Thursday, March 28, 2024

Recommended Reading: The Orion capsule’s great radiation test

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Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you’ll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read.

NASA's Orion Spacecraft Launches Unmanned Test Flight

How a Spacecraft Like Orion Survives the Harsh Radiation of Orbit
by Matthew Braga, Motherboard

Radiation isn’t a new issue facing the range of things NASA blasts into space, but it’s of particular importance to study how the recently launched Orion capsule handles it. There’s a lot of new tech on board the spacecraft rather than the usual proven components, so NASA needs to pay even closer attention to how the whole thing holds up in orbit. Motherboard takes a look at how it’s done.

A Wii U is Mandatory if You Want to Talk About 2014’s Game of the Year
by Ben Kuchera, Polygon

While it’s kind of crazy to think about based on the console’s less-than-stellar reception, it’s quite true. Super Smash Bros. is one of the best titles to come out this year, due in large part to its low barrier of entry while still delivering stellar gameplay. “There is no right way to play it, no optimal number of players or skill level,” Kuchera explains. “If you throw in random elements and jump from character to character with your children, you give everyone a slugger’s chance at getting a few wins.”

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Inside The Cicada 3301 Cabal
by Michael Grothaus, Fast Company

If you aren’t familiar, the Cicada 3301 Cabal is an internet-based puzzle that shows up every January. It’s essentially a massive rabbit hole of riddles that require knowledge of subjects like cryptography, ancient Mayan numerology and others. Well, one person says he figured it all out, and Fast Company has a look at what he discovered.

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[Photo credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images]

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