A new facility in the United States is set to keep the country safe from from the threat of nuclear proliferation. The new state-of-the-art 21,000-square-foot facility, at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is also aimed at contributing to nuclear energy developments.

The Advanced Testbed and Operations Learning Laboratory (ATOLL) will develop critical workforce expertise and capabilities essential to monitoring foreign weapons-grade uranium production activities. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2028.

Initiative to advance energy dominance agenda

“It takes a weapons program to know a weapons program,” said Administrator Williams. “At NNSA, we deter adversaries by being experts in atomic science and weapons production, and the investment in ATOLL strengthens our understanding of both.”

The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has announced that the initiative will also advance President Trump’s energy dominance agenda and his executive orders on nuclear energy by contributing to the growing nuclear infrastructure being built in Tennessee, providing critical expertise that can be leveraged by American industry to revitalize domestic civil nuclear capabilities.

Detection of adversary nuclear programs and capabilities

“Our nation’s nuclear deterrent and the NNSA enterprise that maintains it serve as the foundation of our national defense. My highest priority as Chairman of the House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee is ensuring this nuclear security enterprise is properly resourced,” said Congressman Fleischmann.

“DNN plays an essential defensive role within our deterrence architecture by enabling the detection and attribution of adversary nuclear programs and capabilities. The scientific and technological expertise of our national labs are critical enablers for NNSA’s national security missions.”

Fleischmann also underlined that the Advanced Testbed and Operations Learning Laboratory, being built at ORNL, will provide the cutting edge scientific facilities needed to perform critical nonproliferation missions, as the ability to monitor foreign nuclear production and weapons activities is essential to the country’s national defense and extended deterrence commitments.

“I was honored to participate in the groundbreaking for this important demonstration of these tremendous partnerships advancing U.S. national security,” added Fleischmann.

The project is part of the Nonproliferation Stewardship Program within NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation. The program focuses on maintaining the scientific expertise, technical infrastructure, and specialized facilities necessary to address current and future nuclear security challenges.

As geopolitical tensions and concerns over nuclear proliferation continue to evolve, the development of ATOLL represents a strategic investment in America’s ability to detect, understand, and prevent the misuse of nuclear technology. The facility is expected to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. nonproliferation efforts while fostering innovation and expertise in the broader nuclear field for decades to come.

The new facility is expected to strengthen America’s ability to monitor nuclear activities globally and respond effectively to emerging proliferation risks.

By supporting research, workforce development, and advanced nuclear infrastructure, the laboratory will help reinforce domestic capabilities in both civilian nuclear power and national security applications.

Researchers have developed a transistor technology that enables a single semiconductor device to perform multiple circuit functions simultaneously.

Developed by the Pohang University of Science and Technology, the new approach significantly simplifies circuit design and increases data processing speed by fourfold compared with conventional methods. As the number of functions increases, so do the number of circuits and transistors required.

Implementing complex circuit functions

Researchers also revealed that one of the key challenges in the semiconductor industry is integrating more functions into smaller chips. As the number of functions increases, so do the number of circuits and transistors required. However, when adding new functions to previously fabricated semiconductor chips, back-end-of-line (BEOL), processing must be conducted at temperatures below 400°C to protect the existing chip structure.

“This study demonstrates the possibility of implementing complex circuit functions at the level of a single device,” said Professor Byoung Hun Lee.

“We expect this technology to be widely applicable to the development of ultra-compact AI devices and three-dimensional integrated, highly-density semiconductor systems.”

The research team focused on zinc oxide(ZnO) and tellurium(Te). Both materials can be fabricated as thin, uniform films at temperatures below 200°C, making them promising candidates for next-generation semiconductor materials. By combining the two, the team created a ZnO–Te heterojunction transistor, according to a press release.

Team successfully realized double negative differential transconductance

The device controls current flow in a highly distinctive way. Unlike conventional semiconductors, in which current generally increases as voltage rises, this device exhibits negative differential transconductance(NDT), in which current decreases over a certain voltage range. The team successfully realized double negative differential transconductance(D-NDT), in which this phenomenon occurs twice in succession within a single device. In simple terms, the technology allows a single device to handle tasks that would normally be divided among multiple devices, thereby reducing circuit complexity, as per the release.

The multi-functional ZnO–Te heterojunction device exhibiting double negative differential transconductance (D-NDT) characteristics is presented, according to the study published in Advanced Functional Materials. The results suggest that the ZnO–Te D-NDT device offers a promising pathway for realizing area-efficient and multi-functional integrated circuits for future electronics.

