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Space, the Final Frontier for…Welding? ISS National Lab-Sponsored Research to Test Cold Welding for Spacecraft Repairs

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The SpaceX CRS-31 mission for NASA will advance cold welding techniques for on-the-spot spacecraft hull repairs

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Imagine a spacecraft hurtling through deep space when suddenly, it’s struck by a rogue piece of space debris. In the harsh vacuum of space, traditional repair methods falter. Enter ASTROBEAT, an innovative experiment sponsored by the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory, poised to advance spacecraft repairs using cold welding—a technique akin to patching a tire while soaring through space. 

This experiment, which arrived at the space station via SpaceX’s 31st Commercial Resupply Services mission for NASA, is spearheaded by Leonardo Barilaro, a senior lecturer in aerospace engineering at the Malta College of Arts, Sciences, and Technology (MCAST).

“Cold welding has long been considered an adverse phenomenon in space, but with ASTROBEAT, we’re transforming a problem into a viable repair mechanism,” Barilaro explains. “It aims to create a paradigm shift in conducting structural repairs in space—swiftly, efficiently, and with minimal external intervention.”

Cold welding employs a calibrated force to join metallic materials without heat, minimizing risks like structural damage to spacecraft from high temperatures. This technique benefits from the space station’s microgravity environment, where metals don’t re-oxidize quickly, allowing for cleaner and stronger bonds. The ASTROBEAT technology demonstration project will evaluate cold welding in space by testing metal patches on simulated spacecraft hulls, offering a safer and potentially more reliable method for in-orbit repairs than traditional techniques.

The remotely controlled experiment, designed to address hull breaches caused by micrometeoroids or space debris, consists of four chambers with calibrated metallic samples. If successful, the project could establish cold welding as a crucial tool for in-space repair, significantly boosting the durability of spacecraft and the safety of crewed missions.

“The introduction of ASTROBEAT to the ISS represents a crucial step from theoretical concepts to practical, potentially life-saving technology,” Barilaro adds. “We aim to provide astronauts with the capability to seal breaches from within the spacecraft, leveraging the unique conditions of cold welding adhesion in space.”

Upon completion of the space station testing, the project will return to Earth so the team can thoroughly analyze the cold-welded joints, assessing their effectiveness and resilience.

In addition to ASTROBEAT, Barilaro, a pianist, leads the Space Art project “Music from Space” in collaboration with Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo. This project uses art to engage and educate the public on the wonders of space science, highlighting the profound link between creativity and exploration in human spaceflight.

For additional information on ISS National Lab-sponsored investigations onboard the space station as part of NASA’s SpaceX CRS-31, view our launch page. Visit our website to learn more about the research and technology development sponsored by the ISS National Lab, including how to propose concepts for future space-based research.

Download an image for this release: ASTROBEAT module

About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory that enables research and technology development not possible on Earth. As a public service enterprise, the ISS National Laboratory® allows researchers to leverage this multiuser facility to improve quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, advance science literacy in the future workforce, and expand a sustainable and scalable market in low Earth orbit. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS are available to support non-NASA science, technology, and education initiatives from U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Lab, under Cooperative Agreement with NASA, facilitating access to its permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful vantage point in low Earth orbit, and the extreme and varied conditions of space. To learn more about the ISS National Lab, visit our website.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CASIS accepts corporate and individual donations to help advance science in space for the benefit of humanity. For more information, visit our donations page.

Media Contact:       

Patrick O’Neill   

904-806-0035 

PONeill@ISSNationalLab.org

 

International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory
       Managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)
__________________________________________________________________________________ 

6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 500, Melbourne, FL 32940 • 321.253.5101 • www.ISSNationalLab.org

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SOURCE International Space Station National Lab

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Qatar Development Bank announces strategic investment in global Islamic FinTech, Wahed

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November 24, 2024

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DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Qatar Development Bank (QDB) announces a strategic investment in Wahed, a global Shariah-compliant fintech.

Wahed currently manages over $1 billion in assets and has attracted over 400,000 clients worldwide. The company is built on the principles of democratizing access to financial services and offers clients access to Shariah-compliant investments in its mobile app. Wahed removes the barriers to sophisticated investment management services that have been traditionally reserved for high-net-worth investors.

Khalid Al Jassim, Executive Chairman of Wahed MENA said: ‘We are delighted to welcome our new shareholders, QDB. We believe Qatar is fully aligned with our mission in creating a technology-first Islamic finance leader that unlocks a financial ecosystem free from Riba. We look forward to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030 of becoming a leading knowledge-based economy.

Ali Rahimtula, Partner at Cue Ball Capital said: “Qatar Development Bank’s strategic investment is a clear signal of the faith the industry has in Wahed and its ability to create the future of Islamic Finance.”

About Wahed

Founded in 2015, Wahed is a financial technology company that is advancing financial inclusion through accessible, affordable, and values-based investing. The company has made significant inroads in the world Shariah compliant investing by creating an easy-to-use digital platform that provides a suite of Shariah compliant investing products including managed portfolios and venture and real estate investments. Wahed caters to over 400,000 customers globally and manages over $ 1 billion in assets.

For more information, visit: www.wahed.com

About Qatar Development Bank

Qatar Development Bank’s mission is to advance the economic and innovation development cycle of Qatar, supporting and contributing to the nation’s economic diversification. As well as a focus on the development of Qatar’s private sector, QDB is a powerful catalyst for socio-economic development in the country, empowering the local economy and bettering living standards.

For more information, visit: https://www.qdb.qa/

 

SOURCE Wahed

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Wahed appoints Khalid Al Jassim as Executive Chairman of Wahed MENA to help guide the strategic growth of Wahed in the region

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November 24, 2024

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DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wahed, a global Shariah-compliant fintech, has appointed Khalid Al Jassim as Chairman of Wahed MENA.

