Chris Young

London, Málaga

Journalist and Editor at Freelance

Freelance Writer at Interesting Engineering

Freelance journalist, writer, editor — @IntEngineering, Le Cool News (at https://t.co/LP1gswaNmG), @BourbonCreative, @AFP_Services , @Lifehackorg

Articles

Stratolaunch confirms success of autonomous hypersonic drone tests

3 days ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Stratolaunch's Roc aircraft carrying Talon-A2. StratolaunchStratolaunch has successfully performed two reusable test flights of its Talon-A2 drone. The tests take the company a step closer to achieving its goal of launching operational hypersonic weapons tests. Stratolaunch is backed by the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB) program.
Nuclear electric propulsion may reduce transit times to outer planets

4 days ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

A new study explores the potential of nuclear fission-powered propulsion for advanced deep space exploration. Specifically, it looks at the way this technology could enable exploration to the outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The study, presented at the 56th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC 2025) delves into the reliability of fission propulsion systems and also touches on the finances of deep space missions.
World's strongest handheld laser built by YouTuber is super powerful

5 days ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Styropyro trying out his handheld laser. Styropyro / YouTubeYouTuber and inventor Styropyro has built and tested a 250-watt handheld laser device. The system is roughly 50,000 times more powerful than standard commercial laser pointers, Styropyro claims in his video. It is far more powerful than US law allows, in fact. Still, undettered by the legal frameworks regarding handheld lasers, Styropyro put his device to the test in the name of views and science.
China's new SpaceX challenger pulls off reusable rocket test at sea

1 week ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Space Epoch's sea landing. Space Epoch/WeChatBeijing-based rocket startup Space Epoch has completed its first sea recovery test. During the test flight, the company’s Yanxingzhe-1 reignited its engine during its descent near the coast of Shandong Province, eastern China. After briefly hovering above the sea surface, the rocket performed a soft vertical splashdown. Space Epoch is the latest in a stream of companies from China looking to emulate the success of SpaceX’s reusable rocket program.
China plans robot thrusters after close call with Starlink satellites

1 week ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

The militarization of space continues to gain momentum. One of the world’s leading space powers, China, is developing a new robotic defense system for its Tiangong space station. The space system will utilize autonomous vehicles capable of intercepting and latching onto suspicious spacecraft. Once in their grasp, these bots would thrust away from the orbital station, removing the danger.
US’ new GHOST drone offers stealthy flight for days before strike

1 week ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded General Atomics a contract for work on its next-generation GHOST drone. The Pentagon describes the drone technology as a “hybrid-electric propulsion ducted fan next-generation intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance/strike unmanned aerial system”. While little is known regarding the specifications of Ghost, General Atomics has a strong track record with unmanned aerial vehicles.
Rolls-Royce's next-gen V12 engine to power clean, powerful yachts

1 week ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Iconic British firm Rolls-Royce has launched a new 12-cylinder version of its MTU Series 2000 engine. The new model, designated 12V2000 M96Z, is designed for “fast yachts, patrol, police and sportfishing boats”, Rolls-Royce explained in a press statement. The 12V2000 M96Z features new components, allowing for an increased power output of 1,634 kW (2,222 mhp) compared with the 1,472 kW (2,002 mhp) of the previous MTU 2000 model. According to Rolls-Royce, the new engine will be available from 2026.
China's solid-state battery giants target EV and air taxi revolution

1 week ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Solid-state batteries have the potential to provide higher energy density while also being cheaper and safer than lithium-ion batteries. The technology could improve electric vehicle performance and boost EV adoption, which has slowed down in the last year. Last week, Chinese battery firm Ganfeng Lithium announced it had established a full-chain layout for solid-state batteries, a report from China Daily reveals.
Nuclear space engine could slash Mars trip from months to just 6 weeks

3 weeks ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Space Nuclear Power Corporation, also known as SpaceNukes, has been named the industrial partner for developing an advanced fission reactor for nuclear electric spacecraft. The firm will collaborate with the Space Power and Propulsion for Agility, Responsiveness, and Resilience (SPAR) program led by the University of Michigan. Nuclear rockets have the potential to cut travel times in space drastically.
This former Google CEO wants to take data centers into Earth's orbit

3 weeks ago | interestingengineering.com | Chris Young

Chris Young’s Beyond Earth column explores the intersection of space technology and policy, providing thought-provoking commentary on the latest advancements and regulatory developments in the sector. AI has always had a symbiotic relationship with space engineering, but it looks set to become more intertwined than ever. Almost two months ago, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt acquired the launch startup Relativity Space.