Elon Musk has offered for SpaceX to help NASA create its next-generation spacesuits after a watchdog said the program will cost over $1 billion
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk offered for his company to help NASA create its new high-tech spacesuits, or ‘Extravehicular Mobility Units‘.
NASA’s current goal is to produce two flight-ready spacesuits by November 2024. However, the company’s Inspector General found that “the Agency faces significant challenges in meeting this goal”.
“The delays in spacesuit development will prelude a 2024 moon landing”.
This comes after a string of events which which had already forced NASA to delay its upcoming Artemis III lunar landing for 20 months, to November 2024.
The Inspector General says reasons for delay includes “reduced funding for spacesuit development in FY 2021, COVID-19 impacts, and ongoing technical issues.”
“Given the integration requirements, the suits would not be ready for flight until April 2025 at the earliest.”
NASA’s spacesuit development from 2008 through 2021
“NASA will spend over $1 billion before the first two next-generation spacesuits are ready for flight”
By the time two flight-ready spacesuits are available, NASA will have spent over a billion dollars on their development and assembly.
Since 2007, NASA has spent over $420 million on spacesuit development. It plans to spend an additional $625 million.
Even despite the extra cash, NASA’s inspector general found that the spacesuits will “not be ready for flight until April 2025 at the earliest.”
Currently, NASA astronauts use spacesuits which were designed 45 years ago for the Space Shuttle Program.
Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.
In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.
This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.
The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.
The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.
Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.
Design Innovations
Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.
However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.
Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.
“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”
Other devices
The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.
Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.
Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.
AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced! pic.twitter.com/EDPNjpoUW8
In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.
CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.
Pricing Trends
Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.
While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.
Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.
In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.
Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.
The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.
This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.
Future Innovations
The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.
Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.
In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.