Saturday, December 13, 2014

Recommended Reading: The Orion capsule's great radiation test

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."




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.




[Photo credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images]


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