the real SR-71.

Designing a model with this level of complexity in LEGO form isn’t easy. Capturing the SR-71’s aerodynamic design with limited brick options requires an advanced understanding of both LEGO techniques and aviation engineering. The builder succeeded in creating a miniature that’s structurally sound while visually true to the original. While Buds 234 doesn’t detail how many bricks were used in the final build, he does mention adding several stickers and intricate features and details to retain the Blackbird’s authenticity.

The completed model stands on a supportive base with a plaque detailing the SR-71’s key specifications, offering an extra layer of historical and educational value, along with two suited minifigures that can even be fitted into the plane’s cockpit.

Rather than a simple exterior, the LEGO build includes a fully realized cockpit, retractable landing gear, and working flaps, giving it a touch of mechanical authenticity. Aside from merely capturing the Blackbird’s shape, it allows fans to explore its functional design too – making it a must-have for aerospace enthusiasts.

In a touching nod to the people behind the plane, this model includes a tribute to Marta Bohn-Meyer, NASA’s first female SR-71 pilot and flight engineer. Bohn-Meyer’s contributions to high-speed flight testing were instrumental in expanding knowledge of aerodynamics, and she left a lasting impact on the program.

The LEGO Ideas Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is currently a fan-made submission on the LEGO Ideas forum – an online community where LEGO enthusiasts share their own creations. With over 1400 votes in just 3 days, the SR-71 Blackbird is well on its way to hitting the 10,000 vote mark, following which the MOC will be reviewed by LEGO’s internal team and hopefully turned into a retail box set! You can vote for the LEGO Ideas Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird on the LEGO Ideas website here.

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Prada Designs Spacesuit for the First Woman Astronaut On The Moon. Here’s what is different…

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When you think of spacesuits, luxury fashion probably doesn’t come to mind—but Axiom Space and Prada are changing that. Together, they’ve unveiled the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), a next-generation spacesuit designed for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which will return astronauts to the Moon. This suit represents a groundbreaking shift in both form and function, blending the technical precision required for space exploration with the high-performance materials and design innovations Prada is known for. And it’s more than just a style statement: the AxEMU has been carefully crafted to support the historic lunar landing of astronaut Christina Koch, who will be the first woman to walk on the Moon.

Designers: Axiom Space and Prada

An Unlikely Collab between NASA and Prada

At first glance, the AxEMU may not look like the bulky spacesuits we’ve come to expect. In fact, that’s the point. Designed with a scalable and adaptable architecture, this suit breaks free from the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach of traditional space gear. The AxEMU is built to accommodate a wide range of body types, allowing astronauts from various anthropometric percentiles—meaning different heights, weights, and builds—to feel comfortable and functional in the suit. Whether you’re on the smaller side or fall into the larger percentile, the AxEMU adjusts to ensure maximum mobility, a critical factor for a mission as demanding as Artemis III.

Prada’s expertise in material science plays a key role here. The luxury fashion house worked closely with Axiom engineers to develop an outer layer that not only looks sleek but also performs under extreme conditions. Crafted from a reflective white material, this layer helps regulate temperature by reflecting the sun’s heat while simultaneously protecting the astronaut from lunar dust and radiation. While traditional spacesuits focus on pure functionality, the AxEMU integrates aesthetics with performance, combining Prada’s advanced sewing techniques with Axiom’s life support technology to create something truly revolutionary in both appearance and utility.

High-Tech Meets High-Street Fashion

What truly sets the AxEMU apart from its predecessors is its balance between high-end design and cutting-edge technology. The suit boasts enhanced safety systems, including a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system that ensures astronauts can breathe safely during spacewalks lasting up to eight hours. It also features advanced cooling technology, which is crucial for maintaining comfort in the extremes of the lunar environment. Astronauts will be better equipped to perform complex tasks thanks to upgraded dexterity in the gloves—something previous spacesuits struggled with, often limiting the fine motor control astronauts need to manipulate tools or conduct experiments.

The helmet also offers significant upgrades, with an advanced visor that improves visibility in the harsh lighting conditions of the Moon’s surface. The design of the AxEMU is about more than just protection; it’s about enabling astronauts to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration. Thanks to Prada’s involvement, the suit’s exterior may feel more like high-performance sportswear than traditional space armor. But make no mistake—this is gear built to survive the extreme cold and searing heat of the Moon’s surface, with every detail engineered to keep astronauts safe and functional in one of the most hostile environments known to man.

