Happy New Year 2025

Tag: space

Inflatable tiny house with space for six is blowing up

We’ve reported on many tiny houses, but none quite like this before. This housing concept is called the Esch 22 Space Station, also nicknamed E22SS PIU!

This mobile living space resembles a space station with its inflatable dome, which can inflate to triple its size. The brains behind this futuristic pad is an architectural firm called 2001, and it was developed for Esch-Alzette in Luxembourg, which is the country’s second-largest city.

Now, I’m not talking about just another cramped mobile tiny home here. This thing can not only grow in size but is transportable, and it’s even eco-friendly. Let’s dive in and see how this space-age dwelling actually works.

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Exterior of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)

A mobile tiny house with a twist

At its core, E22SS PIU! is a 6-person mobile tiny house that can be easily transported to various locations. In its compact form, it resembles a stainless steel trailer, containing essential amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen and dining space. However, the real magic happens when it reaches its destination.

Interior of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)

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Unfolding and inflating

Once parked, the E22SS PIU! undergoes a remarkable transformation. Two wings unfold from the trailer, creating a circular platform with a 29.53-foot diameter. This platform is then covered with cork, providing a stable and eco-friendly base. The final step in this metamorphosis is the inflation of a double-shell pneumatic dome on top of the platform.

A model of the exterior of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)

This inflation process, which can be completed in as little as 15 minutes, turns the compact trailer into generous sleeping quarters capable of accommodating up to six people comfortably.

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Sleeping quarters of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)

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Innovative features and sustainability

The E22SS PIU! incorporates several innovative features. A water recycling system ensures that wastewater from sinks and showers is repurposed for toilet flushing, promoting efficient water use. Accessibility has been carefully considered, with an elevator system ensuring the upper level is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

The use of cork for flooring adds an eco-friendly touch to the design, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

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Diagram of the Esch 22 Space Station (2001)

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More than just a tiny home

While the E22SS PIU! may not be a practical solution for everyday tiny living, it serves a greater purpose. Created as part of Esch’s Capital of Culture program, this project is designed to explore various contexts and environments within the city of Esch. It challenges our perceptions of resource usage in architecture and society, stimulating discussions about innovative housing solutions.

Phillippe Nathan, Founder of 2001, an architecture firm developing territories, buildings, spaces and ideas, tells CyberGuy, “E22SSPIU is not a solution, nor does it seek resolution. It is a provocation — an experimental construct that redefines collective living by destabilizing conventional relationships to resources: soil, water and energy. It resists fixity, embedding itself within shifting landscapes, absorbing and reflecting their logic. Less an answer, more a system in flux.”

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Exterior of the Esch 22 Space at night Station (2001)

How to stay in the inflatable house in Luxembourg’s nature reserve

What’s cool is that you can now stay in this unique inflatable house situated at the Ellergronn Nature Reserve. The spacious, inflatable structure is now available to rent. So, it’s your chance to explore the surrounding trails and immerse yourself in a blend of innovative design and natural beauty.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

The Esch 22 Space Station is a bold experiment in mobile architecture. By combining portability with expandability and sustainable features, it pushes the boundaries of what we consider possible in temporary living spaces. While it may not be a practical solution for everyday use, the E22SS PIU! serves as an important conversation starter about the future of housing, resource management and urban development.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

February 16, 2025
ESA’s space telescope Euclid discovers ‘astonishing’ Einstein ring

The European Space Agency (ESA) said Monday that its Euclid space telescope has detected a rare bright halo of light around a nearby galaxy.

Known as an Einstein ring, the halo was captured in photos encircling a galaxy nearly 590 million light-years away, which is considered close by cosmic standards. A single light-year is measured at 5.8 trillion miles.

While astronomers have known about the galaxy where the phenomenon was captured for over a century, they were surprised when Euclid revealed the bright glowing ring,

Euclid blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida on July 1, 2023, to begin a six-year mission to explore the dark universe.

