Tag Archives: space

LEGO Releasing $600 Ultimate Collector’s Edition Of The Mandalorian’s Razor Crest

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Already available as a 1,023-piece, $140 set, LEGO has just announced an Ultimate Collector’s Series version of The Mandalorian’s Razor Crest ship, with 6,187 pieces and a price tag of $600. Ultimate Collector indeed – you’d have to be to shell out six big bills for a LEGO set. I mean unless you’re buying it as an investment opportunity like I did with all those Beanie Babies.

The ship measures 72cm long, 50cm wide, and 24cm tall (28″ x 20″ x 9.5″), and features removable engines, a cockpit, an escape pod, and a minifig-size carbon-freezing chamber along with numerous other interior details. The set also includes minifigs of the Mandalorian, Grogu, Mythrol, and Kuiil along with a buildable Blurrg model.​ I am going to have so much fun building this set… entirely in my mind because I can’t afford the $600 price tag.

Admittedly, I bet that’s a fun build. As fun as the giant LEGO Death Star set? No clue, I couldn’t afford that one either. Looks like not much has changed for me financially in the ten years since that set came out.

[via Engadget]

James Webb Telescope Model Suggested on LEGO Ideas Website

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Built by astronomer and LEGO maniac tonysmyuncle (that’s cool, Brent’s my uncle), this LEGO model of the James Webb Space Telescope is constructed as a replica of the one actually sent into space by NASA. It’s currently looking for support on the LEGO Ideas website to be considered for production by LEGO; it’s appropriately scaled to the size of minifigs, who I assume will use it to search for UFOs.

The model can be folded up into its “launch” configuration as if it were in its rocket for delivery into space or unfolded into its full telescopic glory. Its curved primary mirror is made up of 18 movable hexagonal segments, as well as its hinged secondary mirror. In addition, all the JWST’s major subsystems are incorporated, including the science instruments and the propulsion, power, and communications subsystems. It’s basically the real thing! Just smaller. And plastic. And nonfunctional.

Be sure to pledge your support on the LEGO Ideas website if you want to see the set become a reality, which I do. As a matter of fact, I just pledged my support from all sixteen of my email addresses, so I’ve clearly done my part—fun fact: I was also single-handedly responsible for getting the Mexican Pizza brought back to Taco Bell. Or at least that’s what I tell myself.

[via TechEBlog]

Washable Star Wars Area Rugs: May the Floors Be with You

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Officially licensed and crafted by maker of machine-washable floor rugs Ruggable, this collection of Star Wars-themed area rugs are just the thing you need to let guests know you haven’t missed a single opportunity to include a Star Wars theme anywhere in your house. Just wait till they see your Sarlacc Pit toilet decals!

The rugs, which are by no means cheap, are available in a variety of sizes, and range from $99 for a 2′ x 3′ rug, all the way up to $709 for an 8′ x 12′. Obviously, covering my home’s floors with nothing but Star Wars area rugs is going to get expensive quickly. But do I really have any other option?

Admittedly, they’re a lot classier than I expected Star Wars-themed area rugs to be. I thought they would all scream college dorm, but they really don’t. They’re actually pretty sophisticated-looking, something I didn’t expect to find myself writing about floor rugs based on a science fantasy series. Fingers crossed for matching window treatments!

Millenium Falcon Wireless Charger: Charge Your Phone In Parsecs

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Modeled after Han Solo’s infamous flying bucket of bolts, the Geeknet Star Wars Millennium Falcon Wireless Charger (on sale for $26 at GameStop) is a wireless fast charger capable of juicing up any device with wireless charging capabilities (including Samsung and Apple phones). But can it do it in less than 12 parsecs? It better, or I’m demanding my money back.

The charger has a nice 3D look to it and measures approximately 11″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″, so it isn’t just a boring flat pad. Plus, the Falcon’s thrusters glow blue when your device is fully charged. Obviously, I’m only going to put already-charged devices on it, so it always glows blue because I’m much more into form than actual function.

I have a wireless charger on my bedside table so my phone charges while I sleep, but I always miss getting it on the pad before bed, so I wake up to a phone that’s guaranteed to die sometime during the day. Probably at the worst time possible. If there’s a logical solution to this problem, I sure don’t see it.

NASA Releases “Black-Hole Remix,” The Sounds of a Distant Galaxy Cluster

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If you want kids to care about it these days, it has to be on social media, so NASA has released a Twitter clip of sounds created by a distant galaxy cluster, presumably to reignite youth’s interest in space. I remember when I was a kid, outer space was all I could ever think about. Well, space, and how to sleep at night without getting eaten by the monsters hiding in my room. Little did I know at the time, those were the good ol’ days.