What Makes The AxEMU So Different?

Compared to existing spacesuits, the AxEMU is a leap forward in versatility and user experience. Most current spacesuits, like NASA’s EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit), were designed decades ago, with little adaptation for the variety of missions astronauts now face. The AxEMU, by contrast, is built with a flexible architecture that can evolve for different missions, from the lunar surface to low-Earth orbit. This flexibility allows Axiom Space to customize the suit for a wide range of environments and tasks, whereas older suits were often mission-specific, with limited adaptability.

Safety is another area where the AxEMU shines. Conventional spacesuits are built with basic redundancy, but the AxEMU integrates a more robust set of redundant systems, ensuring multiple fail-safes in life support and mobility functions. This suit also goes beyond standard temperature control, using Prada’s material expertise to provide better heat management, allowing astronauts to remain comfortable during long spacewalks, even in the harsh lunar environment. Furthermore, the AxEMU has been tested with advanced simulations, including underwater testing to mimic the reduced gravity on the Moon, setting a new standard for preparation and reliability.

Designed for Christina Koch: A Spacesuit for the First Woman on the Moon

Christina Koch will make history as the first woman to walk on the Moon, and the AxEMU has been designed with that momentous occasion in mind. While traditional spacesuits were largely designed for male astronauts, the AxEMU has been engineered with inclusivity at its core. One of the key differences lies in its customizability: unlike older suits that often required uncomfortable modifications for female astronauts, the AxEMU offers a better fit right from the start, making adjustments seamless and comfortable for a wide range of body types. This is particularly important for Koch, as a properly fitted suit means enhanced mobility and reduced fatigue during long spacewalks.

Additionally, the suit’s gloves, helmet, and overall design have been tailored for precision, allowing Koch to work more efficiently on the lunar surface. The improved dexterity of the gloves will enable her to conduct more intricate scientific tasks, such as collecting samples and performing experiments, without the restrictions of older spacesuit designs. For Koch, the first woman to explore the Moon, having a suit that adapts to her needs, rather than her adapting to the suit, marks a symbolic and practical step forward in space exploration, ensuring that future missions can be more inclusive.

The AxEMU represents the future of spacesuits—one where technology, design, and inclusivity come together to push the boundaries of human potential. With Christina Koch set to wear this groundbreaking suit during her historic moonwalk, the AxEMU is leading the way into a new era of space exploration, where astronauts of diverse backgrounds, genders, and physiques will have the tools they need to reach new frontiers.

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Breathing Fresh: NASA’s Top 12 Air-Purifying Plants for Cleaner Indoor Spaces

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In 1989, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) partnered with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to conduct a Clean Air Study. Led by Dr. B. C. Wolverton, the study provided a comprehensive list of plants that are highly effective at purifying indoor air. The research demonstrated that plants have the ability to filter pollutants such as benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde, which helps mitigate the effects of Sick Building Syndrome. Certain tropical houseplants were found to be particularly efficient in removing formaldehyde, trichloroethane, benzene, and other harmful substances from the air, replacing them with oxygen. According to the report, it is recommended to have at least one plant for every hundred square feet of indoor space, be it at home or in the office.

Designer: Ugly Duckling ID

Common Indoor Pollutants

Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are harmful substances found in various products and environments.

• Trichloroethylene, present in inks and pa2ints, can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and coma.
• Benzene, used in plastics and tobacco smoke, may result in drowsiness and unconsciousness.
• Formaldehyde, commonly found in paper products and fabrics, can cause irritation and swelling in the respiratory system.
• Ammonia, found in cleaning products, can cause eye irritation and sore throat.
• Xylene, present in rubber and vehicle exhaust, can lead to liver and kidney damage.
• NO2 and SO2, emitted by vehicles and factories, can harm the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• SPM, small particles in the air, can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and contribute to long-term health issues like asthma and cardiovascular problems.

