Month: January 2024
The European Space Agency will test 3D printing metal on the ISS
The first metal 3D printer that will be used in space is on its way to the International Space Station. The Cygnus NG-20 supply mission, which is carrying the 180kg (397 lbs) printer, launched on Tuesday and is set to arrive at the ISS on Thursday.
Astronaut Andreas Mogensen will install the printer, which Airbus developed for the European Space Agency. The machine will then be controlled and monitored from Earth.
Polymer-based 3D printers have been employed on the ISS in the past, but metal 3D printing in orbit is said to pose a trickier challenge. The machine will use a form of stainless steel that’s often used for water treatment and medical implants because of how well it resists corrosion.
After the stainless steel wire is pushed into the printing area, the printer melts it with a laser said to be a million times more powerful than a typical laser pointer. The printer then adds the melted metal to the print.
The melting point of the metal is around 1,400°C and the printer will run inside a completely sealed box. Before the printer can operate, it needs to vent its oxygen into space and replace its atmosphere with nitrogen. Otherwise, the melted metal would oxidize when it became exposed to oxygen.
Given the higher temperatures that are employed compared with a plastic 3D printer (which heats to around 200°C), “the safety of the crew and the Station itself have to be ensured — while maintenance possibilities are also very limited,” ESA technical officer Rob Postema told the agency’s website. “If successful though, the strength, conductivity and rigidity of metal would take the potential of in-space 3D printing to new heights.”
Four test prints are scheduled. The printer will replicate reference prints that have been created back on Earth. The two versions will be compared to help scientists understand how printing quality and performance differs in space. Even though each print will weigh less than 250g (8.8 ounces) and be smaller than a soda can, it will take the printer between two and four weeks to create each one. The printer will only be in operation for a maximum of four hours each day, since its fans and motor are fairly loud and the ISS has noise regulations.
If the experiment goes well, it will pave the way for astronauts and space agencies to print required tools or parts without having to send the items on resupply missions. Metal 3D printing could also help with the construction of a lunar base using recycled materials or transformed regolith (moon soil and rock). It may come in useful for missions to Mars too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-european-space-agency-will-test-3d-printing-metal-on-the-iss-154413028.html?src=rss
The first metal 3D printer that will be used in space is on its way to the International Space Station. The Cygnus NG-20 supply mission, which is carrying the 180kg (397 lbs) printer, launched on Tuesday and is set to arrive at the ISS on Thursday.
Astronaut Andreas Mogensen will install the printer, which Airbus developed for the European Space Agency. The machine will then be controlled and monitored from Earth.
Polymer-based 3D printers have been employed on the ISS in the past, but metal 3D printing in orbit is said to pose a trickier challenge. The machine will use a form of stainless steel that’s often used for water treatment and medical implants because of how well it resists corrosion.
After the stainless steel wire is pushed into the printing area, the printer melts it with a laser said to be a million times more powerful than a typical laser pointer. The printer then adds the melted metal to the print.
The melting point of the metal is around 1,400°C and the printer will run inside a completely sealed box. Before the printer can operate, it needs to vent its oxygen into space and replace its atmosphere with nitrogen. Otherwise, the melted metal would oxidize when it became exposed to oxygen.
Given the higher temperatures that are employed compared with a plastic 3D printer (which heats to around 200°C), “the safety of the crew and the Station itself have to be ensured — while maintenance possibilities are also very limited,” ESA technical officer Rob Postema told the agency’s website. “If successful though, the strength, conductivity and rigidity of metal would take the potential of in-space 3D printing to new heights.”
Four test prints are scheduled. The printer will replicate reference prints that have been created back on Earth. The two versions will be compared to help scientists understand how printing quality and performance differs in space. Even though each print will weigh less than 250g (8.8 ounces) and be smaller than a soda can, it will take the printer between two and four weeks to create each one. The printer will only be in operation for a maximum of four hours each day, since its fans and motor are fairly loud and the ISS has noise regulations.
