#004
This Week in “Wait, What?”: Three recent breakthroughs I wish I’d known yesterday because, well, they're pretty cool...
🛰️ 1. World’s first orbital tow truck
What’s the news?
A few years back, ESA commissioned the ClearSpace‑1 mission, which will finally launch in late 2026. Imagine this: A 700-kg mechanical space octopus, gliding through orbit with four robotic arms outstretched. It’s closing in on a lonely, 112-kg piece of old rocket hardware; a dead object tumbling silently at 17,000 mph, like forgotten space litter.
When it gets close enough, the arms grab it like a claw machine in zero gravity. Then it pulls the whole thing downward, into Earth’s atmosphere, where both it and the junk will burn up in a blaze of responsible glory.
The liftoff is scheduled aboard a Vega‑C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana (South America, wedged between Brazil and Suriname🌎).
Why it matters:
We’re now piling more satellites into orbit than ever. Unsurprisingly, space debris is a growing hazard. This is humanity’s first mission to remove orbital junk actively.
Pub Brag:
“There are around 3,000+ dead satellites in orbit right now, just drifting like derelict tumbleweeds. Makes sense why we need space tow trucks, doesn’t it? Europe’s launching a space tow-truck to sweep up satellite wreckage.”
🧠 2. Control tech by thought
What’s the news?
Georgia Tech scientists built a micro-needle patch that reads your brain signals with 96.4% accuracy(!)… while you’re moving, talking, or in a meeting. No implants. No cables. No scalp prep. Just slap it on and think.
Why this matters:
Traditional BCIs (aka Brain-Computer Interface) are bulky, gel-covered, and confined to labs… or else they require brain implants. This patch changes the game: it works on daily commutes, AR meetings, or therapy, without scalp shaving, surgery, or couch-sitting. Finally, mind-controlled tech that fits into your lifestyle:
Pub Brag:
“Did you know they’ve developed a hair-thin, tiny stick-on mind reader? No wires, no surgery, just slap it on your head and control your tech with pure thought.”
☀️ 3. Solar panels getting planet-saving upgrade
What’s the news?
Scientists over at Sweden’s Linköping University (with help from Cornell) have created a way to fully recycle a next-gen solar panel using just water and mild chemicals. Every part, from the glass to the solar material inside, can be taken apart and reused without any toxic waste.
Why this matters:
Most solar panels today are difficult to recycle and end up in landfills. They’re made with silicon, heavy metals, and glues that are difficult to separate.
But perovskite solar panels (the flexible, cheaper, high-efficiency kind) are emerging fast. Until now, they had the same recycling problem.
This breakthrough means we can reuse these futuristic panels repeatedly, with almost zero environmental damage. Think solar tech that’s clean at the start and the end of its life.
Pub Brag:
“New solar panels can now be rinsed off and rebuilt with water. It’s like giving the planet reusable batteries powered by the sun.”
🧭 TL:DR for the cool cats (meow):
What's playing right now?
🎧 The Future of Geography by Tim Marshall (highly recommend if you're into space and politics.)
🎧 X by Evy Poumpouras (a podcast that's worth a listen: Former US Secret Service Agent on leadership, resilience, clarity, and confidence.)
Enjoyed that brainy boost? Want more of the science that makes you sound intelligent AF? Subscribe for your weekly dose of geek gospel. Forward to anyone who thinks “perovskite” is a Mediterranean pastry. Sharing is caring. Especially when it makes you look clever. Stay curious, nerd. ✌🏽
#ThisWeekInWaitWhat #Space #DeepTech #CleanTech
Katie, thanks for sharing!
You're work is becoming one of my favorite reads, Katie Caiger!