July 16, 17:29

South African Initiative Launches Rooibos Seeds to International Space Station

As part of a new scientific and agricultural initiative, South Africa has launched the 'Rooibos in Space' program. For the first time for South Africa, rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) in October.

Program Goals and Launch

This program combines research in space biology with practical education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The launch of the program took place on Thursday at the Parkland College Innovation Centre. The event gathered representatives from academic circles, education, agriculture, government, and the developing space economy.

The concept of the program belongs to the South African Rooibos Council (SARC) and is implemented jointly with MaxIQ Space with the support of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). The project links rooibos to the growing international interest in studying plant biology in space and developing sustainable off-Earth agricultural systems.

Experiments on the ISS and on Earth

During the program, rooibos seeds will be delivered to the ISS in October, where they will remain for several weeks under the influence of microgravity and cosmic radiation. After returning to Earth, the seeds will be planted alongside control samples for a comparative analysis that will study germination, growth, resilience, and yield.

Students from seven schools in the Sedderberg region, as well as students from Parkland College, will participate in the experiments after the seeds return. The experiment will be conducted by students from the Sedderberg region, which is the homeland of rooibos. Working with local farms, students will collect and analyze data as part of a structured scientific investigation. A parallel experiment at Parkland College will provide additional comparative data.

Significance for Science and Education

The rooibos study complements the extensive body of research on plants in space. Experiments aboard the ISS have already shown that crops such as lettuce can grow in microgravity conditions, and the study of peas and soybeans has provided insight into how plants react to changes in gravity and environmental stress factors. These results contribute to progress in both future space food systems and enhancing agricultural sustainability on Earth.

SARC Director, Dawie de Villiers, noted that the project reflects the industry's commitment to innovation, education, and applied research. He emphasized that this project places rooibos within a broader scientific context where plant biology, space exploration, and education intersect, while also highlighting the importance of investing in scientific literacy and skill development for future researchers.

School students will undergo an expanded STEM education program that will introduce them to space science, plant biology, and sustainable agriculture, aligning with curricula and linking classroom learning to practical scientific application.

Contribution to STEM Development

Judi Sandrock from MaxIQ Space stated that the goal of the initiative is to improve students' access to authentic scientific learning. She noted that the value of the project lies in providing students with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with real research processes related to space science, offering a structured way to develop scientific thinking and data analysis skills.

Furthermore, students from across South Africa will be able to participate in the design of the official 'Rooibos in Space' mission badge in July and August. Bertram Loriston, Deputy CEO for Curriculum Management at the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), stressed the importance of cross-sector partnerships for expanding STEM opportunities.

Thandile Vuntu, Head of Science Engagement at Germinus for SANSA, stated that space science is increasingly integrating into everyday applications. He added that such initiatives help raise awareness of the skills needed for future participation in this sector and align with national priorities for skills development and strengthening South Africa's position in new scientific fields.

timesofindia.indiatimes.comJuly 17, 01:04

Skyroot Aerospace prepares to launch India's first private orbital rocket on Saturday

India's private space sector is preparing for significant steps as the startup Skyroot Aerospace is about to become the first private company in the country to design and develop its own orbital rocket on Indian territory.

Details of the Vikram-1 Launch

Following the successful launch of the first private suborbital rocket, Vikram-S, to an altitude of 89.5 km in 2022, the Hyderabad-based company is ready to conduct its first orbital launch. The launch of the Vikram-1 rocket is scheduled for Saturday; it is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program. According to a statement from Skyroot Aerospace on Thursday, the flight is set for 11:30 AM from the first launch pad in Sriharikota.

Design and Mission

The Vikram-1 is entirely constructed from a lightweight carbon composite structure and is equipped with three solid-fuel stages and a liquid orbital correction module. This launch is part of the 'Aagaman Mission' and involves delivering demonstration payloads from companies Grahaa Space, Cosmoserve, DCubed, and Skyroot's own development, SCOPE. Additionally, the artwork 'Cosmic Bloom' by Cosmos Diamonds will be sent into space, along with micro-sculptures of Sir C. V. Raman, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, and Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, crafted from 18-karat gold.

Parameters and Preparation

The mission is designed to place payloads weighing up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 450 km with a 60-degree inclination. The Vikram-1 rocket has already been integrated and placed on the pad, and final checks of the integrated vehicle have been completed at the Skyroot Mission Control Center. Checks of interfaces with ground telemetry stations and tracking radars were also conducted before the test flight.

Company Executives' Comments

Pawan Kumar Chandana, Founder and CEO of Skyroot Aerospace, noted that Vikram-1 continues the work started with the company's first private rocket demonstration in 2022. He emphasized: 'This is our first test flight, and we will gain valuable data. It is the first rocket to fly into orbit, built entirely from carbon composite. Carbon fiber is five times lighter than the strongest steel, making the rocket lighter and more efficient.'

