Tech
Perseverance gets its robotic hand on a sample that’s out of this world
Earth receives its first piece of mars after NASA’s rover successfully drills a hole into brief-case-sized rock “Rochette”.
NASA’s Perseverance Rover gets its first taste of mars, after collecting a sample of Martian rock from the core of Jezero Crater yesterday.
The sample which is slightly thicker than a pencil was detected after controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California received data from the space-age device.
Now enclosed in a titanium sample tube, NASA is working with the European Space Agency to return the sample back to earth for further studies in what will be a world first.
Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator says the discovery comes as a win for the agency.
“NASA has a history of setting ambitious goals and then accomplishing them, reflecting our nation’s commitment to discovery and innovation,” Nelson says.
“This is a momentous achievement and I can’t wait to see the incredible discoveries produced by Perseverance and our team.”
Breaking down the process
The process to obtain the sample is nothing short of out of this world.
The Martian rock was obtained after Perseverance’s robotic arm drilled into “brief-case-sized rock” coined “Rochette”, with mission controllers watching the process through a camera.
A series of photos were also taken before the sample was safely tucked away in the rover’s cargo.
Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for science at NASA Headquarters in Washington, says this moment is truly historic for NASA.
“Just as the Apollo Moon missions demonstrated the enduring scientific value of returning samples…we will be doing the same with the samples Perseverance collects as part of our Mars Sample Return program,” Zurbuchen says.
“Using the most sophisticated science instruments on Earth, we expect jaw-dropping discoveries across a broad set of science areas, including exploration into the question of whether life once existed on Mars.”
Perseverance’s key mission is to study astrobiology on mars, particularly looking for signs of life.
The planet’s climate, geology and past climate will also be assessed as NASA paves the way for human exploration on the Red Planet.
For further updates
NASA will hold a virtual meeting addressing the media on Friday to provide an update on the rover’s process and sampling procedures.
The event will be livestreamed on NASA Television, the NASA app, the agency’s website, and multiple agency social media platforms.
Written by Rebecca Borg
Tech
OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content
OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.
The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.
Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.
Policy Changes
Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.
The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.
OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.
OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.
Tech
Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.
Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.
The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.
Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.
Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.
Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.
British Companies
In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.
Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.
-
News4 days agoOpenAI launches Atlas to rival Google
-
Tech5 days ago
OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?
-
Shows3 days ago
DeFi revolutionises finance as trust in banks declines
-
News5 days ago
Trump and Xi set for high-stakes APEC showdown
-
Leaders3 days ago
The new rules reshaping the gaming landscape
-
Shows4 days ago
Understanding data breaches and how to protect yourself
-
Leaders3 days ago
Cooling innovations crucial for efficient data centres
-
News4 days ago
Bitcoin’s weakness sparks market warning
