15th International Space Station (ISS) mission, six months in length, began with an April 9 docking. Spring experiments included algorithm testing and improvement for autonomous control and formation flying of three satellites operating simultaneously inside. Learn more about ISS or the bowling-ball sized Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) at www.
15th International Space Station (ISS) mission, six months in length, began with an April 9 docking. Spring experiments included algorithm testing and improvement for autonomous control and formation flying of three satellites operating simultaneously inside. Learn more about ISS or the bowling-ball sized Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) at www.nasa.gov
1 million per acre is the expected concentration of three species of 17-year cicadas in the Chicago area. Site has audio and an interactive emergence map. Click Cicada Mania! at the Lake County Forest Preserve District (north of Chicago). www.lcfpd.org
110 years after discovery of a multi-dimensional mathematical object called E8, the mapping was completed, a task that created 64 times the information inside the 1 GB Human Genome. On paper, the four-year team-based calculation is the size of Manhattan and will likely change understanding in algebra, geometry, number theory, physics and chemistry, and in engineering that uses those sciences. www.aimath.org
18.8 million Profibus nodes are installed around the world through 2006, according to Carl Henning, deputy director PTO, Profibus, and Profinet North America. us.profibus.com
40 Engineers’ Choice Awards from 2006 were highlighted in the April issue. Online: All the winners, plus 2006 New Products Compendium. www.controleng.com/awards
$1.78 billion is to be invested in new and expanded DaimlerChrysler factories in the Detroit area as the company considers sale of Chrysler. Investments include: $730 million for new Trenton, MI, engine program; $700 million for new axle program in Marysville, MI; $300 million for new Sterling Heights Assembly Paint Shop; and $50 million for upgrades to Warren Truck Assembly Plant and Warren Stamping. www.daimlerchrysler.com
12 departments comprise the Virginia Tech College of Engineering, including Electrical & Computer Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, with 300 faculty, 5,500 undergraduate majors, and almost 2,000 graduate students. Robotics, autonomous vehicles, and supercomputing are highlighted on the overview page. www.eng.vt.edu
0 alternatives = clear mind? “The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously,” said Henry Kissinger, perhaps suggesting the need to think ahead about consequences, opportunities, procrastination, and choices. www.quotedb.com/quotes/1468
50 Top Engineering Schools are ranked by U.S. News and World report for 2006 (MIT, Stanford, and U of Calif.-Berkeley are the top 3); a 2008 report requires a fee. What’s fourth? (Hint: Southeast U.S.) Find out at www.usnews.com/grad
