DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

  DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF

                                                                      

                 By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane 

"THE CAR OF THE FUTURE" - POLESTAR 6

                                                    Source:  Polestar 6

• Sweden-based electric automaker Polestar has just unveiled the 2027 Polestar 6, which is being called by some automotive experts "the car of the future"
• Here are key details:

1. All-electric, luxury, 2+2 convertible
2. Retractable hard top
3. 800-volt electrical architecture
4. Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive powertrain
5. 884 hp, 663 lb-ft of torque
6. Top speed - 155 mph
7. Accelerates 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds
8. Range - more than 300 miles on a charge
9. Price - $200,000 for LA Concept limited edition & $175,000 for non-limited editions
10. Deliveries:  2026
11. 500 special LA Concept editions have already been reserved with blue exteriors and white interiors

• The all-electric power, speed, range and sleek design of this e-convertible provide a fascinating look at the future of cars.

SOLAR POWERED DRONE SOARS TO STRATOSPHERE

                                    Source:    BAE Systems

• London-based BAE Systems has developed what has all the earmarks of very significant new innovation: PHASA-35, a solar-electric powered drone that can fly to the stratosphere - 70,000 feet and stay aloft for 20 months
• It has successfully flown to 65,000 feet over New Mexico & safely landed and is now undergoing a series of tests to maximize performance before being offered for purchase in commercial and military markets
• Key competitive advantages: 

1. It costs a fraction of what it costs to operate a satellite
2. Can operate from anywhere
3. Weighs only 150 kg or 330 pounds - far less than most satellites

• Key Facts:

1. British built by BAE Systems & UK engineering firm Prismatic
2. 115-foot wingspan covered with solar panels
3. Operates in stratosphere lower than most satellites
4. Can carry up to 15kg or 33-pound payload including communications equipment, sensors and cameras
5. Fully operational 2025

• Uses of PHASA-35 are many including:

1. Less expensive alternative to traditional satellites & airborne systems for long endurance, high altitude & communications applications of the future
2. Environmental monitoring
3. 4G & 5G mobile & internet communications for remote areas
4. Disaster relief
5. Border patrol
6. Maritime & military surveillance

• The creators say PHASA-35, for example, could fly over a vulnerable forest, use sensors to monitor moisture levels and predict within weeks when fires could break out.

HAPPY HOUR FOR BEER-LOVING SALMON

                      Source:  Salmon stock & Oregon brewery

• In Oregon, new research is underway to use the alluring aroma of ale to lure farm raised salmon back to their hatcheries
• It seems wild salmon naturally return to the streams, where they were born, as adults to spawn but farm raised salmon don't
• Knowing that all salmon have an incredible sense of smell and that wild salmon are following scents to return to their roots, the Oregon Hatchery Research Center began scientific trials of various scents and hit the jackpot with ale
• Early indications are the farm raised salmon are finding their way back to their hatcheries, tracing their way by the scent of ale
• The question is:  how far will salmon swim for their Happy Hour?
• A local brewery is providing the Oregon farm raised salmon their libations - the liquid and yeast materials that remains after the ale brewing process.