January 14th 2025

Author

Max Gray
January 14, 2025

The Daily Innovation Newsletter

January 14th 2025

🚘 Transport

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 prototype has reached transonic speeds of Mach 0.95 during its 11th test flight over California’s Mojave Desert, marking a key step toward reintroducing commercial supersonic travel. The test evaluated the aircraft's performance under extreme aerodynamic pressures, paving the way for its anticipated first supersonic flight later this year. This achievement revives hope for sustainable, economically viable supersonic airliners, more than two decades after Concorde's retirement.

Vertical Aerospace's VX4 eVTOL aircraft completed its first piloted thrust-borne flight, showcasing controlled maneuvers like roll, yaw, and spot turns. Approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, this milestone transitions the aircraft toward Phase 3 wingborne testing, crucial for certification. Designed for urban air mobility, the VX4 reaches speeds of 150 mph with a 100-mile range and can carry up to four passengers. This innovation reflects significant progress in sustainable aviation and positions Vertical as a leader in the eVTOL market.

🚀 Space

Scientists from the University of Glasgow have developed a 3D printing system designed for microgravity, tested aboard European Space Agency parabolic flights. Unlike traditional filament-based printers, this system uses a granular material to ensure reliable operation in space. The innovation could enable the on-demand manufacturing of tools, antennas, and even pharmaceuticals in orbit. Space-grown crystals, such as insulin, might be up to nine times more effective, potentially revolutionizing medicine. Researchers aim to demonstrate this technology in an actual space environment soon.

Astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station are working with Xiao Hang, an intelligent robot designed for microgravity navigation and in-cabin tasks like inspections and image capture. The robot is part of experiments exploring human-robot interaction to improve teamwork in space and free astronauts for complex mission objectives. Xiao Hang’s role will expand through upgrades to include resource management and equipment maintenance. The Shenzhou 19 crew also achieved a record-breaking nine-hour spacewalk and is conducting research on the effects of microgravity on humans and insects.

🌎 Environment

For the first time, global cleantech investments are projected to exceed fossil fuel spending, reaching $670 billion in 2025, with solar energy leading the transition. According to an S&P Global Commodity Insights report, solar PV systems will account for half of the investments and dominate new energy capacity installations. Despite this progress, renewable energy capacity must triple by 2030 to meet climate targets. Emerging trends include the rising role of battery storage, AI optimization, and increasing clean energy demand from data centers.

FireDome, an Israel-based company, has unveiled an innovative wildfire defense system that combines AI, cameras, and eco-friendly fire retardants. The self-sufficient system monitors properties for fire threats and deploys a protective barrier upon detection, extinguishing fires and airborne embers without requiring personnel. Inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, FireDome aims to protect large areas efficiently and safely. Testing begins in May 2025, with plans for US trials in 2026, offering a potential breakthrough in wildfire prevention and mitigation.

That’s all for today, please reply to this email if you have any comments or feedback, we’d love to hear from you about what we can do better!

Have you enjoyed this email? Make sure to share it with your friends and colleagues.

Thanks for reading!