Top 12 Air-Purifying Plants

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Image courtesy of: Spaces

The Areca palm, native to Madagascar, is a popular foliage houseplant known for its ability to purify the air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors and can tolerate both shade and bright light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and it adds beauty and charm to any indoor space.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Image courtesy of: Rawpixel

Sansevieria, commonly known as Mother-in-law’s tongue or Snake plant, is an incredibly resilient indoor plant that thrives even in low light conditions. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a low-maintenance plant as it requires infrequent watering. Moreover, Sansevieria has been recognized as one of the most effective air-purifying plants, capable of eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the surrounding air. It can adapt to various temperature ranges, from 5 to 45 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for different climates.

3. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Image courtesy of: eddows_arunothai

The money plant, belonging to the Araceae plant family, is a popular houseplant found in French Polynesia. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in various indoor environments. It has the ability to effectively purify the air by removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, its growing habits and characteristics are as follows: it prefers indoor locations, tolerates shade and artificial light, requires less frequent watering, and can withstand temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Celsius.

4. English ivy (Hedera helix)

Image courtesy of: kolomietsolena

English Ivy, a flowering plant from the Araliaceous family, is a highly popular vine plant in Europe. It is native to most of Europe and Western Asia. Notably, English Ivy has been identified as one of the most efficient plants in removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. As a houseplant, its growing habits and characteristics include indoor location preference, tolerance to shade and artificial light, less frequent watering requirements, and a temperature range of 5 to 30 degrees Celsius.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Image courtesy of: Elisall

The peace lily, belonging to the Araceae plant family, is a well-known indoor plant. It has been identified as one of the most efficient plants in eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, toluene, and other pollutants from the air. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors and can tolerate both shade and artificial light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 16 to 32 degrees Celsius.

6. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Image courtesy of: natanavo

Gerbera, a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, is renowned for its vibrant and lustrous flowers. It is a popular choice due to its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions and thrive in bright light. Notably, Gerbera is effective in purifying the air by eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. As a houseplant, it flourishes indoors, tolerating both shade and bright light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

7. Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema Modestum)

Image courtesy of: Jsttanrak

Aglaonema, a member of the Araceae family, is a popular indoor plant originating from tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia. With over 100 popular varieties, it is both visually appealing and low-maintenance. Notably, Aglaonema is known for its ability to cleanse the air by removing benzene and formaldehyde. As a houseplant, it thrives in indoor locations, tolerates shade and artificial light, requires less frequent watering, and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Image courtesy of: araleboy

Chlorophytum comosum, a member of the Asparagaceae plant family, originates from southern Africa. This popular houseplant, known as the spider plant, is not only elegant and fast-growing but also easy to care for. A report by the university’s Cooperative Extension Service highlighted the spider plant as one of the top varieties for effectively removing VOCs. It has been found to cleanse the air by eliminating formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, the spider plant thrives indoors, tolerating shade and artificial light, requiring less frequent watering, and favoring temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

9. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis mill)

Image courtesy of: Olivier_Le_Moal

Aloe vera, a succulent plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, is a remarkable plant known for its numerous benefits and medicinal uses since ancient times. It can withstand adverse weather conditions and thrives in bright light, making it suitable for deserts. Aloe vera is also effective in purifying the air by eliminating benzene and formaldehyde. As a houseplant, it prefers indoor locations, tolerates both shade and bright light, requires less frequent watering, and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Celsius.

10. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Image courtesy of: andriymedvediuk

The Rubber Plant, classified under the genus Ficus in the Moraceae plant family, is native to South Asia. This houseplant has been discovered to effectively eliminate formaldehyde from the air. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors, tolerating both shade and artificial light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Image courtesy of: MargJohnsonVA

The Boston fern, belonging to the Nephrolepidaceae family and the Nephrolepis genus, is native to humid forests and swamps. It is known for its ability to effectively eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, airborne germs, molds, and bacteria from indoor air. As a houseplant, it thrives in indoor locations, tolerating both shade and artificial light. It requires frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius.

12. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizi)

Image courtesy of: Natabuena

The Bamboo palm, part of the Chamaedorea genus in the Aceraceae plant family, is one of the 107 species within its genus. This plant thrives in shady and humid conditions, often found growing under trees in rainforests. It is known for its ability to effectively remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. As a houseplant, it prefers indoor locations and can tolerate shade and artificial light. It requires frequent watering and thrives in temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius.