Naga Bharat Daka, Co-founder and COO of Skyroot, stated that the company was founded about eight years ago with the goal of creating affordable and reliable rockets from India for the world, as well as providing on-demand launch solutions. He added: 'All our efforts and the team's efforts culminate today in this historic milestone.'

tecnoblog.netJuly 17, 24:44

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 will feature Galaxy Z Fold 8 with new format and other launches

Samsung is scheduled to hold the Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event on Wednesday, July 22nd, starting at 10 am. At this event, the company is expected to reveal several innovative products, with a special focus on the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which will have a format described as a 'passport'.

Foldable Device Highlights

Rumors suggest that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will have closed dimensions of 129 x 82.2 x 9.8 mm and an expanded screen of 161.4 mm in width. This model would be the first from Samsung with a 4:3 aspect ratio, resembling a passport booklet. Its specifications include two rear cameras up to 50 MP, a 4,800 mAh battery, and support for 45-watt charging.

The line is also expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Flip 8, which is anticipated to bring few changes compared to the previous model. Additionally, there will be the introduction of two new Galaxy Watch devices and a smart glasses equipped with artificial intelligence.

Changes in Nomenclature and Advanced Models

There are speculations about a change in the line's nomenclature, where the new foldable would be named Galaxy Fold 8, and the successor to the Z Fold 7 would be called Z Fold 8 Ultra. Although there is this name change, rumors suggest that the Ultra device will not have a significant advancement in terms of functionality.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, which would be the most robust model, would maintain the three cameras up to 200 MP of the base model launched in 2025, using the same 5th generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset found in the Galaxy Fold 8 'passport'.

Details on Other Launches

Regarding the Galaxy Z Flip 8, it should maintain the two cameras and the maximum battery capacity of 4,174 mAh from its predecessor. Confirmed improvements for this model include a reinforced hinge and the adoption of a Qualcomm SoC, similar to the one used in the Fold line.

Samsung is also expected to present the Galaxy Watch 9 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra. Both are expected to receive improvements in battery life and incorporate the AI insights feature from the Samsung Health app, presented in June. While the Watch 9 should maintain standard features, the new Ultra 2 promises the most powerful battery in the line, with 800 mAh, focused on outdoor activities.

Smart Glasses and Event Broadcast

Concerning the smart glasses, a prototype was previously seen, allowing interaction with Gemini, as tested by journalist Scott Stein from CNET. The design of these glasses would be under the responsibility of Gentle Monster.

The Galaxy Unpacked 2026 event will be broadcast live on the Samsung website and YouTube on Wednesday, July 22nd, starting at 10 am (Brasília time). Tecnoblog will cover the event in person, directly from London, England, by invitation from the company.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 16, 23:41

Google integrates AI into Search to offer personal assistance in music, art, and shopping

Google announced new features for the AI Mode in Search this Thursday (16th), integrating it with Canva, YouTube Music, and Instacart. These additions expand the use of artificial intelligence to facilitate users' daily tasks.

Availability and Objective of the New Feature

The implementation of these improvements began in the United States during July. The corporation's intention is to make AI features closer to usual activities, allowing users to trigger tools from other applications directly through the search interface, eliminating the need to open each service individually.

Integrated Features by Service

With these new connections, AI Mode now assists in creating playlists, developing visual content, and organizing purchases, all based on commands provided in natural language within Google Search itself.

The partnership with YouTube Music allows users to request customized playlists based on criteria such as musical style or desired mood. After processing the request, the system suggests a playlist that can be viewed in the music platform's application.

Regarding Canva, the AI tool offers support in creating visual templates, such as materials for events. Google clarified that this technology has the capacity to use the user's calendar data, when available, to adapt the templates to the specific context of the event.

Additionally, the link with Instacart allows orders placed via AI Mode to be converted into shopping lists within the application. This functionality can also take into account scheduled commitments in the calendar, such as meetings or events, to suggest items relevant to the occasion.

Personal Intelligence Strategy

This expansion is part of Google's Personal Intelligence initiative, a feature that enables Gemini to use information from various applications to enrich its responses. The company began increasing this capability throughout 2026.

In addition to these integrations, AI Mode received more sophisticated search features. Among them is a smart search box designed to adapt to more elaborate queries and accept multiple input formats, including videos, images, files, and Chrome browser tabs.

The company also expressed its intention to increase the number of partners connected to the system in the future, maintaining a strategic focus on converting artificial intelligence into a cohesive tool across various spheres of digital routine.