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A sea of colorful stars and galaxies appear to swim in the vast blackness of space around a hazy halo at center stage. In the middle of the image, the fuzzy-looking bulb of light in a warm shade of yellow extends around a small bright spot, nestled within a thin light circle that appears to be drawn closely around it. (ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, G. Anselmi, T. Li)

But before the space telescope could begin its survey of the universe, scientists had to ensure everything onboard was working properly. During the early phase of testing, which took place in September 2023, Euclid sent images back to Earth.

The ESA said the images were deliberately out of focus, but in one of the images, Euclid Archive Scientist Bruno Altieri saw what he believed was a very special phenomenon and decided to look at it a bit closer.

“I look at the data from Euclid as it comes in,” Bruno said in a press release from the ESA. “Even from that first observation, I could see it, but after Euclid made more observations of the area, we could see a perfect Einstein ring. For me, with a lifelong interest in gravitational lensing, that was amazing.”

For most of the population out there, an Einstein Ring is an “extremely rare phenomenon,” the ESA said.

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A thin ring of a perfect circular shape and a piercingly bright white disc in its middle are the protagonists of this image. They stand out against a uniformly colored background of a hazy dark gray. (ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre, G. Anselmi, T. Li)

When a distant galaxy is observed through a telescope, the light from that galaxy may encounter another galaxy on its way to the telescope. When that happens, the foreground galaxy acts like a magnifying glass, and gravity causes the traveling light rays to bend. When light rays bend, scientists call that gravitational lensing, according to the ESA.

When the background galaxy, lensing galaxy and telescope are in perfect alignment, the image appears as a ring, also known as an Einstein Ring.

The galaxy, called NGC 6506, is about 590 million light-years away, and this is the first time the ring of light around its center has ever been detected.

“All strong lenses are special, because they’re so rare, and they’re incredibly useful scientifically,” Conor O’Riordan of the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics said. “This one is particularly special, because it’s so close to Earth and the alignment makes it very beautiful.”

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The text paragraph explains the principle behind the Einstein rings. (ESA)

Einstein rings are based on physicist Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which predicts that light will bend around objects in space, so they focus the light like giant lenses, ESA said. The phenomenon allows scientists to sometimes see the light from distant galaxies that would otherwise be hidden.

“I find it very intriguing that this ring was observed within a well-known galaxy, which was first discovered in 1884,” Valeria Pettorino, ESA Euclid project scientist, said. “The galaxy has been known to astronomers for a very long time. And yet this ring was never observed before. This demonstrates how powerful Euclid is, finding new things even in places we thought we knew well. This discovery is very encouraging for the future of the Euclid mission and demonstrates its fantastic capabilities.”

Over the course of the mission, scientists expect Euclid will reveal more about the role of gravity in the Universe, as well as the nature of dark energy and dark matter.

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Euclid will map over a third of the sky and observe billions of galaxies as far as 10 billion light-years away, ESA said. In doing so, scientists expect Euclid to find around 100,000 more strong lenses, though finding one so cosmically close to home and so spectacular, ESA added, “is astonishing.”

“Euclid is going to revolutionize the field, with all this data we’ve never had before,” O’Riordan said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner.

February 11, 2025
Iran’s covert nuclear agency found operating out of top space program launch sites

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FIRST ON FOX: A covert agency within Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) tasked with the development of Iran’s nuclear program has been found to be operating out of top sites used by Iran’s space program.

Iran has hidden elements of its nuclear development program under the guise of commercial enterprises, and it has been suspected of using its space program to develop technologies that could be applied to its nuclear weapons program.

Fox News Digital has learned that according to information obtained by sources embedded in the Iranian regime, evidence collected over several months shows that Iran’s chief nuclear development agency, the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPDN), has been operating out two locations previously recognized as space development and launch sites.

A big banner depicting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is placed next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran, on September 26, 2024 on the sideline of an exhibition which marks the 44th anniversary of the start of Iran-Iraq war. (Photo by Hossein Beris / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

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“These reports, compiled from dozens of sources and thoroughly validated, indicate that in recent months, SPND has intensified its efforts to construct nuclear warheads at both the Shahrud and Semnan sites,” the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) said in a report exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital.

