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SpaceX Reveals Starship Launch Postponed Until at Minimum November Because of Regulatory Examination

# SpaceX’s Starship Test Flight Postponed: FAA Licensing Issues and Environmental Matters

According to a statement from SpaceX, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has notified the company that it will not grant a launch license for the next Starship rocket test flight until at least late November. This postponement pushes the timeline back by over two months from the FAA’s initial target of mid-September. SpaceX has shown its displeasure, indicating that the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage for the forthcoming launch—representing the fifth full-scale test flight of the Starship initiative—have been prepared since early August.

The forthcoming test flight is particularly ambitious, as it will involve an attempt to recover the Super Heavy booster at the launch site and capture it mid-air using mechanical arms. However, regulatory holdups, mainly due to environmental issues and bureaucratic delays, have hindered progress on the mission.

## The Challenge: A Daring New Aim

SpaceX’s upcoming test flight will showcase an unprecedented goal: capturing the Super Heavy booster in mid-air as it returns to the launch site. This will mark SpaceX’s first attempt at such a maneuver. The Super Heavy booster, comparable in length and width to a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, will descend vertically with the aid of its Raptor engines. The intention is for the booster to decelerate to a near-hover, permitting two mechanical catch arms to ensnare the stainless steel booster above the launch platform.

This approach represents a significant shift from SpaceX’s existing recovery methods for its Falcon 9 rocket, which typically lands on offshore platforms. A mid-air capture would facilitate quicker turnaround times and enhance the reusability of the Super Heavy booster, a vital part of SpaceX’s long-term ambitions for space exploration and interplanetary travel.

## FAA Delays: An Escalating Annoyance

SpaceX has strongly voiced its discontent regarding the FAA’s sluggish licensing process. The company has labeled the delays as “unreasonable and frustrating,” pointing to bureaucratic inefficiencies, a lack of transparency, and what it refers to as “unnecessary environmental assessments.”

In its statement, SpaceX emphasized that the setbacks are not attributable to technical readiness or safety issues, but rather stem from regulatory obstacles. The company has previously urged the FAA to bolster its staffing to accommodate the increasing volume of commercial space launches. Congress has, in response, approved a budget boost for the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, which has recruited around 35 new employees in the past year, raising the total to 158. Nevertheless, SpaceX contends that this remains inadequate to satisfy the demands of the rapidly expanding commercial space sector.

## Environmental Matters: The Heart of the Delay

One of the primary factors delaying the launch is an environmental evaluation linked to SpaceX’s discharge of water around the Starship launch pad in Texas. This water is utilized to cool a steel flame deflector positioned underneath the Super Heavy booster’s 33 engines. SpaceX has encountered fines from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency, although the company argues that these penalties stem from documentation disputes rather than genuine environmental damage.

Additionally, the upcoming flight will take a different trajectory than the previous Starship mission in June. A stainless steel ring, referred to as the hot-staging ring, will detach from the top of the booster and descend into a different area of the Gulf of Mexico. This alteration has prompted the FAA to begin a 60-day consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service to reevaluate the potential effects on marine wildlife.

Another environmental issue pertains to the sonic boom produced by the Super Heavy booster upon its return to land in Texas. This has led the FAA to sanction an additional 60-day consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess the boom’s impact on local wildlife.

SpaceX has expressed displeasure with these supplementary reviews, claiming that they are unwarranted and could cause indefinite delays to the launch. “This single concern, which has already been thoroughly analyzed, could postpone the launch indefinitely without addressing any credible environmental impacts,” the company stated.

## The Larger Picture: National Security and Lunar Aspirations

The postponements of Starship test flights have wider ramifications beyond SpaceX’s commercial objectives. NASA has designated SpaceX’s Starship as the human-rated lander for its Artemis program, which aims to bring astronauts back to the Moon. The early-stage test flights of Starship are crucial for demonstrating the rocket’s reliability and testing technologies such as in-space refueling, essential for upcoming lunar missions.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has highlighted the significance of returning U.S. astronauts to the Moon before China, which plans to land its astronauts on the lunar surface by 2030. SpaceX’s Starship is a pivotal element of NASA’s strategy to achieve this ambition.