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LEGO® Technic™ NASA model set brings the Lunar Rovel Module to your table

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While LEGO® sets were probably originally built for kids to enjoy, most of the people I know who play with these patented bricks and sets are grownups. Granted, these are adults who were somehow “deprived” of owning some of these pretty expensive sets, it’s just one of those toys that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. There are sets however that are especially built for grown-ups as they are pretty detailed and contain a lot of intricate and authentic parts.

Designer: Lego

This new LEGO® set they’re releasing in particular is meant for adults and will appeal to those who are into space travel. The LEGO® Technic™ NASA model set includes a displayable model version of the Lunar Rover Module that was aboard the historic Apollo 17 mission back in 1972. It also includes 3 attachable equipment sets that includes a lot of authentic details. Basically, this LEGO® set is for the big boys and girls who are very much interested in outer space and everything NASA.

If you are a frustrated (or aspiring) astronaut, you can test out some of the steering and suspension included in the set and play around with equipment like the model battery pack (with its heating and cooling elements), a TV camera with antennae, communications unit, and even a shovel and drill so you can pretend to find LEGO® Moon rock elements. There’s even a Traverse Gravimeter Experiment that was carried by the Apollo 17 during NASA’s very last Apollo mission.

Aside from the enjoyment of building this LEGO® set, you will also get a deeper insight in the Apollo missions (if you didn’t already know everything there is to know about it). The young ones may need adult assistance for this as there are a lot of detailed equipment with this and it’s a hefty 1,913-piece set.

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How NASA’s Starshade Design Inspired this Unique Origami Folding Umbrella

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There’s a consensus in the common world that if something isn’t broken, you shouldn’t fix it – it’s a consensus that designers often reject because good design isn’t a goal, it’s a journey. The way current umbrellas open and close isn’t particularly faulty – but that didn’t stop designer Vinayan Ravikumar from taking things to the next level. Meet the Bloombrella, an umbrella that blooms open just like a flower. Relying on origami folding techniques, the Bloombrella borrows from a NASA experiment for unfolding foil shades/sails in space. The umbrella’s fabric starts as a folded cluster that opens outwards, becoming a perfect octagonal parasol that protects against sun and even rain.

Designer: Vinayan Ravikumar

Vinayan’s design borrows inspiration from the blooming of the dianthus flower. The flower bud practically unfurls in bloom, and is also the inspiration for NASA’s Starshade. Vinayan’s explorations led him down a similar path, relying on origami to mimic how the starshade opens outwards. The result, an umbrella like nothing you’ve seen before. Watching it open and close is nothing short of hypnotic, as the umbrella’s fabric creases and un-creases to take its closed or open shape. The creases are uniquely geometric too, resulting in an umbrella that doesn’t need any artwork or patterns to make it look attractive.

“The umbrella is an interesting object. As designers, we don’t notice or revere it the way we see chairs, cars, or lamps. Yet when caught in a sudden downpour, it becomes a lifesaver. An object of understated elegance and functionality, its form hasn’t changed much over the past hundred years,” says designer Vinayan Ravikumar. “Drawn to this fascinating contraption that has sheltered us for millennia, I felt it was the perfect canvas to explore tension in motion.”

Rethinking how the umbrella opened or closed meant rethinking the umbrella entirely. The Bloombrella comes with a stem and shade, but its intermediary mechanism gets completely redone. The new mechanism responds to twisting, rather than pressing a button or pushing a member up the umbrella’s shaft. The twisting action allows metal rods to move outwards, opening the umbrella’s shade. Vinayan created his prototype using Tyvek, a tear-proof paper-like material from Dupont. Tyvek has the unique distinction of being great at creasing as well as being durable and waterproof. This made it a perfect candidate for the Bloombrella’s shade, allowing it to hold its origami shape incredibly well, while still repelling water to a noticeable degree.

The rest of the prototype uses traditional materials, like aluminum for the metal parts, and plastic for the mechanism, moving elements, and hinges. The Bloombrella is currently just a student concept, but given that NASA has been employing similar techniques for its starshade shows it’s more than just a proof-of-concept… at least on a cosmic level! Whether it makes for a great umbrella is still something worth determining – perhaps as a larger beach umbrella or a shade for an arena/stadium!