The information was obtained by individuals affiliated with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) and given to the NCRI, an Iranian opposition organization based out of D.C. and Paris. The NCRI’s deputy director of its Washington D.C. office, Alireza Jafarzadeh, was the first to disclose to the world information about Iran’s covert nuclear program in 2002.

One of the sites, the Shahroud Space Center, which has been suspected of being used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to develop intermediate-range ballistic missiles, is also now reported to have “large-scale” SPND personnel operating out of it – a move Jafarzadeh described as a “significant red flag.”

The Shahroud Space Center caught global attention in 2022 when Iran announced it had developed the Ghaem-100 rocket – which could be used to send low-orbit satellites into space, but also as a ballistic missile with a range of nearly 1,400 miles, greater that what was previously achieved with the Qased rocket.

But according to sources familiar with activity at the Shahroud Space Center “SPND’s experts are working on a nuclear warhead for the Ghaem100 solid-fuel missile with a range of more than 3,000 kilometers [more than 1,800 miles] and a mobile launch pad.”

TEHRAN, IRAN – MAY 07: Iran’s medium-range ballistic missile called Hayber (Hurremshahr-4) is seen after the launch during the promotional program organized with the participation of high-ranking military officials in Tehran, Iran on May 07, 2023. The liquid-fueled ballistic missile Hayber, with a range of 2 thousand kilometers, can carry 1500 kilograms of warheads. (Iranian Defense Ministry / Hanodut/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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The site is under high security and personnel are apparently prohibited from driving onto the complex. Instead, they are required to park at a checkpoint at the entrance to the site, before being transported inside the complex by the IRGC.

“The Ghaem-100 missile, with a mobile launchpad that enhances its military capability, was produced by the IRGC Aerospace Force and copied from North Korean missiles,” the NCRI report said. “The production of the Ghaem missile was designed from the very beginning to carry a nuclear warhead. The IRGC Brigadier General Hassan Tehrani Moghaddam, the father of the IRGC’s missile program, personally pursued the project.”

It is unclear what level of nuclear payload the Ghaem-100 missile would be capable of carrying at the range of 1,800 miles, though this is still shy of the roughly 3,400 miles needed to be classified as an intercontinental missile.

The second site, located in the northern city of Semnan, the Imam Khomeini Spaceport – Iran’s first spaceport – made international headlines just last month when Tehran launched its heaviest-ever rocket into space carrying a payload of roughly 660 pounds, relying on a liquid propellant.

According to the NCRI report, Iran is using this technology to develop liquid-fuel propellants – like the Simorgh rocket with a range of more than 1,800 miles (used for launching heavier satellites into space – but with the capability of carrying nuclear warheads.

This photo released by the official website of the Iranian Defense Ministry on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, shows the launching of Simorgh, or “Phoenix,” rocket at Iran’s Imam Khomeini Spaceport in rural Semnan province, Iran. (Iranian Defense Ministry via AP)

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Liquid fuel enables a missile to have greater propulsive thrust, power and control. Though it is heavier than solid fuel and requires more complex technologies.

“Creating a Space Command of the IRGC’s Aerospace Force has served to camouflage the development of nuclear warheads under the guise of launching satellites while additionally giving the regime independent communications necessary for guiding the nuclear warheads,” Jafarzadeh told Fox News Digital.

The International Atomic Energy Agency earlier this month warned that Iran has developed some 440 pounds of near-weapons grade uranium that has been enriched to the 60% purity threshold – shy of the 90% purity levels needed to develop a nuclear bomb.

Though only some 92 pounds of weapons-grade uranium is reportedly required to create one nuclear bomb, meaning Iran, if it further enriched its uranium, could possess enough material to develop five nuclear bombs.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) has analyzed where Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is located as Israel mulls retaliatory attack. 01/31/2025 (Image provided by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) )

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But Jafarzadeh warned that the international community needs to be paying attention to Iran’s activities beyond enriching uranium.

“It is naïve to only focus on calculating the amount or purity of enriched uranium without concentrating on the construction of the nuclear bomb or its delivery system,” he said. “All are integral components of giving Iran’s mullahs an atomic bomb.”