Kelvin Coleman, the FAA’s associate administrator for space transportation, acknowledged the importance of the Artemis initiative during a recent hearing before the House Space and Aeronautics subcommittee. “We certainly recognize and appreciate the crucial significance of

Huawei Launches $2,800 Trifold Smartphone, Tailored for Daily Use

# Huawei Mate XT Ultimate: A Groundbreaking Trifold Smartphone

In the fast-paced arena of smartphones, Huawei has once more expanded the horizons of innovation with the introduction of its **Mate XT Ultimate**, a device that transforms the concept of foldable phones. In contrast to offerings from **Samsung** or **Google**, which have brought attention to conventional flip or fold designs, the Mate XT Ultimate showcases a **trifold** mechanism, providing users a distinctive experience that merges the convenience of a smartphone with the generous display of a tablet.

## A Novel Foldable: The Trifold Structure

The **Huawei Mate XT Ultimate** distinguishes itself with its **trifold** structure, allowing the phone to fold over **two hinges**. When completely unfolded, the device features a **10.2-inch diagonal display**, nearly matching the size of a regular iPad. This expansive screen delivers a near-tablet experience, perfect for productivity, gaming, or enjoying multimedia content.

Nevertheless, the Mate XT Ultimate is not solely about size. The device also folds into a more portable **7.9-inch** format, striking a balance between a tablet and a phone. Ultimately, when fully collapsed, it takes on the form of a conventional **6.4-inch** smartphone, making it convenient to carry in your pocket. This adaptability is among the most attractive aspects of the Mate XT, allowing users to toggle between various modes based on their requirements.

For those seeking to enhance productivity, Huawei additionally provides an **optional folding keyboard**, converting the Mate XT into a mini-laptop for work on the go.

## A Price Tag That Reflects the Innovation

With all this innovative technology, the Mate XT Ultimate comes with a substantial price tag. In China, the device is priced at **19,999 yuan**, which translates to roughly **$2,800 USD**. This positions it as one of the priciest smartphones available, exceeding even the premium foldable offerings from Samsung and Google. Regrettably for tech fans in the U.S., the Mate XT Ultimate cannot be purchased due to ongoing sanctions and trade limitations between the U.S. and Huawei.

The timing of the Mate XT’s introduction is also significant. It debuted mere hours after **Apple’s iPhone 16 event**, an action that many interpret as a strategic move by Huawei to dispute the supremacy of U.S. tech giants. As **The New York Times** noted, Huawei has a pattern of scheduling its product launches to align with significant U.S. tech events, highlighting the persistent friction between the Chinese tech powerhouse and the U.S. government.

## A Vision Brought to Life

At the unveiling of the Mate XT Ultimate, **Richard Yu**, chairman of Huawei’s consumer group, shared his enthusiasm for the device. “This is a creation that everyone has envisioned but never succeeded in developing,” Yu stated during the livestream. “I’ve always dreamed of fitting our tablet into my pocket, and we’ve achieved that.”

This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the Mate XT Ultimate—a device designed to merge the boundaries between smartphones and tablets, giving users the best of both realms in a single, foldable format.

## Advanced Specifications

For the cost of **two high-end gaming PCs**, the Mate XT Ultimate delivers a remarkable set of specifications:

– **256GB of storage** (with options for higher capacities)
– **16GB of RAM**
– A **5,600 mAh battery** for prolonged use
– A **50-megapixel main camera**, paired with two additional **12 MP ultrawide** and **periscope cameras**
– A **120 Hz LTPO OLED display**, ensuring fluid visuals
– Weighs **298 grams** and measures just **3.6 mm thick** when completely unfolded

Huawei has also integrated a variety of **AI-driven features** within the Mate XT, particularly in the camera and software areas, promising improved performance and user satisfaction.

## The Tiangong Hinge Mechanism

One of the most captivating features of the Mate XT Ultimate is its **hinge mechanism**, which Huawei has named after the **Tiangong space station**. According to Huawei, the hinge permits both **internal and external bending** across dual tracks, guaranteeing durability and flexibility. The hinges are crafted from a **composite laminate** and integrate **non-Newtonian fluid components**, which aid in absorbing impacts and contribute to smoother folding and unfolding.

Considering the intricacy of the trifold design, the resilience of the hinges will be a crucial aspect in determining the long-term viability of the Mate XT. Foldable smartphones have historically faced challenges concerning hinge reliability, and it will be intriguing to observe how Huawei’s innovative system performs in the long run.

