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Rocket Lab adds satellite manufacturing to its offerings – TechCrunch

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Rocket Lab, one of the biggest startups in the NewSpace category of companies providing launch and satellite services, has added satellite manufacturing to the array of services it offers to customers.

The company, which already had developed launch capabilities and has begun sending payloads into space, can now deliver fully built satellites to its customers, according to a statement.

The “Photon” satellite platform was developed so that customers would not have to build their own satellite hardware.

“Small satellite operators want to focus on providing data or services from space, but building satellite hardware is a significant barrier to achieving this,” said Rocket Lab founder and chief executive Peter Beck, in a statement.
“The time, resources and expertise required to build hardware can draw small satellite operators away from their core purpose, delaying their path to orbit and revenue. As the turn-key solution for complete small satellite missions, Rocket Lab brings space within easy reach. We enable our customers to focus on their payload and mission – we look after the rest.”

The satellites are designed for a range of Low Earth Orbit missions including technology demonstrations, risk reduction pathfinders, constellations, and hosted payloads, the company said in a statement.

The satellites will stay in orbit for five years and include an S-band communication system, high-performance attitude controls, and a set of avionics tools for in-space propulsion and movement.

The new satellites will be manufactured at Rocket Labs’ Huntington Beach, Calif. headquarters and can be launched on the company’s Electron launch platform. The first such launch is scheduled for later in the first quarter of the year, and the company said it would have its first paying customer missions in 2020.

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How To Make Sure Yours Have The Latest Firmware Installed

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Before checking your AirPods’ firmware version, first make sure you have the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS installed. To do this, open Settings (or System Settings on Mac), go to General, and then Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it before proceeding to check your AirPods firmware.

Provided your iPhone or iPad is running the latest software, here’s how to check firmware version of your AirPods:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Bluetooth.

  3. Tap the info button next to your AirPods.

  4. Look for the firmware version under the “About” section.

If you use your AirPods with a Mac, follow these steps to check the firmware version:

  1. Press and hold the Option key, then select the Apple menu and System Information.

  2. Click on Bluetooth.

  3. Look for the “Firmware Version” under your AirPods.

Once you’ve made a note of the AirPods’ firmware version, you’ll need to make sure they’re running the latest update by going to Apple’s website, and scrolling down to the “Latest firmware versions” section. Locate your AirPods in the list, and verify they’re running the firmware mentioned next to the product name.

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This Electric BMW Existed Long Before The I3 And Looked Way Better

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BMW’s first electric car, the 1602e, was based on the 02 Series, the entry-level BMW, which were essentially smaller-wheelbase versions of the New Class sedans. The 02 Series spawned a variety of models like 2002, 1802, and 1502 (characterized by the displacement of their four-cylinder motors), but BMW’s 1602 came first. Designed by then-design director Wilhelm Hofmeister (the man behind the “Hofmeister Kink”), BMW unveiled the first batch of 1602e electric prototypes at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games as support vehicles for marathon events.

It has a 32 kW electric motor developed by Bosch, producing a paltry 43 horsepower. The motor draws juice from a dozen 12-volt Varta lead-acid batteries neatly tucked in the engine bay, weighing 350 kg or more than 770 pounds. Despite this, the BMW 1602e had a 62 mph top speed and could accelerate from zero to 31 mph in about eight seconds. However, it only musters 19 miles of range before needing to recharge despite having regenerative braking.

On the plus side, the 1602e looks way better than the i3, and it’s a prime candidate for an electric restomod with new-age motors and energy-dense batteries. If BMW can do it with classic Minis, the 1602 deserves an electric comeback, too.

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5 Of The Best PS2 Games Still Worth Playing If You Haven’t

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There are enough games in the “Final Fantasy” lineup to spark contentious debate about which is best, but “Final Fantasy X” deserves recognition as a turning point for the series. It’s also one of the PS2’s best games and is widely regarded as one of the best RPGs ever. The game took the series to new cinematic heights by offering convincing voice acting for an endearing cast of characters featured in a tear-jerking narrative.

You play primarily as Tidus, a standout athlete in the game’s enjoyable side activity, blitzball. While competing, he experiences a world-ending reality after witnessing his home’s destruction by a malevolent force called Sin. You’ll embark on a quest to learn how to defeat it, meeting helpful new comrades along the way.

“Final Fantasy X” is the PlayStation 2 game that JRPG fans recommend en masse to series and genre newcomers. It faithfully upholds tradition with a turn-based combat system that checks all the boxes for the usual gameplay tropes, such as multi-member battle parties, creature summoning, attack-type bonuses, and character-specific special moves.

In addition, the Sphere system was a unique take on character progression that brought a non-linear upgrade path which opened up new ability possibilities for characters that wouldn’t traditionally have them. The unique progression system, a memorable world, and an engaging narrative helped make “Final Fantasy X” a standout title in the franchise and a landmark PS2 game.

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