A British space start-up has been awarded about £500,000 by the UK government as the country looks to boost its defence industry with “space-age” technology.
Space Forge, based in south Wales, aims to create an innovative in-space manufacturing platform, one which can create alloys and semiconductors in zero gravity before parachuting them back to Earth.
Earlier this year, the aerospace company, alongside Virgin Orbit, attempted the UK's first launch of an orbital satellite from its shores, but this was delayed due to an "anomaly".
Space Forge’s innovative technology could “revolutionise” UK military supply chains as they deliver for its armed forces, the UK's Ministry of Defence said.
Materials manufactured in space are especially pure because of access to extreme temperatures and lack of contamination.
The Defence Ministry believes that the start-up's mini space factory can be used to improve Britain's defence technology, including for radar and frontline battlefield communications.
The award is part of a collaboration with Northrop Grumman under the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP), a programme for small and medium enterprises that have been earmarked to potentially improve defence supply chains.
The initiative aims to “inspire companies to win new business, develop industrial capabilities and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad”.
It also says the investment can produce highly skilled jobs to the local community and support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's promise to economically “level-up” regions outside London.
Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge said the work taking place at Space Forge would allow the UK's military capabilities to remain at the forefront of technological innovation.
Joshua Western, chief executive and co-founder of Space Forge, described the partnership as “incredibly exciting” and an important step in demonstrating the utility of in-space manufacturing.
“National security is shared security and this Atlantic partnership is a keystone in building new capabilities and prosperity”, he said.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
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Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
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Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE
Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
• Buy second hand stuff
They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home
Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.
Brief scores:
Toss: Australia, chose to bat
Australia: 272-9 (50 ov)
Khawaja 100, Handscomb 52; Bhuvneshwar 3-48
India: 237 (50 ov)
Rohit 56, Bhuvneshwar 46; Zampa 3-46
Player of the Match: Usman Khawaja (Australia)
Player of the Series: Usman Khawaja (Australia)
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