If the experiment goes well, it will pave the way for astronauts and space agencies to print required tools or parts without having to send the items on resupply missions. Metal 3D printing could also help with the construction of a lunar base using recycled materials or transformed regolith (moon soil and rock). It may come in useful for missions to Mars too.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-european-space-agency-will-test-3d-printing-metal-on-the-iss-154413028.html?src=rss
Percy Jackson season 2 hasn’t been announced yet, but its Disney Plus future sounds promising
Percy Jackson’s showrunners say they’re making great progress on season 2, despite the fact it hasn’t been greenlit.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians hasn’t been renewed for a second season yet, but its writing team is already hard at work on its scripts.
In a Variety article posted after Percy Jackson‘s season 1 finale aired on Disney Plus today (January 31), co-showrunner Jon Steinberg dropped a huge hint over the hit fantasy show’s future. Indeed, the fate of the Walker Scobell-starring TV show is still up in the air, but Steinberg suggested that a second season was likely to happen, given that its writers’ room has re-assembled to outline the direction of a potential sequel.
“There is an awareness on everyone’s part that the demand for the show seems to suggest we should probably not stop making it,” Steinberg said. He later added that he, fellow co-showrunner Dan Shotz, and their fellow scribes were “making great progress” on Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 2, even though Disney hasn’t officially greenlit it.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE ARE NO MORE EPISODES THIS YEAR???? WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE SHOW IS OVER??? WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO ON TUESDAYS????#PercyJackson#PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians pic.twitter.com/9HZFJYNBMcJanuary 31, 2024
In a separate chat with TV Insider, Scobell – who plays the titular demigod – revealed that he was in the dark over the series’ possible renewal, saying: “We really have no idea [if the show has been renewed yet]. Nobody’s telling us anything.”
However, he also offered hope to the show’s sizable fanbase about a potential second installment, adding: “I hope that we’re out in the sun a lot, so I’m not transparent anymore! I’m guessing since we’re outside a lot, we’re probably going to be more on location. So it’ll be fun to be there and be close to the water, be outside, touch grass.”
Cooking up a storm
Percy Jackson’s TV adaptation has been a hit, particularly with viewers under the age of 17 (Image credit: 20th Television/Disney Plus)
If Percy Jackson and the Olympians is renewed for another outing, it’ll be a remarkable turnaround for the Rick Riordan-created young adult (YA) fantasy franchise.
The author’s book series is beloved by many, but there were plenty of people who criticized Percy Jackson‘s two big-screen adventures in the early 2010s – Riordan among them. Indeed, speaking exclusively to TechRadar ahead of the franchise’s live-action Disney Plus adaptation, Riordan admitted that the movies “just didn’t resonate” with audiences in a similar manner to its YA fantasy genre cousins Harry Potter or Twilight.
Rather than use the film flops as an excuse to pass on future adaptations, though, Riordan agreed to partner with Disney on a TV adaptation for one of the world’s best streaming services. It’s a decision that’s paid off, too, with Percy Jackson and the Olympians proving incredibly popular.
Per a January 16 Deadline report, its premiere eclipsed 26 million views in its first three weeks on the service, albeit that figure was bolstered by its first two entries simultaneously debuting on Hulu in the US. On January 25, Deadline also revealed the show’s first three episodes had accrued a total of 700 million minutes viewed – an increase of 22% from the previous week.
no season 2 announcement at the end #PercyJackson pic.twitter.com/oesvA0bIs1January 31, 2024
As long as Percy Jackson‘s TV adaptation has continued its upward trajectory with episodes four through eight – we’ll find out how many people watched each episode in the weeks to come – Disney would be silly not to confirm a second season.
Of course, much will depend on how cost-effective the series has been, but given that it’s been popular enough to become one of the best Disney Plus shows of recent times, its renewal appears to be a mere formality. That’s in spite of our spoiler-free thoughts on Percy Jackson’s first few episodes – indeed, we said it “wasn’t a Greek tragedy, but it’s not a god-tier Disney Plus show, either“.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 1 is available to stream in full on Disney Plus.
