A Space Balloon Prepares for Passengers

On this week’s news update…

Recycled Concrete

A bridge made from recycled concrete...

Sea Otters

Sea otters help tackle climate change...

Space Balloon

And a space balloon prepares for passengers!

First up...

Concrete is widely used in the construction of new buildings and roads.

A strong and tough material, concrete is produced by blending sand and gravel with crushed rock and cement.

However, creating concrete generates large amounts of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. And when a building is demolished, the concrete walls are usually crushed and taken to landfill.

Now, a team of engineers is working on a test project to reuse old concrete and give it a new lease on life!

The project? A recycled concrete footbridge!

The bridge has been constructed using concrete blocks taken from a building before it was torn down.
To build the bridge, the engineers cut the concrete blocks into the correct shape before fixing them to a metal support and then filling in joints between blocks.

Constructed without using any new concrete,the structure is far less wasteful than most new bridges; a unique bridge that could inspire buildings or bridges to be built from recycled concrete!

Next up...

Sea otters live along the northwestern coast of America. To keep their energy levels up in cool waters, sea otters eat lots of food, and one of their favorite snacks are sea urchins, small spiky animals that live on the seabed.

Otters' taste for sea urchins doesn't only benefit otters. It also helps to protect the wider marine ecosystem!

Kelp, a type of seaweed, forms underwater forests close to where the otters live.

kelp

These kelp forests provide protection for many fish species.
And the kelp also helps tackle climate change by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

However, kelp is regularly eaten by sea urchins that chew through its base.
This can cause kelp forests to die, damaging the marine ecosystem, and preventing kelp from absorbing carbon dioxide.

Therefore, by eating the urchins that eat the kelp, sea otters help kelp forests thrive, which in turn helps to reduce the impact of climate change!

And finally...

Balloons have been lifting people into the sky for over 200 years!

The first piloted balloon flight took place in Paris in 1783.
Made from paper and silk, the balloon lifted two scientists above cheering crowds!

And now, a company is pushing balloon technology to new heights by launching passengers towards outer space!

Named Neptune 1, the balloon will soar 18 miles into the stratosphere.

stratosphere

The stratosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that stretches from around 5 to 35 miles above the Earth.

A custom-made capsule hanging beneath the main balloon will provide space for 9 passengers to enjoy the stunning views!

Following a successful test flight, the first passengers could be stepping aboard the space-age balloon in 2024!

That's all for this week, we'll see you next time!