Using this device, the team implemented a frequency quadrupler that converts one input signal into four output signals. This function would typically require multiple transistors, but the new technology achieves it with a single device, reducing the number of required transistors by 75%. In actual circuit experiments, the researchers also confirmed that data processing speed increased fourfold within a single input signal cycle.

The device controls current flow in a highly distinctive way. Unlike conventional semiconductors, in which current generally increases as voltage rises, this device exhibits negative differential transconductance(NDT), in which current decreases over a certain voltage range. The team successfully realized double negative differential transconductance(D-NDT), in which this phenomenon occurs twice in succession within a single device. In simple terms, the technology allows a single device to handle tasks that would normally be divided among multiple devices, thereby reducing circuit complexity.

A Texas-based firm has filed patent for its next-generation self-lubricating aerospace composite. Carbon Fiber Max GX-F delivers exceptional strength, durability, wear resistance, and manufacturability for demanding aviation, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications.

The material expands the company’s intellectual property portfolio and establishes the foundation for a new family of advanced materials designed to bridge the gap between traditional engineering plastics and conventional carbon fiber composites.

Proprietary architecture utilizes carbon nanotubes

Developed by Carbon Fiber Max, the GX-F incorporates a proprietary architecture utilizing carbon nanotubes, tungsten disulfide nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, and advanced thermoplastic matrices to create lightweight, high-performance composite systems that can be injection molded into complex geometries while maintaining exceptional mechanical and tribological properties.

“The filing of this provisional patent represents a major milestone for Carbon Fiber Max and our long-term vision of redefining what advanced materials can achieve,” said Milton Arch, CEO of Carbon Fiber Max.

“GX-F is more than a new formulation. It is a platform technology designed to unlock opportunities across aerospace, defense, electric aircraft, robotics, advanced mobility, and next-generation manufacturing.”

Designed with scalability and manufacturability

The company also revealed that unlike many traditional composite materials that require labor-intensive manufacturing processes, Carbon Fiber Max GX-F has been designed with scalability and manufacturability in mind, allowing for efficient production of components across multiple industries.

It’s also claimed that the GX-F has the potential to address longstanding challenges associated with traditional composite materials, including wear, friction, manufacturability, complexity, and lifecycle durability.

As global demand increases for lighter, stronger, and more efficient materials, Carbon Fiber Max believes GX-F positions the company to pursue opportunities with aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, advanced mobility developers, robotics companies, and industrial OEMs seeking alternatives to conventional composites, according to a press release.

The filing also opens the door to future licensing opportunities, strategic partnerships, joint development programs, and industry-specific formulations tailored to the requirements of aerospace, defense, transportation, and advanced manufacturing markets, as per the release.

A defining feature of the GX-F platform is its nanoengineered design philosophy. By incorporating advanced nanoscale reinforcement technologies into the composite structure, Carbon Fiber Max aims to improve mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and long-term durability.

The new composite platform may also find applications in hypersonic systems, advanced drones, military aircraft, and space-related technologies where lightweight, high-performance materials play a decisive role in mission success. The patent filing underscores Carbon Fiber Max’s ambition to position itself as a key supplier of advanced composite solutions for both commercial and defense markets.

The provisional patent filing marks another step in Carbon Fiber Max’s broader intellectual property strategy. Securing patent protection allows the company to safeguard its innovations while continuing development and commercialization efforts.

A defining feature of the GX-F platform is its nanoengineered design philosophy. By incorporating advanced nanoscale reinforcement technologies into the composite structure, Carbon Fiber Max aims to improve mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and long-term durability.

The new composite platform may also find applications in hypersonic systems, advanced drones, military aircraft, and space-related technologies where lightweight, high-performance materials play a decisive role in mission success. The patent filing underscores Carbon Fiber Max’s ambition to position itself as a key supplier of advanced composite solutions for both commercial and defense markets.

The provisional patent filing marks another step in Carbon Fiber Max’s broader intellectual property strategy. Securing patent protection allows the company to safeguard its innovations while continuing development and commercialization efforts.

A French fighter jet has successfully conducted the second development firing of MICA NG air-to-air missile. The New Generation Missile for Interception, Combat, and Self-Defence (MICA NG) was fired from Rafale.

Conducted for the first time in supersonic flight configuration, this firing took place at the DGA Missile Testing Centre’s Mediterranean site.

The test is a major step towards the missile’s qualification and  integration with the Rafale since the first development shot from a Rafale which took place in June 2025.

Firing was made under highly demanding operational conditions

The test was conducted in collaboration with the teams of MBDA, DGA, Dassault Aviation, and the French Air and Space Force.

