Important Innovations

First Arab Mission to Mars Source:  Launch of H-2A rocket with Hope onboard Source:  NASA Artist Rendering Spectacular Launch and Congratulations from NASA A Japanese H-2A rocket launched the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hope Mission to Mars this morning.  Within an hour of the flight, the rocket's upper stage released the Hope Mission satellite.  Hope is using its solar panels to power its systems, including its communications system. Hope notified controllers at the Space Center in Dubai of the successful separation.  The Dubai Center is overseeing the orbiter's 306,957,369 mile journey at 75,185 miles per hour speeds to Mars. First Arab Interplanetary Mission This is the first Arab interplanetary mission.  The Hope mission is designed to demonstrate the UAE's scientific, technological and space capabilities.  Hope is a 2,976 pound satellite designed and developed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) in the UAE.  It will arrive at Mars in February 20

University of Colorado at Boulder Breakthru Technology E-Skin This e-skin is self-healing, malleable and fully re-cyclable.  It can be used for robotics, prosthetics and for better medical devices. E-skin is a thin, translucent material that mimics the function and mechanical properties of real human skin. University of Colorado's e-skin also has sensors embedded in the skin for critical measurements. Awesome Tech Loaded with Sensors The e-skin has sensors embedded to measure pressure, temperature, humidity and air flow.  The tech has several unique properties including a polymer called polyimine.  It's also laced with silver nanoparticles to provide strong mechanical strength, chemical stability and electrical connectivity. The e-skin can be easily fitted to curved surfaces like a human arm or hand and even a robot's finger for a sense of touch. Polyimine Does It According to University of Colorado scientist Jianliang Xiao, what's unique is the chemical bond