January 31, 2025
SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center, will release more Starlink satellites

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SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket on Monday with Starlink internet-beaming satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The four-hour launch window opens at 2:21 p.m. ET, according to the Kennedy Space Center.

The launch site in Brevard County, which is about an hour east of Orlando theme parks, allows people from near and far to see, as long as cloud cover, weather and visibility cooperate.

“SpaceX’s Starlink is the constellation of networked satellites aimed to provide internet services to those who are not yet connected, and to provide reliable and affordable internet across the globe,” Kennedy Space Center says on the launch details website.

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SpaceX, an American aerospace manufacturer, successfully launches a Falcon 9 rocket with multiple Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Jan. 24, 2025, in Lompoc, California. (George Rose / Getty Images)

A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from the other side of the country on Friday, when 23 Starlink satellites were delivered “to the constellation” after launching from California, SpaceX said on X.

Falcon 9 is dubbed the “world’s first orbital class reusable rocket,” SpaceX says. It has completed 426 missions, 382 total landings and 355 total reflights, according to the aerospace company’s website.

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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 6, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images)

Just 10 days ago, a SpaceX Starship rocket broke up in space minutes after launching from Texas, forcing airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico to alter course to avoid falling debris and setting back Elon Musk’s flagship rocket program.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, is seen in August 2024. (Manuel Mazzanti/NurPhoto / Getty Images)

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SpaceX mission control lost contact with the newly upgraded Starship, carrying its first test payload of mock satellites but no crew, eight minutes after liftoff from its South Texas rocket facilities at 5:38 p.m. ET.

Reuters contributed to this report.

January 26, 2025
Newly discovered asteroid turns out to be Tesla Roadster launched into space

Elon Musk’s sense of humor is out of this world.

Seven years after the SpaceX CEO launched a Tesla Roadster into orbit, astronomers from the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Massachusetts confused it with an asteroid earlier this month.

A day after the astronomers with the Minor Planet Center registered 2018 CN41, it was deleted on Jan. 3 when they revealed that it was in fact Musk’s roadster.

The center said on its website that 2018 CN41’s registry was deleted after “it was pointed out the orbit matches an artificial object, 2018-017A, Falcon Heavy Upper stage with the Tesla Roadster. The designation2018 CN41 is being deleted and will be listed as omitted.”

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Seven years after the SpaceX CEO launched a Tesla Roadster into orbit, astronomers from the Minor Planet Center at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Massachusetts confused it with an asteroid earlier this month. (SpaceX via Getty Images)

SpaceX launched the Tesla Roadster on the maiden flight of SpaceX’s huge Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018.

The roadster was expected to go into elliptical orbit around the sun, going a little beyond Mars and back toward Earth, but it apparently exceeded the orbit of Mars and kept going to the asteroid belt, according to Musk at the time.

SpaceX launched the Tesla Roadster on the maiden flight of SpaceX’s huge Falcon Heavy rocket in February 2018. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images))

When the roadster was mistaken for an asteroid earlier this month, it was less than 150,000 miles from Earth, which is closer than the moon’s orbit, according to Astronomy Magazine, meaning that astronomers would want to monitor how close it gets to Earth.

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Center for Astrophysics (CfA) astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell told Astronomy magazine that the mistake shows the issues with untracked objects.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched his former personal car into orbit at the time. (Justin Sullivan)

“Worst case, you spend a billion launching a space probe to study an asteroid and only realize it’s not an asteroid when you get there,” he said.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to SpaceX for comment.

January 25, 2025
NASA astronaut stuck in space reports ‘strange noises’ coming from Starliner

A NASA astronaut at the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday reported hearing a “strange noise” coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft just days before it is set to leave the station and return to Earth on autopilot.

The astronaut, Butch Wilmore, radioed Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston to inquire about the noise.

On an audio recording of the exchange, Wilmore holds up a phone to the speakers so that Mission Control could hear the noise he was referring to. A pulsating sound emanating at steady intervals can be heard through Wilmore’s device.

“Butch, that one came through,” Mission Control says after not hearing it the first time. “It was kind of like a pulsating noise, almost like a sonar ping.”