This firing was made under highly demanding operational conditions. It successfully evaluated the performance of the MICA NG’s infrared seeker in a supersonic flight context, thereby validating its capabilities to handle all types of current and future threats, according to MBDA.

It’s also revealed that the firing successfully validated the full deployment chain of the infrared version of the missile, particularly its seeker, even in extremely challenging flight conditions and high temperatures.

Missile uses seeker to automatically correct its trajectory

The seeker is a system used by the missile to automatically correct its trajectory based on the information it receives. In its infrared version, it uses the infrared radiation emitted by the target. In a supersonic flight configuration of the Rafale, at faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1), the MICA NG and its infrared seeker are subjected to a higher ambient temperature, according to MBDA.

The higher this temperature, the lower the contrast between the target of interest and the background of the image, and the more difficult it will be for the seeker to detect it. This test validated the capabilities of the MICA NG’s infrared seeker under these conditions.

MBDA also revealed that the MICA NG is equipped with advanced technologies that enable it to address high performance future threats that will be faster and  more stealthy. This enhances France’s capability to maintain its operational superiority in contested and high-intensity airspaces.

In addition to the usual targets covered by air-to-air missiles (aircraft, helicopters), the MICA NG extends its capabilities to targets characterized by very low infrared and electromagnetic signatures, such as drones, stealth fighters, and highly maneuverable cruise missiles, according to a press release.

MBDA also highlighted that MICA NG will ensure interception, close combat, and self-defence capabilities for fighter aircraft to maintain air superiority, as well as for ships and areas of terrestrial interest in its VL MICA NG version.

With each development milestone, MBDA moves closer to delivering a next-generation air-to-air weapon that combines advanced sensors, extended range, and superior flexibility.

The successful test not only demonstrates the maturity of the MICA NG program but also highlights France’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority in the rapidly evolving domain of aerial warfare.

A Washington-based firm has flown reusable launch system exceeding Mach 4. The rocket-free reusable launch opens path to affordable, repeatable and scalable hypersonic and suborbital missions.

General Hypersonics conducted two launches exceeding Mach 4 from the same reusable launch system, with the second launch occurring approximately 90 minutes after the first.

The company claimed that the achievement sets another ram-accelerated mass-to-velocity milestone and advances the company’s goal of making high-cadence hypersonic and suborbital launch operations affordable and repeatable.

More affordable testing, faster technology development

“What changes the conversation is this: we took a reusable launch system beyond Mach 4 twice before lunch,” said Mark Russell, founder and chief executive officer of General Hypersonics.

“Most launch systems are designed around a single mission. We’re building a system designed to launch again and again. That’s what ultimately enables more affordable testing, faster technology development and a practical path toward responsive access to space.”

General Hypersonics also revealed that the latest demonstration highlights a fundamentally different approach to flight testing: the ability to rapidly reset, reload and relaunch the same reusable system multiple times per day. As government and commercial organizations seek more affordable access to high-speed testing and more responsive paths to space, higher launch cadence has the potential to accelerate technology development, expand testing capacity and reduce costs, according to the company.

Hypersonic test programs rely on complex launch infrastructure

General Hypersonics highlighted that while many high-speed and hypersonic test programs rely on complex launch infrastructure, including carrier aircrafts and rocket boosters, and specialized ranges and extensive mission planning.

The company completed both launches from the same reusable platform in approximately 90 minutes. Both launches were conducted using manual loading procedures, with automated loading systems currently under development to further improve turnaround times and increase launch cadence, according to a press release.

It’s also revealed that the Mach 4 (about 3,100 mph) is more than four times the speed of sound, while hypersonic flight is generally defined as Mach 5 and above. At Mach 4, a vehicle could theoretically travel across the continental United States in less than an hour, illustrating the significance of sustained high-speed flight.

General Hypersonics’ ram accelerator technology accelerates payloads through a reusable launch tube powered by clean combustible gases — eliminating the need for a first-stage rocket booster and toxic propellants. Designed to reload quickly, launch frequently and operate from fixed or mobile sites on land or at sea, the platform is being developed and tested at HyperLab, General Hypersonics’ reusable open-air launch facility, as per the release.

The achievement comes at a time when governments and private aerospace companies are increasing investments in reusable hypersonic technologies. Across the industry, organizations are pursuing methods to reduce testing costs and increase flight frequency, recognizing that rapid iteration is essential for advancing next-generation aerospace systems.

General Hypersonics plans to increase automation within its launch operations and move beyond high-speed testing toward routine suborbital missions.