On this appointment, Khalid commented, ”I am excited to guide Wahed’s growth in the region. Wahed’s mission of furthering Islamic Finance is one I resonate with deeply and I look forward to supporting its growth ambitions.”

Khalid has over twenty five years of investment banking and corporate advisory experience gained with some of the most innovative and groundbreaking institutions in the world.

His career spans leading firms including SABIC, Arthur Anderson and Arcapita Bank in Bahrain, where he was instrumental in making it into one of the PE powerhouses in the region. His responsibilities started in the earlier years with establishing the Investment Placement Team and transforming it into one of the most robust teams in the industry. At the time that Khalid left Arcapita to build his personal business, he was an Executive Director. Today he is Chairman of Afkar Vision, a private advisory house specialized in mergers and acquisitions with offices in Manama, Dubai and Riyadh.

As well as being one of the earliest investors in Wahed, he is currently Chairman of the Audit Committee and Board Member at Bahrain Islamic Bank, the 4th oldest Islamic Bank in the World and Board Member at SICO Bank and SICO Capital in Saudi, an $8bn asset manager in the region.

Mohsin Siddiqui, Wahed CEO said, “We are delighted to announce Khalid’s appointment. His unique understanding of the financial landscape in the MENA region is unparalleled and we are excited to bring this expertise in continuing to grow our presence in the region.”

About Wahed

Founded in 2015, Wahed is a financial technology company that is advancing financial inclusion through accessible, affordable, and values-based investing. The company has made significant inroads in the world Shariah compliant investing by creating an easy-to-use digital platform that provides a suite of Shariah compliant investing products including managed portfolios and venture and real estate investments. Wahed caters to over 400,000 customers globally and manages over $ 1 billion in assets.

For more information, visit: www.wahed.com

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“India Global Forum’s mission more relevant than ever,” says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of IGF Middle East and Africa 2024

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November 24, 2024

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India Global Forum’s flagship event in UAE kicks off in Dubai on 25 November with IGF ForumPolicymakers, politicians, business figures and celebrities from India, UAE, Africa to converge at inaugural session

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of India Global Forum’s (IGF) flagship Middle East & Africa 2024 (ME&A 2024) in Dubai on Monday, 25 November, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commended the role of the organisation in fostering global partnerships.

“Through their impactful and outcomes driven work, India Global Form has consistently provided a platform that fosters a better understanding of modern India and its vast opportunities for the global audience. It has also played an important role in building meaningful cross-border connections.

“India Global Forum’s mission to build corridors of technology, talent, investment and trust is more relevant than ever,” she said.

Under the theme of ‘Limitless Horizons’, IGF ME&A 2024 will foster new partnerships and collaborations between India, the Middle East, and Africa, unlocking opportunities in sectors such as technology, finance, sustainability and innovation.

The two-day event will begin with a special address by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The inaugural session will also witness UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar al Olama, delve into the policies and reforms driving technological innovation in the UAE.

Looking forward to IGF ME&A, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir said: “The India-UAE relationship has entered an exciting new phase of exponential growth. We are at a moment in history where India-UAE relations are driving the synergy between our regions which has never been greater, and IGF serves as a beacon for harnessing this potential.”

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman, India Global Forum (IGF), said: “India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, aptly noted during his recent visit to Dubai that the India-UAE ties are in an era of new milestones. These ties are not just about trade figures or agreements – they represent a deeper alignment of values, aspirations, and shared visions for the future. IGF Middle East and Africa is an opportunity to channel this momentum into actionable outcomes that benefit not just our nations but the wider region.”

Featuring over 200 speakers and 1,000 participants across nine streams, IGF ME&A 2024 includes:

IGF Dialogues: An exclusive gathering of industry leaders and policymakers engaging in peer-to-peer roundtable discussions.IGF Forum: A Deep dive into how India, the Middle East, and Africa can embrace limitless horizons in a changing worldLeaders Dinner: An exclusive by-invite only dinner at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu DhabiFounders and Funders Forum: Spotlighting the possibilities and pitfalls of the growing role of AI in India, the Middle East, and Africa.Climate and Business Forum (ClimB) – Exploring how businesses can achieve growth while prioritising sustainability and climate actionIGF Focus Forum – Discussions across diverse event streams, including leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, skilling and cultureDisruptors in the Desert – Demystifying emerging trends and technologies across key sectors poised to shape the next decade of the Global South. 

These engagements will tackle pressing global challenges, from climate change and energy transition to the future of AI and digital economies, bringing together a diverse lineup of global leaders, business pioneers, policymakers, and innovators.

Key Speakers across the event include:

H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work ApplicationsH.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAEMahesh Bhupathi, Indian Tennis LegendYusuf Tambawala, Vice President of Growth & Business Support, DP WorldLeander Paes, Indian Tennis LegendAbhimanyu Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, Hero FincorpHarsh Jain, Co-Founder, Dream11Monish Shah, Founder and CEO, DreamSetGoSanjay Nayyar, Founder and Chairman, Sorin AdvisorsAmnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, MastercardNeeraj Makin, Senior Executive Vice President, Group Head – Strategy, Analytics & Venture Capital, Emirates NBDSiddharth Shah, Co-founder, PharmeasyFaizal Kottikollon, Chairman, KEF HoldingsRola Abu Manneh, CEO Middle East, Standard CharteredSiddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman & CEO, Buimerc CorporationKuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head, Zoho for StartupsMina Liccione, Comedian, Dubomedy

About India Global Forum
India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity.  To know more, click here

Social Media Handles & Hashtag to Follow
Twitter: @IGFUpdates & @manojladwa
LinkedIn: India Global Forum
#IGFUAE

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