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Odd drinking cup was designed to work in zero-gravity space without a straw

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Hollywood has romanticized the idea of living in space or on other planets, but our current technologies have yet to catch up to the future painted by science fiction. Never mind the risks of blasting off into space, living on a space station can be extremely challenging, especially in the absence of gravity. Zero-G, as it is often called, can be fun once in a while and in short bursts, but having to constantly live in that environment turns activities we consider normal and mundane into an exercise in patience. The simple act of drinking, for example, requires sipping from a straw all the time, not exactly the most comfortable method for enjoying precious Earth liquids in space. That’s the problem that this space cup solves, but it accomplishes this impressive feat by taking on a shape that is almost literally out of this world.

Designer: Donald Pettit, Mark Weislogel

It’s only logical that liquids wouldn’t stay still inside a cup without the power of gravity, which is why drinks in space are taken from pouches with straws attached to them. It’s a simple and practical solution that makes drinking feel more like a mechanical act of survival than something that is enjoyed and treasured like those on Earth. NASA researcher Mark Weislogel and NASA astronaut Donald Pettit worked together, the former on Earth, the other on the International Space Station, to come up with a design that brings back the comforting experience of drinking normally from a cup.

The secret behind this “zero gravity coffee cup” is twofold. One is the special design where the cup has sharp crevices where two edges meet. The other is the way liquid behaves when placed in such a receptacle in zero gravity. The liquid is naturally drawn to those narrow spaces following the principle of capillary channel flow and, as if by magic, actually sticks to those edges without spilling out.

Owning the title of being the first cup that was actually designed in space, this zero-gravity drinkware’s first form was actually just a sheet of Mylar taped together at the edges to form a teardrop-shaped container. Of course, such a design hardly counts as a comfortable cup to drink from, so a more refined 3D printed food-grade plastic cup was made on Earth. Another model, this time made from ceramic, was later developed and became the first patented product invented outside of our planet.

The space cup’s unusual shape has raised a few eyebrows, and while it’s now available for sale on Earth from some sources, it doesn’t have the same magical capabilities demonstrated in zero-gravity space. Its alien design, however, does show how outside-the-box thinking will be necessary to have more “normal” experiences in space, and we have to expect that the first generation of what we consider to be ordinary products will take on sometimes unusual forms just so they can function in the same way.

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LEGO and NASA give you an out-of-the world experience with this Mars Rover set

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The LEGO Group and NASA have collaborated on some interesting sets in the past. Yes, the ace space agency pioneering some of the most ambitious space missions has lent its expertise to create the NASA Mars Rover Perseverance model priced at just $100. They’ve bettered the rover released in mid-2023 with this beefier version that’s not a replica of any existing rover, rather, a fictional two-seater space vehicle released as a part of the Technic line-up.

This gave the design team more freedom to explore the possibilities without being too logical, or go all out and make it too sci-fi. According to Aurélien Rouffiange the design manager, “When you look at this vehicle, we want you to say, ‘Okay, that can happen.’ That is where we wanted to set the limit.” The result is a stunning 1,599-piece LEGO set that’ll be a treat to put together and flash on your living room shelf or work desk.

Designer: LEGO Group

The six-wheeled rover comes with an expanding truck bed, dual working crane, living quarter and loads of scientific equipment and logistics canisters to complete the feel. If you want to take it for a spin on rugged terrain, the NASA team has engineered a working suspension on this one. Calling this a campervan for space adventurers won’t be an overstatement, it’s that extensive. The open living space inside has ample space for a treadmill and shower for two astronauts to survive. Gosh, it already feels like I’m penning down the design logs of a sci-fi series…

The realism and attention to detail are something purists will appreciate. Right from the crew containers to store trash, Mars rocks or science samples to water oxygen and hydrogen. There’s even a fuel cell generator to recharge the batteries. Aurélien reassures that Hydrogen will be the future of drivetrains and NASA wants kids to learn that at a very early age. To keep things close to reality, the wheels are inspired by the rocker-bogie suspension found on the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers in operation on the red planet. The tires are colored gray to make them look like metal, just like the real Rover tires.