NASA PLANS TO SEND 2 ASTRONAUTS INSTEAD OF 3 TO ISS SO PAIR STRANDED BY TROUBLED BOEING STARLINER CAN RETURN

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is docked to the Harmony module of the International Space Station on July 3, 2024, as seen from a window on the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft docked to an adjacent port. (NASA via AP)

“I’ll do it one more time and let you all scratch your heads and see if you can figure out what’s going on,” Wilmore tells Mission Control, playing the sound one more time.

Mission Control tells Wilmore the recording will be passed along and that they’ll let him know what they find.

Wilmore clarifies that the sound is emanating from the speaker inside the Starliner.

The bizarre sound was first reported by Ars Technica, which cited a recording first captured and shared by Michigan-based meteorologist Rob Dale.

NASA’s Boeing crew flight test astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are shown inside the International Space Station’s Harmony module and Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 13, 2024. (NASA)

Fox News Digital has reached out to Mission Control and Boeing to inquire if the source of the sound has been identified.

Starliner is slated to undock from the ISS, empty, and attempt to return on autopilot with a touchdown in the New Mexico desert.

NASA decided it was too risky to bring back Wilmore and Suni Williams until February. The astronauts were originally slated for a weeklong trip in early June, but the mission has been mired in problems after thruster failures and helium leaks.

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Boeing had counted on Starliner’s first crew trip to revive the troubled spacecraft program after years of delays and ballooning costs. The company had insisted Starliner was safe based on all the recent thruster tests in both space and on the ground.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Bradford Betz is a Fox News Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more.

January 23, 2025
American-made space heaters sold on Amazon recalled due to electric shock, fire hazards

Home appliance expert shares tips

Nearly 8,000 American-made space heaters were recalled in the U.S. after officials found they could cause electric shock and fire hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Thursday recalled 7,780 Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heaters, which are sold exclusively on Amazon.

The CPSC claims the power cord can “partially detach” from the heater enclosure, potentially leading to cord damage over time, posing electric shock and fire hazards.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled thousands of Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heaters. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission / Fox News)

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No injuries have been reported, as of Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.

The recall involves Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heaters with a “JUL24” or “AUG24” date code and “TYPE VH2” printed on the silver rating label on the bottom of the heater, according to the commission.

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The heaters are off-white and have thermostatic temperature control, automatic or continuous fan operation, and two heat settings, according to the CPSC. “Vornado” with a red “V” behind it is printed on the front of the unit. Only units with a “JUL24” or “AUG24” date code are included in the recall.

The heaters in question were sold on Amazon from August to October for about $90, according to the commission.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled thousands of Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heaters. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission / Fox News)

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The product was sold by Vornado Air LLC, of Andover, Kansas, and manufactured in the United States, according to officials.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Vornado to confirm that their product is part of the recall and receive instructions on how to receive a free replacement heater,” according to the CPSC.

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To receive a replacement, contact Vornado by calling 844-205-7978 or by emailing [email protected].

January 23, 2025
How to manage photos, videos on new laptop with limited space
We recently received an email from Sylvia, who just got a new laptop that has significantly less space than her old laptop. She emailed us wondering how to store photos and videos on a computer with only 82GB of storage space:

“The newer laptop does not have as much storage space (indicates 82.1 GB free of 225GB) as the old one (indicates 322 GB free of 446 GB). What is the best way to store my photos and videos to free up space on the new laptop?”

Great question, Sylvia. This is a common issue for anyone who has purchased a lightweight laptop such as a Chromebook or Windows-based ultrabook. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to store files off your hard drive.