According to NASA Exoplanets (the NASA branch responsible for seeking planets and life outside our own solar system): “The misconception that there is no sound in space originates because most space is a ~vacuum, providing no way for sound waves to travel. A galaxy cluster has so much gas that we’ve picked up actual sound. Here it’s amplified, and mixed with other data, to hear a black hole!”

So what does it sound like? Kind of like a ghost party, with lots of moaning. And not sensual moaning either, ghastly moaning like you just bought a haunted house and are sleeping there for the first time. Don’t worry, though, you get used to it. Or at least I get so tired I pass out anyway.

[via TechEBlog]

This gold inflatable Martian house could be our future home on the Red Planet

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Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to live on Mars? Or how living on the Red Planet could actually feel like? Well, to answer your questions, a team led by Hugh Broughton Architects is exploring what our extraterrestrial homes on Mars could look like! Called, ‘Building a Martian House’, the concept was initially spearheaded by artists Ella Good and Nicki Kent, and over the years they pulled in various artists, architects, scientists, and even the public to envision what life on Mars could be like. The concept was then brought to life by Hugh Broughton Architects in partnership with Pearce+ and the artists.

“This project is a place for research and experiments about the future. Using Mars as a lens because of its resource-limited nature helps focus our conversations around what we need and how we want to live,” said Ella and Nicki.

Designer: Hugh Broughton Architects, Pearce+, Ella Good, and Nicki Kent

The concept is currently on display at M Shed Square in Bristol, UK. It’s essentially a two-story home that is solar-powered and can withstand the extreme temperatures of outer space. It can provide protection against temperatures averaging -63°C and even cosmic radiations! It’s designed to be a “real-life house”, that you can actually step into and experience. It imagines what living on another planet could actually feel like. It’s a test of what is possible with the technology available today, and how it can be stretched.

The most eye-catching element of the home is its striking gold upper level, which is crafted from pressurized inflatable gold-coated foil. It was designed by specialists from Inflate. Currently, the structure has been inflated with air, (allowing it to be reused) although, on Mars, the walls would be filled with regolith or soil. A hydroponic system will be integrated into the living room of the home, enabling the residents to live and relax in a space surrounded by plants as well as allowing them to follow a healthy green diet.

The lower level of the home will technically be underground, fixed within the planet’s lava tubes, providing complete protection to the residents from the high levels of radiation present on the planet. The basement will include an environmental control room that will feature all the power systems of the structure. It will also host two bedroom pods with a shower, as well as a ‘Martian’ loo, amped with a low-water waste treatment system.

“It is a prototype, intended to challenge people’s perceptions of what life on Mars might be like and to provide a canvas for them to suggest their own ideas to make the house as comfortable and welcoming as possible,” says Hugh Broughton.

The structure is an intriguing glimpse into what life in the future could be like. We could be living atop a sandy Martian landscape, or most probably our grandkids could. But I guess an important question would be – does such a future excite you or terrify you?!

The post This gold inflatable Martian house could be our future home on the Red Planet first appeared on Yanko Design.

Balloon-powered Spaceship Neptune promises a luxurious way to tour outer space

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Many private companies are working hard to make space travel more economical as well as more profitable. The latter could involve not just commutes but, more importantly, “space tourism.” To make that possible, however, rockets have to be reusable instead of being obliterated on reentry. Either that or spacecraft could take off on a runway the same way that airplanes do. Another option that’s starting to attract interest uses a style of flying that predates airplanes, relying on a gigantic balloon to lift people into the upper layers of our atmosphere. It may sound almost archaic, but the passenger capsule for one such spacecraft could very well be the most extravagant way to hold a cocktail party in outer space.

Designer: Of My Imagination

Of course, the balloon that will carry Space Perspective’s Neptune spacecraft won’t be the same hot air balloons you’ll see in the sky. A huge high-performance hydrogen balloon will have enough lifting power and enough durability to safely bring people to the outer edges of our planet for a relaxing outer space tour. And when it’s time to return to terra firma, the most advanced parachutes promise the same safety when landing down in the ocean.

While a balloon flight sounds almost boring compared to the adrenaline rush of a rocket launch, one look inside the newly-revealed capsule shows just how different it is from what the likes of Space X and Blue Origin have in mind so far when talking about space tourism. While these two want to offer an adventure similar to a roller coaster ride with some Zero-G moments, Space Perspective wants to create an atmosphere that is more chill, more educational, and perhaps even more memorable.

The Spaceship Neptune’s pressurized passenger capsule looks more like a compact cruise ship cabin than a rocket or plane. The spherical shape of the capsule offers more headroom for more comfortable viewing of the Earth and space through large windows. The seats definitely look more elegant than typical rocket seats, with holders for drinks even. And where do those drinks come from? Why from the bar in the back, of course! And before you ask, yes, there’s a restroom for those who can’t hold their liquids well.