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Cyberpunk 2077 latest patch adds a new customizable feature for Rayfield vehicles and fixes melee finishers
Cyberpunk 2077 patch 2.11 has added a brand new feature for Rayfield vehicles.
Cyberpunk 2077 patch 2.11 has added a brand new feature for Rayfield vehicles.
CD Projekt Red dropped the latest update today (January 31) which features a ton of changes to both the base game and the Phantom Liberty expansion, including an exciting new feature to Rayfield-manufactured cars that allows players to change the paint job.
It’s called the CrystalCoat feature and is now available in-game. However, the studio noted that “because this technology was developed exclusively by Rayfield, it is currently only available for Rayfield vehicles you own.”
Alongside this, the game has also received a ton of quality-of-life improvements, as well as bug fixes for some troublesome issues. For example, the melee Finishers are now working properly.
Players will also discover that Cyberware Capacity has now been capped at 450, so if you try and exceed this limit Cyberware will be unequipped automatically, and drifting in most vehicles has been improved for when you’re cruising around Night City. For the full breakdown of the update, you can read the patch notes below.
Cyberpunk 2077 version 2.11 patch notes
Gameplay
Melee Finishers will now work properly.Fixed an issue where health items could become unequipped from the quick access slot after using consumables.It will now be possible to properly switch Z and W keybinds for AZERTY keyboards.When using the Classic control scheme, performing dashes will no longer result in crouching.Fixed an issue where it was still required to use the F key (default) to interact even if bound to a different key.Binding the right mouse button to an action different than aiming will no longer result in aiming and the new action occurring simultaneously.Axolotl cyberware will now also reduce cooldown when neutralizing an enemy non-lethally.The Iconic Contagion quickhack will now properly cause an explosion when combined with the Overheat quickhack.Added Psalm 11:6 and Buzzsaw crafting specs for players who completed the required activites to acquire them but they didn’t drop.Fixed an issue preventing players from upgrading items to Tier 5++ on Xbox.Skeleton cyberware will no longer get downgraded after acquiring level 3 of the License to Chrome perk.Skill Shards for skills that are already maxed out will no longer drop.The RAM cost for the Cyberpsychosis quickhack will now properly decrease after applying Cyberware Malfunction or an EMP effect.Killing NPCs who are drunk or using a braindance will now properly trigger the police system.Fixed an issue where RAM Recoup cyberware was restoring less RAM than indicated by its description.Fixed an issue where fists would not have a chance to apply Bleeding after reaching level 20 in the Solo skill.Fixed the description for Biomonitor cyberware so it properly states that it heals you when health drops below 50% rather than 35%.It will now be possible to activate Sandevistan cyberware during holocalls if in combat.Fixed an issue where it was possible to get killed by a quickhack while Berserk is active, despite its feature ensuring that health cannot drop below 25%.Cyberware Capacity will now be capped at 450. Cyberware exceeding the limit will be unequipped.Fixed an issue that could cause loot to float in the air as well as reappear in the same spot after picking it up.