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A woman typing on her new laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

A quick breakdown of file sizes

82 GB should be more than enough for basic tasks like web browsing, using office applications or streaming video. However, if you plan to store large files such as high-resolution photos, videos or games, or if you’re using software that requires a lot of space, 82GB might fill up quickly. Here’s a rough breakdown of how much space different types of files typically take:
- Text documents: A single text document is typically a few kilobytes (KB) in size. So, you could store millions of text documents in 82GB.
- Photos: A high-resolution image can be about 5 megabytes (MB). With 82 GB, you could store about 16,000 such photos.
- Videos: A one-hour HD video can be around 1-2 gigabytes (GB). So, you could store about 40-80 hours of HD video in 82GB.
- Games: Modern games can take up anywhere from 1GB to 100GB. So, you could store 1-82 games in 82GB, depending on their size.
It’s also important to leave enough space on your computer for the operating system to run smoothly. As a rule, keep at least 10%-15% of your hard drive free to prevent application slowdowns. An external hard drive is an excellent option for storing photos and videos to free up space on your new laptop. Another great way to save space is by storing your photos in cloud storage. Whether it’s a hard drive or cloud space, having a backup is a good idea.

As you can see from the breakdown above, photos and videos can take up a significant amount of storage space on your laptop. If you are a photographer who deals with RAW images, this amount could be even higher, as with video professionals who work with 4K content.

Even if you’re not a video professional or photographer, having a lot of home videos and photographs can take up a lot of space. You will need a secondary storage solution with less than 100GB of space left. Here are a few options you might consider.

A Mac laptop next to an external hard drive (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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External hard drives

An external hard drive is one of the most practical and reliable solutions for expanding your laptop’s storage capacity, especially if you have many media files like photos, videos or other data-intensive content. These portable storage devices connect to your computer via USB (and increasingly via USB-C for faster transfer speeds), offering the flexibility of storing and backing up massive amounts of data without consuming your laptop’s internal space.

Types of external hard drives

There are two main types of external hard drives: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid state drive). HDDs are typically more affordable and come in larger capacities (up to several terabytes), making them an excellent option for those needing vast storage space on a budget. However, their mechanical components make them slightly slower in data transfer speeds and more prone to physical damage.

SSDs, on the other hand, are faster, more durable and lighter, though they tend to be more expensive per gigabyte of storage than HDDs. SSDs are ideal if you frequently transfer large files, work with high-resolution media like 4K videos or require speedy access to your data. They are also less prone to damage from drops or movement, which makes them perfect for on-the-go use.

Storage capacity

External hard drives come in various sizes, from modest capacities like 256GB to massive options exceeding 10TB. The amount of storage you need will depend on the types of files you’re dealing with. For example, a 1TB drive can store over 200,000 high-resolution images if you need space for photos. A larger capacity drive might be necessary for video files, especially HD or 4K, as these files can easily consume tens or even hundreds of gigabytes.

An external hard drive plugged into a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Portability and convenience

One key advantage of external hard drives is their portability. Compact and easy to carry, they provide an excellent solution for photographers, videographers or anyone needing access to large files while moving. Some models are designed to be ultra-durable, with rugged, shockproof and waterproof features, ideal for outdoor and travel use.

Many professionals label and organize their drives by project or period, allowing for easy archiving and retrieval. As mentioned earlier, a simple organizational system, such as labeling your drives with the dates or types of content they contain, can help keep your data structured and easily accessible. This is especially important when you accumulate multiple drives over time. See Kurt’s picks for the best external hard drives here.

Cloud storage services: Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive

Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive offer convenient, flexible options for storing large files without consuming your laptop’s limited space. These services allow you to securely store your photos, videos and documents in the cloud, freeing up valuable storage on your device. One significant advantage of cloud storage is accessing files from any device with an internet connection, whether on your phone, tablet or another computer.

Most cloud services provide a certain amount of free storage (typically between 2GB and 15GB) before upgrading to a paid plan. For instance, Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage shared across Google services, while Dropbox provides 2GB for free with options to upgrade for more space. OneDrive provides 5GB for free, but Microsoft users can get additional storage through Office 365 subscriptions, granting access to the Microsoft Office suite.

Additionally, cloud storage services come with features like automatic syncing and backup, making it easier to organize and safeguard your files. This can be particularly helpful for large photo and video libraries, which can be set to upload automatically from your phone or computer. With features like file versioning and collaboration tools, cloud platforms offer more than just storage. They enhance productivity and allow seamless file sharing with friends, family or colleagues.