## Pre-Orders and Market Introduction

In spite of its premium pricing, the Mate XT Ultimate has already garnered substantial interest in China. According to **The Verge**, the phone has achieved **3.7 million pre-orders** through

Woman Suffers from Profuse Sweating Following Meals Because of Uncommon Nerve Condition

### Gustatory Hyperhidrosis: When Eating Causes Sweating

The human body presents a complex and intriguing system, filled with phenomena that can sometimes seem illogical. A remarkable aspect is the capacity of nerves to repair themselves following an injury, enabling individuals to recover some lost capabilities. Nonetheless, this healing process can occasionally misfire, resulting in uncommon and peculiar conditions. One such condition is **gustatory hyperhidrosis**, often referred to as **Frey’s syndrome**, where eating incites excessive perspiration on the face.

#### What is Gustatory Hyperhidrosis?

Gustatory hyperhidrosis is an unusual neurological disorder that usually arises after harm to the **parotid glands**, the sizable salivary glands situated on either side of the face, just before the ears. These glands play a crucial role in generating saliva, particularly during meals. However, post-injury or surgery to these glands, the nerves controlling saliva flow might regenerate inaccurately, causing a confusing interplay of signals.

In this scenario, the nerves that facilitate saliva production become intertwined with those that manage sweating, leading to a bizarre occurrence: when an individual eats or even contemplates food, rather than merely generating saliva, they also start to perspire profusely on their face.

#### A Case Study: Sweating During Meals

In a recent case documented in the *New England Journal of Medicine*, physicians in Taiwan took notice of a 76-year-old female who had been suffering this very phenomenon for two years. Each time she consumed food, her face would sweat uncontrollably. The doctors witnessed this directly when she tasted a piece of pork jerky. Within moments, her left cheek began to shimmer with sweat, and after 75 seconds of chewing, large droplets were cascading down her face and neck.

The woman had undergone a surgical procedure seven years prior to remove her left parotid gland due to a benign tumor. While gustatory hyperhidrosis is a recognized complication following such surgeries, it typically manifests within six to 18 months after the operation. However, in this instance, symptoms emerged five years after the surgery, which left the doctors baffled.

#### The Anatomy Behind the Condition

To grasp gustatory hyperhidrosis, one must explore the anatomy of the nervous system. The nerves that regulate the salivary glands are components of the **parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)**, which oversees “rest and digest” functions such as salivation. Conversely, the nerves controlling sweating belong to the **sympathetic nervous system (SNS)**, which orchestrates “fight or flight” reactions, including sweating.

Despite being part of different branches of the nervous system, the nerves that oversee salivation and sweating converge in a nerve known as the **auriculotemporal nerve**, which runs along the facial side. These nerves also utilize a shared neurotransmitter: **acetylcholine**. This chemical messenger activates both the PSNS fibers responsible for saliva production and the SNS fibers overseeing sweating.

When the parotid gland sustains damage or is removed, the nearby nerves can regenerate. However, due to their close location and shared neurotransmitter, the PSNS fibers intended to manage salivation may inadvertently grow along the routes of the SNS fibers controlling sweating. Consequently, when the brain signals the body to generate saliva during eating, it unintentionally triggers the sweat glands, causing perspiration on the face in addition to—or instead of—salivation.

#### Living with Gustatory Hyperhidrosis

Though gustatory hyperhidrosis can be an unsettling condition, a range of treatment options exists:

1. **Botox Injections**: Botox (botulinum neurotoxin) can be administered into the impacted area to momentarily paralyze the sweat glands, stopping them from producing sweat in reaction to eating.

2. **Topical Anticholinergics**: These medications impede the action of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for activating both salivary and sweat glands. By blocking acetylcholine, these therapies may reduce perspiration.

3. **Topical Antiperspirants**: Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antiperspirants can aid in managing perspiration by obstructing the sweat glands.

4. **Surgical Reconstruction**: In select cases, surgical intervention may be feasible to rectify the nerve miswiring, although this is generally viewed as a last option.

Despite these alternatives, not all patients opt for treatment. In the case of the woman from Taiwan, after reviewing her choices with her medical team, she chose to accept the symptoms rather than pursue interventions.

#### Conclusion

Gustatory hyperhidrosis is a rare yet intriguing instance of how the body’s intricate networks can sometimes get their signals crossed—literally. While the condition can be uncomfortable and socially challenging, it is usually not detrimental, and various treatments are accessible for those who wish for relief. For others, like the Taiwanese woman, living with this condition may be the preferable option.