Quest and Open World
Adjusted car chases so that they’re not too frequent and don’t overlap.Fixed an issue where vehicles purchased on the Autofixer website weren’t added to the owned vehicles list even though money was spent.Made it possible to obtain the BFC 9000 Iconic weapon for players who missed the crashed AV in Rancho Coronado.Fixed an issue where the animation of inspecting the NCART City Pass could be triggered inside an elevator, causing V to fall through it.Fixed an issue where the message from NCART Customer Support that unlocks the metro wouldn’t arrive, even if the requirements were met.Fixed some instances where Gigs could remain stuck as incomplete in the Journal without any objectives.A Day In The Life – Fixed an issue where Darrell Zhou would instantly die after approaching the quest marker and speaking to him. Please note that the fix is not retroactive, meaning that you need to load a save prior to speaking to Darrell to be able to complete the quest.Belly of the Beast – Fixed an issue where it wasn’t possible to exit the Basilisk after entering the tunnel.Cyberpsycho Sighting: On Deaf Ears – Fixed an issue where it wasn’t possible to collect the information required to progress because the shard wasn’t present in the area.Don’t Lose Your Mind – Fixed an issue where, after choosing to merge the Delamains, it wasn’t possible to progress past the “Approach the car” objective because the cab didn’t spawn.Down on the Street – Fixed an issue where Takemura wasn’t present when arriving at Wakako’s pachinko parlor.Gig: Bring Me the Head of Gustavo Orta – Fixed an issue where Gustavo would immediately become hostile after entering his office.Gig: Bring Me the Head of Gustavo Orta – Fixed an issue where the guards would immediately attack the player after picking the peaceful Street Kid dialogue option.I Really Want to Stay at Your House – Fixed an issue where it wasn’t possible to sleep in V’s apartment bed while the quest was active.Psycho Killer – Improved the reward for neutralizing all Cyberpsychos. Players that already claimed the reward can visit Regina and collect the new reward from the weapon crate.Reported Crime: Dredged Up – Fixed an issue where the trail that must be scanned to progress could be missing.Spellbound – Fixed an issue when the discounted price for the Spellbook could be higher than the full price.
Phantom Liberty-specific
Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos – Fixed an issue where there was no objective in the Journal entry because the objective to meet Reed at the abandoned hotel wouldn’t appear.Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos – Fixed an issue where there were no dialogue options that would progress the quest when talking to Yoko.Firestarter – Fixed an issue where some weapons could become job items after being retrieved from the locker.Hi Ho Silver Lining – Fixed an issue where it wasn’t possible to talk to Mr. Hands in the Heavy Hearts club because he wasn’t interactable or did not spawn for players who experienced this issue on 2.1.Just Another Story – Fixed an issue where Vehicle Contracts weren’t spawning in some cases.Things Done Changed – Fixed an issue where the screen could go black after calling the nurse for players who experienced this issue on 2.1.Added an end credits message from Reed for endings other than The Tower.Removed the possibility of installing attachments on the Catahoula Iconic pistol.Fixed an issue where it was possible to activate the Sensory Protocol perk when it was on cooldown.Fixed an issue where it was possible to activate Synaptic Accelerator cyberware during its cooldown.It will now be required to have a cyberdeck installed to benefit from Cogito Lattice cyberware.Fixed an issue where the buff after exploding an enemy with the Detonate Grenade quickhack didn’t match the description.
UI
Added a Radioport category in Settings → Gameplay to customize Radioport behavior. Enable “Sync to Vehicle Radio” to keep the music playing after exiting a vehicle. With “Cycle Stations with Button Press”, effortlessly switch between radio stations by simply pressing the Radioport button without the need to open the Radio menu. Enable “Save Current Station” to have the Radioport resume playing the radio station upon loading a saved game.The data window that appears when scanning will no longer default to the “Hacking” tab rather than “Data.” Instead, it will now remember which tab was open last.Fixed an issue preventing players from changing cyberware at Ripperdocs and seeing the Cyberware Capacity bar.Added a pop-up message for when it’s not possible to activate Sandevistan during holocalls.Like the non-Iconic variants, Iconic quickhacks will no longer have the duration displayed in their descriptions.Made small improvements to the appearance of Net sites.
Visual
Neon-lit rims for the Yaiba Kusanagi CT-3X will now light up properly.Fixed shadows appearing on V’s torso when wearing tank tops.Fixed dark shadows appearing on V’s hands when holding some weapons with Ray Tracing enabled.The Devil and Judgment tarot cards will now be properly displayed on the end-game reward screen.
Vehicles
Tire track marks will now match the actual contact patch of the tire.Adjusted the suspension movement of some traffic vehicles to improve it visually.Motorcycle suspension has been improved to reduce visual clipping into roads and curbs. Braking is also improved. Some vehicles, including cars and trucks, will now better handle landing from big jumps.Brake Torque Vectoring has been added to the Drive Model simulation. This change effectively reduces understeer on vehicles that previously used to suffer from it excessively when hard braking while turning (most noticeable on FWD and rear/mid-engined vehicles).Retuned or improved tuning in various vehicles. This includes: Mizutani Hozuki MH1, MH2 and “Hoseki,” Villefort Deleon V400, V410 Coupe and “Vindicator,” Thorton Colby CST40, Mahir Supron FS3-T, Chevillon Centurion 1000, Quadra Type 66 “Hoon,” and more.