Finally, many cloud storage providers offer encryption and other security measures to protect your files for added peace of mind. However, it would always be best to take extra precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords, to ensure your data is safe. Kurt’s favorite cloud services can be seen here.

iCloud: A comprehensive cloud storage solution for Apple users

Free storage and subscription plans

iCloud offers 5GB of free storage to all users, which is sufficient for basic services like iCloud Keychain, testing other features and storing some files. However, for users who need more storage, iCloud+ subscriptions are available. These plans include:
- 50GB for $0.99/month
- 200GB for $2.99/month
- 2TB for $10.99/month
- 6TB for $32.99/month
- 12TB for $64.99/month
Integration and usability

iCloud is tightly integrated with Apple devices, making it highly convenient for Apple users. Files stored on the desktop and in documents folders on Macs are automatically synced to iCloud Drive, which is especially useful for devices with limited storage space like the MacBook Air. iCloud Drive can also be accessed from Windows machines through a dedicated file folder and files can be managed via icloud.com.

Automatic syncing and backup

iCloud provides robust automatic syncing and backup features. iCloud Backup automatically backs up important data on iPhones and iPads when connected to power and Wi-Fi, ensuring that your device’s data is always up to date. This backup can be used to restore your device or set up a new one seamlessly.

Security and privacy

iCloud uses 128-bit AES encryption to secure all files. Additionally, iCloud+ subscriptions include advanced privacy features such as iCloud Private Relay, which protects your browsing history and identity, Hide My Email, which generates random email addresses, and Custom Email Domains for personalized email addresses.

Collaboration and compatibility

While iCloud is highly user-friendly for Apple users, it can be less reliable and glitchy for non-Apple users. Collaboration is limited to Apple users, but files can be shared and accessed across different Apple devices using the Files app on iOS and iPadOS, the Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows PCs.

Sign-in page for iCloud (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Steps to protect yourself and your data

When storing your photos, videos and other important files, it’s crucial to prioritize data security. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself and your valuable information.

1) Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.

2) Enable encryption: Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to add an extra layer of protection to your data.

3) Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer this feature, especially for cloud storage services.

4) Install and maintain strong antivirus software: Use a strong antivirus program and keep it updated to protect against malware and other security threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

5) Regularly update your operating system and applications: Keep your devices and software up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.

6) Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to public networks or use a VPN for added security. Using a VPN (virtual private network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs don’t directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

7) Back up your data regularly: Create multiple backups of your important files, including at least one offline copy.

8) Use secure file transfer methods: When sharing files, use encrypted transfer methods or password-protected links.

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your data and protect yourself from potential cyber threats.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Managing storage on a laptop with limited space requires thoughtful planning, especially when dealing with large files like photos and videos. While 82GB may be sufficient for basic tasks, media files can quickly add up. By leveraging external hard drives or cloud storage services, you can keep your laptop running efficiently while ensuring that your important files are safely stored and accessible. Whether you opt for physical or cloud-based solutions, remember to prioritize data security using strong passwords and encryption where necessary. With the right strategy, you can make the most of your laptop’s storage without sacrificing performance or losing precious memories.

Do you have a way of storing photos and videos that we didn’t mention? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
January 23, 2025
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January 23, 2025
NASA finalizes strategy for human presence in space

This week, NASA finalized its strategy for sustaining a human presence in space. A document emphasized the importance of maintaining the ability for extended stays in orbit after the International Space Station is retired.

“NASA’s Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy will guide the agency toward the next generation of continuous human presence in orbit, enable greater economic growth, and maintain international partnerships,” the document stated.

The commitment comes amid questions of whether the new space stations will be ready to go. With the incoming Trump administration’s effort to cut spending through the Department of Government Efficiency, there are also fears NASA could face cuts.

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“Just like everybody has to make hard decisions when the budget is tight, we’ve made some choices over the last year, in fact, to cut back programs or cancel them all together to make sure that we’re focused on our highest priorities,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy.

Commercial space company Voyager is working on one of the space stations that could replace the International Space Station when it de-orbits in 2030. The company applauded NASA’s strategy to keep humans in space.

