Technology News 23/5: World's most powerful missile successfully test-fired.

SpaceX tests Starship V3

SpaceX recently conducted its largest test flight ever with the Starship V3, launching from Starbase, Texas. This is the spacecraft that NASA hopes will take astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Despite engine trouble, Starship completed its one-hour journey, dropping 20 Starlink satellites before crashing into the Indian Ocean and burning up as planned.

SpaceX's first Starship V3 superheavy rocket (bottom left) fell back to Earth after separating from the upper stage of Ship 39 during Flight 12 test flight on May 22. (Source: SpaceX)

At an altitude of 124 meters, Starship V3 surpasses its predecessors, boasting greater thrust, improved navigation and computing systems, and equipment to support landing and approach missions in space. Elon Musk called it a "victory for mankind," affirming the long-term goal of sending humans to Mars.

NASA and SpaceX are racing against Blue Origin to develop a lunar lander. If successful, Starship will play a crucial role in building a base at the Moon's south pole by the end of this decade. Simultaneously, SpaceX is also opening bookings for commercial flights to the Moon and Mars, promising to usher in a new era of space tourism .

Japan tests hypersonic engine.

Japan has just announced the successful testing of a Mach 5 engine at JAXA's Kakuda Center. This is a significant step towards the goal of building a civilian aircraft capable of flying from Tokyo to the United States in just two hours. The technology was developed by JAXA in collaboration with leading universities such as Waseda, Tokyo, and Keio, with plans for commercialization in the 2040s.

The image illustrates a supersonic jet flying at a high altitude. (Source: Getty Images)

Hypersonic engines must withstand extreme conditions, including shock waves and temperatures up to approximately 1,000°C. Tests simulated altitudes of nearly 24,400 meters, double the altitude of a typical commercial aircraft. Thermal protection systems, control surfaces, and ramjet combustion chambers were all tested to ensure stable operation.

If equipped with rocket engines, this aircraft could even reach space. However, experts believe that the complete development process could take up to 20 years. Alongside Japan, the US and many private companies are also racing to develop hypersonic technology, ushering in a new era for the aviation industry.

Submersible robot uncovers 500-year-old secrets.

A state-of-the-art submersible robot is being deployed off the coast of France to investigate a 16th-century shipwreck. The vessel, believed to have carried cargo and weapons during wartime, is now considered an archaeological treasure on the seabed. Robotic technology allows researchers to access dangerous areas that are difficult for divers to reach.

A robotic submersible surveys a shipwreck off the coast of France. (Source: Getty Images)

The robot is equipped with high-resolution cameras, sonar sensors, and a robotic arm to collect samples. Thanks to its ability to operate at great depths, it can record detailed hull structures and detect artifacts such as ceramics, weapons, and personal belongings of sailors. This data will aid in reconstructing European maritime history.

The project is not only of scientific significance but also opens up opportunities for tourism and education . Images and 3D models from the robots will be displayed at the museum, helping the public better understand life and trade 500 years ago. This is an important step in combining modern technology with underwater archaeology.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-23-5-ten-lua-manh-nhat-the-gioi-phong-thu-thanh-cong-ar1019574.html