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- Next-Generation Microshutter Array Technology
NASA technologists have hurdled a number of significant challenges in their quest to improve a revolutionary observing technology originally created for the James Webb Space Telescope. This image shows a close-up view of the next-generation microshutter arrays -- designed to accommodate the needs of future observatories -- during the fabrication process. Determined to make the Webb telescope's microshutter technology more broadly available, a team of technologists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center spent the past four years experimenting with techniques to advance this capability. One of the first things the team did was eliminate the magnet that sweeps over the shutter arrays to activate them, replacing it with electrostatic actuation. Just as significant is the voltage needed to actuate the arrays. By last year, the team had achieved a major milestone by activating the shutters with just 30 volts. The team used atomic layer deposition, a state-of-the-art fabrication technology, to fully insulate the tiny space between the electrodes to eliminate potential electrical crosstalk that could interfere with the arrays’ operation. They also applied a very thin anti-stiction coating to prevent the shutters from sticking when opened. > Revolutionary Microshutter Technology Hurdles Significant Challenges Image Credit: NASA/Bill Hrybyk
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Author Archives: Thor
Thoughts On Events In Iraq
There seems to be a lot going on in the world recently. We could spend hours talking about the Bergdahl swap, or Hillary’s comments regarding domestic terrorists, or Obama’s non-comments about anything meaningful. What does Cantor’s loss in the Virginia … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events, Foriegn Policy, Iraq
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McRaven to Grads: To Change the World, Start by Making Your Bed [Watch] | The Alcalde
It is commencement time in the US. Every year, speakers have an opportunity to bore the audiences with an inspirational / educational message at higher education establishments across the nation. An exception to the rule this year seems to be … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events, Heroes, Misc
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Operation Pouty Face | Monster Hunter Nation
NY Times, bestselling author Larry Correia put together one of those “tough” messages today on the realities of life. This one was prompted by current events in Nigeria and Hollywood. It’s worth 10 minutes of your time to read it. … Continue reading
Posted in Current Events, Evil walks the earth
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Situational Awareness
A little long video below but, nice illustration of common failures in your situational awareness.
Posted in Self Defense
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Hump Day Laughs
At the risk of being politically incorrect, which is ok by me, here is your laugh for this morning.
Reading the Situation
Great article up today at Straight Forward. Observation, Decision and Action all turn into an incident where everyone goes home in one piece. Straight Forward in a Crooked World: Carjack Intermezzo. Often, it is the little things that can have … Continue reading
Posted in Evil walks the earth, Self Defense
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And Now…
…For something completely different. With all the foriegn policy and economic missteps taking place out there to throw a layer of gloom over your day let’s take five minutes to brighten up your day, acoustically.
Inventiveness
Way back in my youth, inventors and visionaries were what always caught my eye. Amphibious cars, highways of flying cars, robots, colonies on Mars, etc. As I grew older and began to understand the problems inherent in bringing a product … Continue reading
Posted in observations
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Bucket List – Achievement
I was able to cross off a bucket list item late last night, as the Aurora Borealis made an trek south into my latitudes. It was somewhat disappointing as there was so much fog and overcast that all it did … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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