A rendering shows a Voyager spacecraft. Voyager is working on one of the space stations that could replace the International Space Station, which is expected to be retired in 2030. (Voyager Space)

“We need that commitment because we have our investors saying, ‘Is the United States committed?’” said Jeffrey Manber Voyager’s president of international and space stations.

President Reagan first launched the effort to keep humans in space at a permanent residence. He also warned of the need for private partnerships.

“America has always been greatest when we dared to be great. We can reach for greatness,” Reagan said during his 1984 State of the Union address. “The market for space transportation could surpass our capacity to develop it.”

Jeffrey Manber, president of international and space stations at Voyager Space, praised NASA’s commitment to researching how to sustain a human presence in space. (Associated Press)

The first piece of the ISS was launched in 1998. Since then, it has hosted more than 28 people from 23 countries. For 24 years, humans have occupied the ISS continuously.

The Trump administration released a national space policy in 2020 that called for maintaining a “continuous human presence in earth orbit” and also emphasized the need to transition to commercial platforms. The Biden administration maintained that policy.

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“Let’s say we didn’t have commercial stations that are ready to go. Technically, we could keep the space station going, but the idea was to fly it through 2030 and de-orbit it in 2031,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in June.

In recent months, there have been questions whether the policy would be maintained.

A rendering shows a Voyager Space spacecraft floating in orbit above the Earth. (Voyager Space)

“I just want to talk about the elephant in the room for a moment, continuous human presence. What does that mean? Is it continuous heartbeat or continuous capability? While we kind of originally hoped that this would just sort of emerge from this process, we’re still having conversations about that and understanding it,” Melroy said at the International Astronautical Congress in October.

NASA’s finalized strategy took into account concerns from commercial and international partners over what it would mean to lose the ISS without a commercial station ready to go.

“Almost all of our industry partners agreed. Continuous presence is continuous heartbeat. And so that’s where we stand,” Melroy said. “I think this continuous presence, it’s leadership. Today, the United States leads in human spaceflight. The only other space station that will be in orbit when ISS de-orbits, if we don’t bring a commercial destination up in time, will be the Chinese space station. And we want to stay and remain the partner of choice for our industry and for our goals for NASA.”

Three companies, including Voyager, are working with NASA to develop commercial space stations. Axiom signed an agreement with NASA in 2020. The agency awarded contracts to Nanoracks, now part of Voyager Space, and Blue Origin in 2021.

A rendering shows a Voyager Space spacecraft at a distance, passing in front of the moon. (Voyager Space)

“We’ve had some challenges, to be perfectly honest with you. The budget caps that were a deal that was cut between the White House and Congress for fiscal year (2024 and 2025) have left us without as much investment. So, what we do is we co-invest with our commercial partners to do the development. I think we’re still able to make it happen before the end of 2030, though, to get a commercial space station up and running so that we have a continuous heartbeat of American astronauts on orbit,” Melroy said.

Voyager says it is not behind in the development process and is still planning to launch their starship space station in 2028.

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“We’re not asking for more money. We’re going ahead. We’re ready to replace the International Space Station,” Manber said. “Everyone knows SpaceX, but there’s hundreds of companies that have created the space economy. And if we lose permanent presence, you lose that supply chain.”

Additional funds have been provided for the three companies since the initial space station contracts. A second round of funding could be crucial for some projects. NASA could also award funding for new space station proposals. One prospect is Long Beach, California’s Vast Space. The company recently unveiled concepts for its Haven modules. It plans to launch the Haven-1 as soon as next year.

“We absolutely think competition is critical. This is a development project. It’s challenging. It was hard to build the space station. We’re asking our commercial partners to step up and do this themselves with some help from us. We think it’s really important that we carry as many options going forward to see which one really pans out when we actually get there,” Melroy said.

Bret Baier currently serves as FOX News Channel’s (FNC) anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier (weeknights at 6-7PM/ET), chief political anchor of the network and co-anchor of the network’s election coverage. Baier is also host of FOX News Audio’s “The Bret Baier Podcast” which includes Common Ground and The All-Star Panel. He joined FNC in 1998 as the first reporter in the Atlanta bureau and is now based in Washington, D.C.

January 22, 2025