Based on the NASA team’s input the wheelbase of the vehicle had to be kept a bit short to make it a convincing iteration for any alien planet exploration. So, the LEGO team made a contracting chassis that can be configured at will. Aurélien added, “You can still drive it around in this compact mode, but, of course, it is not meant for that.” On the lighter side, NASA wanted a toilet for sure and the design team had to include the space for it!

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Coperni’s Air Swipe Bag may be closest to “as light as air” saying

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When they say something is as “light as air”, it is not meant to be taken literally most of the time. But there are indeed some materials now that can be considered almost as light as air or at least the lightest solid material that we can find. One example is NASA’s nanomaterial silica aerogel which they used in their first stardust mission. It has been used in things like thermal insulation, biomedical applications, and some experimentations. But there’s apparently another use for it and that’s for fashion and (sort of) functionality.

Designer: Coperni

Paris-based accessories brand Coperni wanted to create a bag that is very, very light but also would look like it has frozen smoke trapped inside its little space. And they were able to do so with the Air Swipe Bag hiwch they unveiled at the FW24 show. This particular look is made from aerogel since the process it goes through gives it that transparent, smoky color, not to mention how light but non-fragile it is.

It may seem to look like a fragile bag because of its size and its transparency but the material can actually withstand extreme heat (up to 1,200 degrees celsius) and pressure (up to 4000 times its weight). There is a reason after all why NASA brought this to space. The bag also uses 1% glass reinforcement so you might want to be careful where you swing that bag at.

The Air Swipe Bag doesn’t seem to be the most fashionable but it is indeed interesting looking. My main issue is that it’s a tiny bag that may actually only fit my phone in it and barely at that. As a big bag carrier that has a ton of bags inside the bag, I’m wondering if something as light as this could actually work in a bigger size as well.

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NASA’s Innovative X-59: The Supersonic Jet Designed to Fly with a Whisper, Not a Boom

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NASA has officially revealed the X-59, an experimental aircraft developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This plane has a unique stretched-out arrowhead shape and is painted in red, white, and blue to redefine supersonic flight. The X-59 has an ambitious yet profound mission: to break the sound barrier over land while minimizing the sonic boom to a level that won’t startle those on the ground.

Designer: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works x NASA

The X-59’s design is a marvel of aerospace engineering. Its most striking feature is its elongated nose, measuring 38 feet long, which is over one-third of its total length of 99 feet and 7 inches. This design is integral to the aircraft’s ability to reduce sonic boom intensity. Within this innovative structure, there’s a compartment for a single pilot. However, the X-59 breaks conventional norms by having a flush cockpit with the aircraft’s surface, eliminating the need for a forward windshield. Instead, pilots will rely on an advanced camera system and a screen inside the cockpit, providing them with a virtual view of their surroundings.

The two NASA test pilots operating the X-59 are equipped with a state-of-the-art 4K monitor, replacing the traditional glass windshield. Despite this unconventional setup, the aircraft does include traditional windows, although these do not offer a direct forward view. Instead, a glass canopy allows the pilot to look up or to the sides, enhancing spatial awareness. Interestingly, the aircraft also features two additional windows that offer limited forward visibility due to the placement of a wing assembly known as a canard. This innovative design prompted a humorous exchange, with lead test pilot David Nils Larson joking about a “Wonder Woman mod” for see-through metal canards.

The X-59 also boasts the eXternal Visibility System (XVS), a cutting-edge feature combining images from two cameras outside the aircraft with advanced terrain data. This system ensures pilots have comprehensive visual information, even without direct forward visibility. The aircraft is equipped with two distinct camera systems: a high-definition camera on the top and a retractable camera on the bottom. The latter is crucial for having a view of the runway and retracting during flight to maintain aerodynamic efficiency and reduce sonic boom impact.

NASA’s X-59 aircraft is specifically designed to reduce the effects of breaking the sound barrier. Typically, when an aircraft flies at speeds of approximately 925 miles per hour at an altitude of around 55,000 feet, it produces shockwaves that create a loud sonic boom. However, the X-59 aims to produce a milder “thump” sound instead. The aircraft’s careful design, including its long nose, plays a crucial role in achieving this. The long nose helps to space out the shockwaves created by the aircraft, preventing them from merging into a louder sonic boom.