Implemented various small changes to improve drifting in most vehicles:
AWD vehicles now apply power through their front differentials more smoothly when exiting Burn Out Mode induced drifts (check out our Driving Manual in the Database for more info on those).Dynamic Stability Management was adjusted to engage more smoothly after Burn Out Mode drifts.Most mid-engined cars’ Burn Out Mode implementation has been polished to induce more easily and overall feel better, including the Rayfield Caliburn, Quadra Turbo R, Herrera Riptide, etc.
PC-specific
Added a Hybrid CPU Utilization setting, which can be found under Gameplay → Performance. It can be set either to “Auto” (lets the operating system automatically decide how to distribute threads among the cores) or “Prioritize P-Cores” (prioritizes performance cores). It is set to “Auto” by default.Implemented a fix that improves performance, especially on AMD RX Vega GPUs.
Misc
Added the CrystalCoat feature which allows you to change vehicle paint color. Because this technology was developed exclusively by Rayfield, it is currently only available for Rayfield vehicles you own.Controller Inner Dead Zone has been changed to new default values for players who didn’t change them, as keeping the old default values could result in stick drift.Fixed an issue where the door in the Megabuilding H10 apartment wouldn’t automatically close in some cases.
REDmod
Updated the address list for modders.
For more, check out our guide to every upcoming game of 2024, as well as the best single-player games you can play right now.
You Can Pay Your Taxes With a Credit Card — But Should You? – CNET
I used a credit card to cover my tax bill in 2022, but it’s not a smart move for everyone.
I used a credit card to cover my tax bill in 2022, but it’s not a smart move for everyone.
Thousands of Jenkins instances exposed following attack
A critical vulnerability was found in Jenkins, allowing for RCE against tens of thousands of instances.
Tens of thousands of Jenkins servers are vulnerable to a high-severity bug that allows threat actors to run malicious code on the endpoints, remotely.
The project recently released two patches addressing the vulnerability, and are urging users to apply them immediately and avoid unnecessary risk.
Jenkins is an open source automation server for CI/CD, with which developers can build, test, and deploy various processes.
No evidence of abuse (yet)
Last week, the project released versions 2.442, and LTS 2.426.3, which address an arbitrary file read vulnerability tracked as CVE-2024-23897. This vulnerability, BleepingComputer reports, already has multiple proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits in the wild. As per the advisory released with the patches, the problem is in the command-line interface, which automatically replaces the @ character followed by a file path, with the contents of the file. This feature is turned on by default, it was added.
Hackers can abuse it for a number of things, from accessing sensitive information such as secrets, to running malicious code on vulnerable endpoints. They could also delete files from Jenkins servers and download Java heap dumps.
As per a Shadowserver scan, there are roughly 45,000 unpatched Jenkins servers that could be potential targets. The majority of these endpoints is located in China (12,000), followed by the United States (11,830), Germany (3,060), India (2,681), France (1,431), and the UK (1,029). Researchers are saying that there are multiple PoCs already circulating on the internet, but it’s unclear if any threat actors picked up on them or tried to use them in any of their campaigns.
BleepingComputer says that some Jenkins honeypots did observe activities “resembling genuine exploitation attempts”, although the evidence seems to be inconclusive.
Given the severity of the flaw, IT admins are advised to apply the patch as soon as possible. Those that are unable to do so should reach out to the Jenkins project for recommendations and workarounds.
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Today’s Best Savings Rates, Jan. 31, 2024: Earn 5% APY or More With One of These High-Yield Savings Accounts – CNET
Savings rates remain high leading into this week’s FOMC meeting.
Savings rates remain high leading into this week’s FOMC meeting.