Mercedes-Benz has introduced three groundbreaking technologies aimed at boosting efficiency, range, and sustainability in its future electric vehicles (EVs).

• SolarSkin: An ultra-thin solar paint that captures sunlight to generate energy. It could power up to 7,456 miles annually under ideal conditions, covering most daily commutes in sunny cities like Los Angeles.

• CellBalancer: A cell-level battery management system that ensures consistent 800V output, simplifies manufacturing, and allows for easier repairs and upgrades.

• InDrive Brake: A compact, motor-integrated braking system that eliminates rust, reduces weight, and cuts down on brake dust emissions.

While still in development, these innovations promise to revolutionize EV performance, sustainability, and maintenance.

SpaceX successfully launched the O3b mPOWER 7 and 8 satellites for SES on December 17, 2024, marking its third Falcon 9 mission within 24 hours. Liftoff occurred at 5:26 p.m. EST from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, despite challenging weather conditions.

The satellites are part of SES's medium Earth orbit (MEO) broadband network, designed to serve millions of users globally. This mission follows earlier launches of O3b mPOWER satellites, which faced power module issues. SES has implemented fixes for future satellites, including operational adjustments and hardware replacements.

The Falcon 9 booster, flying its first mission, landed successfully on the droneship Just Read the Instructions, ensuring its potential for reuse. SES plans to complete its constellation with additional launches through 2026.

Screenshot: spacex.com

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has unveiled plans for a new $12.2 million aerospace manufacturing facility to be installed at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The state-of-the-art plant will bolster Kentucky’s growing aerospace industry and reinforce the region’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.

The facility is expected to create numerous high-quality jobs and contribute to the local economy while supporting the aerospace sector's expansion in the U.S. This development aligns with Gov. Beshear’s broader vision to attract investment and drive sustainable economic growth in the state.

Further details about the plant's construction timeline and operational plans are anticipated in the coming months.

NASA’s SPHEREx satellite, a compact observatory designed to map the universe in 3D, is set to launch in late February 2025 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. SPHEREx will scan millions of stars and galaxies, offering new insights into the cosmos.

The mission will explore cosmic inflation, measure the glow of distant galaxies, and search for life-essential elements like water and carbon dioxide in the Milky Way. Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the satellite will complete two all-sky maps annually during its two-year mission.

The launch will also carry NASA’s PUNCH mission, a constellation of four small satellites designed to study the Sun’s corona and solar wind. Together, these missions represent a significant step forward in understanding both the universe’s origins and the Sun’s impact on Earth’s space environment.

Photo Credit: BAE Systems

Automotive Cells Company (ACC), a joint venture between Stellantis, TotalEnergies, and Mercedes-Benz, is set to secure a €1 billion loan to fund the construction of a second production block at its gigafactory in northern France.

The facility in Billy-Berclau-Douvrin currently operates one production block with a 15 GWh capacity. The expansion will add a second block with a 13 GWh capacity, reinforcing Europe's battery production infrastructure despite sluggish growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

This ambitious expansion follows the bankruptcy of European competitor Northvolt, raising questions about the future of large-scale battery projects in the region. Nevertheless, the loan, backed by ACC's shareholders, demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the EV transition in Europe.

Photo Credit: Stellantis.com