Project Ascensio Space Elevator

Dreams of Earth and Sky, an 1895 collection of essays by Russian mathematician Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky, contains one of the first abstract conceptions of a space elevator, an idea that has repeatedly appeared in sci-fi writings in the years since. With material advances, the space elevator could be a realistic replacement for relatively inefficient rockets and their limited payloads. To that end, architect Jordan William Hughes of England was awarded the Jacques Rogerie Foundation's Architecture and Innovation for Space Grand Prix Award for his Ascensio space elevator. The concept envisions a space station in geostationary orbit, attached by a tether through the atmosphere to a mobile seafaring platform. The Ascensio concept would allow for expanded delivery windows and greater stability and safety compared to ground-based or airborne launch systems. The materials required to sustain the tether's weight aren't here yet, but carbon nanotubes and graphene filaments offer promising pathways to making the concept a reality.

Photos: Jordan William Hughes

Laurel Bath House Mourning Wood Body Wash

Specializing in custom-crafted scents, Laurel Bath House offers unique ways to care for your skin. Mourning Wood might be their most impressive offering, with a refreshing scent derived from up-cycled deforested tree scraps. It helps smooth and soften while cleaning to counteract the drying effects of your activity and environment. It's infused with facial-grade vitamins and formulated to nourish and balance all skin types.

Marshall Emberton II Portable Speaker

Great sound, classic looks, and no compromises. Marshall's new Emberton II portable speaker builds on the original with even more battery life for more music wherever you go. The Emberton II can now go up to 10 more hours between charges, for a total of 30. Marshall's True Stereophonic tech gives the Emberton II the same room-filling sound in a small footprint, and the vintage look of the company's vintage guitar amps gives it a timeless style. Also much like their famed amplifiers, multiple Emberton II can be connected and "stacked" to form more powerful stero sound from the two combined units. The Emberton II is IP67-rated against dust and water for great music in any weather.

Denver & Liely Whisky Glass

You can never have too many whisky glasses, and this one could be the best on the market. Combining the taste and aromas a snifter provides with the style and versatility of a classic tumbler, this glass from Denver & Liely is a willing vessel for any whisky. Each one is hand-blown and hand-polished using lead-free crystal and was recently rated the number one whisky glass in the world.

Common Projects Track Hiker Sneakers

Common Projects is best known for their minimalist sneakers. These hikers are, then, demonstratively different. Yet the same commitment to quality holds, with a rugged upper that combines leather, suede, and synthetic materials, a wrap-around mudguard, and a studded Vibram outsole that's ready to tackle any surface.

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