While the X-59 is ready to roll out, its flight tests are scheduled for later this year. The pilots, having practiced in simulators, acknowledge that the X-59 may not be the easiest aircraft to handle, but its purpose transcends conventional flight performance. This aircraft is not just about breaking speed records; it’s about revolutionizing supersonic travel over land in a quiet and discreet manner.

In conclusion, the X-59 marks a pivotal moment in aviation history. It combines innovative design with cutting-edge technology and holds the potential for faster and quieter travel in the future. As this aircraft prepares to take to the skies, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of the aviation industry, where the barriers of sound and efficiency are overcome with ingenuity and vision.

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Interstellar LUNAR1,622 watch lets you carry a piece of the moon in style

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The night sky is full of beauty and marvel, but nothing evokes images of romance and mystery more than our faithful companion, the Moon. A celestial body that has given birth to many myths and legends since ancient days, the Moon has always been a source of fascination for both artists and scientists alike. Thanks to recent space explorations, interest in the stars has been at an all-time high, whether it’s just traveling in space in luxury or setting up colonies on the Moon and Mars. Space and beyond is no longer just science fiction but a part of our history, and what better way to preserve and honor that history than with a timeless watch that puts the elegance and mystery of the moon on your wrist.

Designer: Sebastien Colen

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $849 ($250 off). Hurry, less than 72 hours left! Raised over $420,000.

The Moon is our lone satellite and the closest celestial body to our home planet, yet there are still many things about it that beguile and confound scientists. The dark side of the moon that we never get to see from Earth has always been a source of mystery and even omens, especially considering how much the Moon can actually influence life on the planet. Still, the Moon feels near yet so far, but this luxurious watch puts it right on your wrist, with a small yet significant nod to history and a tribute to mankind’s achievements, both past and future.

Meteorite Moon Dust – Their meteorite, with the ID#NWA11515, was found in 2017 and provided by MSG Meteorites, a British company specialized in certified space rocks and licensed by the IMCA (International Meteorite Collectors Association).

Lunar1,622 Watch with Integrated NASA Logo – The project respects the necessary permissions and aligns with NASA’s guidelines.

Named after the surface gravity on the Moon, the LUNAR1,622 is a handsome mechanical watch that goes beyond simply putting the face of the moon on the timepiece. Just like the previous Mars-inspired Interstellar timepiece, it holds a relic of the moon, specifically a small amount of moon dust at the three o’clock position (the standard model gets the footprint shape of Neil Armstrong instead). This moon dust was taken from rare lunar meteorites, specifically the Moon Meteorite ID# NWA11515 that was found in 2017 in Northwest Africa. The back of the watch also boasts the official NASA logo, which would delight space exploration fans even more. There will only be 2025 Premium editions made, in honor of the next lunar mission Artemis 3 in that year.

LUNAR1,622 commemorates Neil Armstrong’s iconic words, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

On the edge of the dial all the way around it, you’ll find all successful Apollo missions numbered. All missions that landed on the moon are marked in gold.

Commemorating the historic Apollo 11 mission, this timepiece features the mission’s name, date and Neil Armstrong’s initials.

Of course, the Interstellar LUNAR1,622 isn’t just a one-of-a-kind science collectible, it is also a piece of horology craftsmanship as well. Both Standard and Advanced models bear the famed Miyota automatic movement, while the Premium variant boasts a Swiss Sellita automatic movement, both delivering the precision and reliability expected from high-quality mechanical watches. Sandblasted 316L stainless steel cases (titanium for the Premium model), in classic Black or stylish Silver, give the watch both durability and finesse, while the black leather strap accentuates its luxurious character. The LUNAR1,622’s subtle elegance perfectly embodies the timeless beauty of the Moon, captivating without being overwhelming.

NFC Technology

Whether you’re a space buff, a horology connoisseur, or an avant-garde collector, there is perhaps nothing more beautiful and mystical than having the moon on your wrist, quite literally even. Inspired by lunar expeditions and carrying a pinch of authentic moon dust inside, the Interstellar LUNAR1,622 is more than just a beautiful and historic timepiece, it is also a testament to humanity’s ambitions to reach for the stars and our perseverance to make that dream a reality.

Click Here to Buy Now: $599 $849 ($250 off). Hurry, less than 72 hours left! Raised over $420,000.

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