Space exploration is significant for scientific innovation, resource utilization, and planetary security. Space exploration involves several systems including satellites, space suits, communication systems, and robotics, which have to function under harsh space conditions such as extreme temperatures (− 270 to 1650 °C), microgravity (10^-6 g), unhealthy humidity (< 20% RH or > 60% RH), high atmospheric pressure (~ 1450 psi), and radiation (4000–5000 mSv). Conventional energy-harvesting technologies (solar cells, fuel cells, and nuclear energy), that are normally used to power these space systems have certain limitations (e.g., sunlight dependence, weight, degradation, big size, high cost, low capacity, radioactivity, complexity, and low efficiency). The constraints in conventional energy resources have made it imperative to look for non-conventional yet efficient alternatives. A great potential for enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and mission duration in space exploration can be offered by integrating triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with existing energy sources. Recently, the potential of TENG including energy harvesting (from vibrations/movements in satellites and spacecraft), self-powered sensing, and microgravity, for multiple applications in different space missions has been discussed. This review comprehensively covers the use of TENGs for various space applications, such as planetary exploration missions (Mars environment monitoring), manned space equipment, In-orbit robotic operations /collision monitoring, spacecraft's design and structural health monitoring, Aeronautical systems, and conventional energy harvesting (solar and nuclear). This review also discusses the use of self-powered TENG sensors for deep space object perception. At the same time, this review compares TENGs with conventional energy harvesting technologies for space systems. Lastly, this review talks about energy harvesting in satellites, TENG-based satellite communication systems, and future practical implementation challenges (with possible solutions).

Professor Jiawen Chen and Associate Researcher Yan Wang from South China Normal University, in collaboration with Professor Ben L. Feringa's team at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, designed a novel molecular machine with both rotational and shuttle motion modes. This molecular machine combines a sterically hindered olefin molecular motor, an H-type benzimidazole, and a crown ether system, achieving for the first time the control of rotaxane shuttle motion through the rotational motion of the molecular motor. The motion mechanism of this molecule was elucidated in detail using methods including two-dimensional proton NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. This work demonstrates the tuning effect of two different motion modes within a single molecular machine, providing a solid experimental foundation for the future design of multifunctional molecular machines with complex mechanical functions. The article was published as an open access Research Article in CCS Chemistry, the flagship journal of the Chinese Chemical Society.

Researchers at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology and Osaka University have developed a computational model of how human emotions are formed. This system integrates body signals, sensory input, and language, forming emotional concepts that match the self-reported human emotional judgment with 75% accuracy. The findings highlight new ways of building emotionally aware artificial intelligence, with potential applications in mental health care, interactive robots, and assistive technologies.

A speech study by a research team from The University of Texas at El Paso has identified an underappreciated aspect of speech in English and Spanish speakers that could lead to improvements in artificial intelligence spoken dialogue systems.

The SETI Institute announced that alliant Global CEO, Dhaval Jadav, joined its Board of Directors. Dhaval brings a deep lifelong passion for space science, a strong commitment to STEM education, and a shared belief in the SETI Institute’s mission to explore one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?

This marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that gives the SETI Institute the ability to leverage alliant’s resources and AI capabilities in the search for extraterrestrial life.

“As a kid nothing got me more excited to learn about space than the thought of extraterrestrials being out there,” said Dhaval. “I think we’ve lost some of that sense of wonder, the curiosity that drives people to look beyond their screens and ask big questions about the universe. I wholeheartedly believe in the SETI Institute’s mission, and I hope alliant can help the SETI Institute be a beacon that rekindles that curiosity and inspires people to seek answers to life’s biggest mysteries.”