The exterior of the capsule has also been redesigned to look more refined and also be safer. Below the sphere is a splash cone that will help ensure a softer water landing as much as possible. The complete form almost looks like a miniature balloon, so that the Spaceship Neptune and its hydrogen balloon look like two siblings in ascent, presuming you can actually see it from the side in outer space.

Space Perspective definitely offers a different perspective (pun intended) on how to enjoy space tours. A balloon’s slower ascent, longer time at its apex, and controlled descent offer a more relaxed and perhaps safer environment for appreciating our planet and learning more about it. True, it doesn’t have the thrilling zero gravity experience that many crave, but that’s easier to replicate on Earth than lounging in peace in outer space.

The post Balloon-powered Spaceship Neptune promises a luxurious way to tour outer space first appeared on Yanko Design.

The MARS Project ONE is a $9,000 Watch That Tells The Time on Earth and Mars

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The $9,125 MARS Project ONE Dual Time Zone Watch from Behrens tells the time simultaneously in two different time zones: one on Earth and one on Mars. You know, because it’s always important to know if you’re going to be late for a Martian meeting.

The 42mm watch uses a Swiss Cal.2824 automatic wind movement for its basic time-telling, with rotating Earth and Mars globes on top and bands that show each planet’s timezones. The current date is displayed in the middle, with the day of the week on Each planet shown beneath the globes and the time on each planet underneath that. Of course, it’s hard to tell what part of Mars you’re actually looking at, considering the whole planet looks like a uniform rust ball.

Don’t have $9,000 to spend on a watch just so you can tell what time it is on Mars? Then do what I do and just don’t care what time it is on Mars. What good have those Martians with their big heads and buggy eyes ever done for us anyway?! I bet they’re going to invade – you just wait.

[via DudeIWantThat]

Inflatable Moon habitat complete with minilab and living space for two astronauts is ready for the future

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Exploration of the moon is a global endeavor; every nation in some way or the other is involved in chalking out transportation modes to reach the celestial wonder. As an idea for the future, conceptual artist Jakub Pietryszyn has created an interesting concept of an expandable and inflatable Moon habitat.

The idea of a Moon habitat has been tinkered with by a few speculative designers/space architects in the past. One such concept that instantly strikes the mind is the origami-style tent for the moon. Whether you want to someday shift with your family and friends to the Moon and set up a solar-powered village there or you wish to sit back on the couch (on Earth) and inhabit the Moon in VR; all sorts of ideas are sprouting up by the day.

Designer: Jakub Pietryszyn

To that accord, this concept of a Moon habitat called BLOMPOD is not outright novel, but substantially elating. The idea of Pietryszyn’s minimalistic module is designed to be effortlessly transported to the Moon and once it has landed, it can then easily and instantly expand. Conceptualized for an upcoming space mission, the expandable and inflatable Moon pod can be unloaded with help of two rovers. When installed, the BLOMPOD – as the same suggests – begins to blossom. The fully-inflated surface of the pod is covered in Moon sand, while the well-protected, life-sustaining inner core houses the living area.

The BLOMPOD can accommodate at least two astronauts comfortably and fully inflated, it can also make room for various activities and programs onboard. From the designer’s vision, the base shield of this Moon habitat is made using regolith mixed with cement; the outer surface on the other hand features a regolith surface coated with Moon sand for protection against celestial radiation and other elements.

For the usage of space provided by the two shield layers, astronauts get a workspace equipped with minilabs laid out with computers and other equipment for on-site exploration and research within the outer core. The inner core is reserved for astronauts’ privacy wherein lies a sleeping area with a pair of beds, storage, a toilet with shower, and a kitchen beside a workout and social activity area. A complete living and working space for Moon exploration, the BLOMPOD as we said, is an exciting concept for the future!

The post Inflatable Moon habitat complete with minilab and living space for two astronauts is ready for the future first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Astronaut Rabbit Side Table/Tissue Holder Is a Real Product That Exists

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The day has finally come: the astronaut rabbit butler side table/tissue holder we’ve all been waiting for is finally available for sale! And to think of all the sleepless nights I’ve had to endure just waiting for it. I’ll be sleeping like a baby bunny tonight, that’s for sure.

The table is manufactured by WRNM, available on Amazon (affiliate link) in green, orange, grey, and white, and comes in two sizes: 28″ tall, and 35″ tall. Obviously, rabbit astronaut side tables are definitely a go-big-or-go-home situation, so you better buy the larger version. The astrobunny’s helmet also holds a box of tissues, that way you can wipe all your tears of joy for finally acquiring your dream side table.

I don’t know about you, but I just bought two – one for each side of the sofa. That way there will always be an astronaut rabbit side table within reach. Unless I’m sitting on the middle cushion, which is why I actually just bought three. The cover of Metropolitan Home, here I come!

[via DudeIWantThat]