“Two U.S. Nationals Indicted for Managing ‘Terrorgram Collective’ Digital Platform Advocating Radicalism”

### The US Government’s Operation Against the “Terrorgram Collective”: An In-Depth Look at White Supremacist Accelerationism on Telegram

In a pivotal action against domestic terrorism, the US government has recently filed multiple charges against the purported leaders of the “Terrorgram Collective,” a faction that exploited the Telegram messaging service to advocate and incite acts of white supremacist violence. The group’s activities encompassed the distribution of hit lists targeting US officials and activists, idolizing violent extremists, and sharing instructions for sabotaging critical infrastructure, like electrical substations. This article explores the group’s ideology, methods, and the wider consequences of its presence in today’s digital landscape.

### What Constitutes the Terrorgram Collective?

The Terrorgram Collective is a loosely affiliated entity that functions chiefly on Telegram, a messaging service recognized for its mix of public channels and encrypted private messaging. The group’s chief objective is to advance “white supremacist accelerationism,” a radical philosophy that aims to hasten societal disintegration through violent actions, ultimately aspiring to create a white nationalist regime.

The concept of “accelerationism” indicates the belief that societal failure can be expedited by inciting disorder and violence, which would theoretically trigger a civil conflict or catastrophic confrontation. In the context of the Terrorgram Collective, this upheaval is presented as an essential precursor for dismantling the current government system in favor of one grounded in white supremacy.

### The Group’s Actions and Dissemination of Ideology

The Terrorgram Collective has been notably active in utilizing Telegram to propagate its narrative. The group’s propaganda comprises manifestos, instructional videos for bomb-making, and even audiobooks of shooter manifestos. A publication titled “Do it for the Gram” alludes to the platform’s name while urging violent actions. Another significant document, their accelerationist manifesto, is named “Hard Reset,” detailing their aspirations for societal collapse and the formation of a white ethnostate.

The group also venerates individuals who have committed violent acts, referring to them as “saints.” These so-called saints are celebrated in a “White Terror” video produced by the collective, which sanctifies mass murderers and motivates others to emulate them. They have even compiled an “encyclopedia” of these killers, solidifying their status as icons within the community.

### The Function of Telegram in Terrorgram’s Operations

Telegram has emerged as a preferred platform for the Terrorgram Collective because of its distinctive features. Although public channels and chat rooms on Telegram lack encryption, they facilitate the extensive distribution of propaganda and recruitment materials. Concurrently, Telegram provides encrypted private messaging, enabling safer communication among members and potential recruits.

Despite their dependence on technology for disseminating their message, the group paradoxically exhibits skepticism toward certain technological advancements. For instance, one post urged followers to assault local power grids, articulating, “Do not let those technophiles have a day of rest!” Another post cautioned members to “LEAVE. YOUR. PHONE. AT. HOME,” underlining the necessity of evading digital surveillance during violent actions.

### The Leaders: Dallas Humber and Matthew Allison

The US government has pinpointed Dallas Humber (34) from Elk Grove, California, and Matthew Allison (37) from Boise, Idaho, as the principal figures of the Terrorgram Collective. As per the indictment, both figures played critical roles in managing the group and spreading its violent ideology. However, neither Humber nor Allison is accused of perpetrating acts of violence themselves. Instead, they seem to have been satisfied with inciting others to execute attacks and celebrating those who did.

### Real-World Fallout: The Bratislava Shooting

The Terrorgram Collective’s impact transcends the virtual environment, with several real-world attackers connected to the group’s propaganda. A prominent example is the 2022 Bratislava shooting, where a 19-year-old Slovakian man fatally shot two individuals at an LGBTQ+ bar before taking his own life. Prior to the assault, the shooter forwarded his manifesto to Matthew Allison, one of the alleged leaders of the Terrorgram Collective. The manifesto explicitly listed the group’s accelerationist manifesto, “Hard Reset,” as recommended material.

This occurrence underscores the immediate threats posed by the Terrorgram Collective and comparable extremist factions. While the group’s leaders may not have acted violently themselves, their rhetoric and propaganda have inspired others to engage in violence, resulting in fatal consequences.

### The Wider Repercussions of White Supremacist Accelerationism

The emergence of factions like the Terrorgram Collective highlights the escalating menace of white supremacist accelerationism both in the United States and globally. These factions are not merely fringe groups; they represent a larger trend of radicalization that has been enabled by the internet and social media platforms.

Accelerationist entities like Terrorgram flourish in the digital era, where they can seamlessly disseminate their propaganda to a worldwide audience.

Experts Caution That AI Judgments on Unemployment Claims Could Result in Irreparable Mistakes

### Nevada to Be the First State to Implement AI for Unemployment Appeals: A Historic Trial with Major Implications

In a groundbreaking initiative, Nevada is poised to become the very first state in the United States to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for aiding in the determination of unemployment benefits appeals. The state’s Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) has teamed up with Google to launch an AI system designed to accelerate the processing of unemployment claims, a task that has faced considerable delays due to an increase in claims linked to the pandemic and shortages in staffing.

Nevada’s willingness to adopt AI for such an essential task is both cutting-edge and contentious, prompting discussions regarding the ethical and legal ramifications of integrating AI into critical governmental decisions. This decision forms part of a wider movement among state administrations to leverage AI for greater efficiency, even as it underscores challenges related to ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in decisions generated by AI.

### The AI System: Functionality Overview

The AI system that Nevada is set to implement will be powered by Google’s Vertex AI Studio, a cloud-based platform allowing for the refinement of AI models. According to a 2024 budget document, the state has committed approximately $1.38 million to Google for this technology. The system will utilize data from DETR’s database, encompassing transcripts from unemployment appeals hearings and previous rulings. This information will be uploaded to the cloud, where the AI will evaluate it and benchmark it against past cases to formulate a ruling.

The AI is anticipated to produce a decision in as little as five minutes—an extraordinary enhancement compared to the three hours it generally takes a human worker to arrive at a similar verdict. This efficiency is particularly crucial for Nevada, currently managing a backlog exceeding 40,000 unemployment appeals.

Nevertheless, the AI’s decision will not be conclusive. A state employee will review the ruling generated by AI to identify any potential inaccuracies, biases, or hallucinations—instances where the AI might produce erroneous or fabricated information. If the human reviewer concurs with the AI’s conclusion, they will endorse it. Otherwise, they have the authority to amend the ruling and provide feedback to enhance the AI system’s future performance.

### The Promise of AI: Quicker Decisions, Reduced Backlog

For Nevada, the potential advantages of incorporating AI into unemployment appeals are evident. The state has been inundated with a wave of unemployment claims following the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by staffing shortages that have intensified the difficulties. By automating certain aspects of the decision-making process, Nevada aims to expedite the resolution of its backlog and ensure that unemployed citizens receive their benefits promptly.

Carl Stanfield, DETR’s information technology administrator, shared his enthusiasm about the AI’s prospects, labeling the time savings as “phenomenal.” He emphasized that the AI system could greatly enhance the efficiency of the appeals process, better positioning the state to serve its residents.

### Ethical and Legal Challenges: A Complex Dilemma

While the introduction of AI could expedite the appeals process, it simultaneously raises significant ethical and legal issues. Experts, including legal scholars and former Department of Labor officials, have cautioned that an emphasis on speed might lead to hurried decisions, with human reviewers potentially endorsing AI-generated rulings without adequate examination. This situation could result in inaccurate decisions that are challenging to contest in court.

A primary concern is that AI errors—arising from bias, hallucinations, or inadvertent mistakes—could compromise claimants’ ability to appeal. In certain situations, a district court may lack the authority to override the decision of the appeal referee, meaning an erroneous AI ruling could have enduring repercussions for claimants.

Google has recognized that its AI models are not perfect. Studies indicate that Google’s models deliver incorrect or misleading outputs between 17% and 33% of the time, and provide incomplete responses between 18% and 63% of the time. Google’s responsible AI guidelines highlight the importance of continuous oversight of AI systems, cautioning that “issues will arise” since “any model of the world is nearly always flawed.”

### Privacy and Security: Protecting Sensitive Information

Another pivotal consideration is the safeguarding of private information. Unemployment appeals frequently involve the sharing of personal data, such as tax information, social security numbers, and insights into a claimant’s health, family, and financial status. Nevada officials have reassured the public that Google will not access this sensitive data for any purpose apart from processing the appeals.

However, the state has yet to complete a “security impact analysis” to evaluate any potential cybersecurity threats tied to the AI system. The 2024 budget document mentioned that while Google’s technology is “well-established,” it also introduces “several cybersecurity concerns” that need to be tackled before full deployment of the system.

### Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

Despite these worries, Nevada officials maintain a hopeful outlook regarding AI’s potential to enhance government operations. DETR director Christopher Sewell, who initially voiced skepticism