Latest news with #Tremor


India Today
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Meet the toys that have floated in space: From Joy to Buzz Lightyear
Space missions involve high-tech equipment and elaborate science; however, many astronauts also travel with soft toys. Shubhanshu Shukla carried Joy with him on the Axiom-4 NASA project. Joy is a white baby swan soft toy, and along with being an adorable companion, Joy serves as a zero-gravity indicator and carries significant cultural was chosen by Shukla's six-year-old son to accompany them on the spacecraft. Once in orbit, Joy becomes "weightless," serving as a clear visual cue that the crew is in this, Joy symbolises wisdom and purity in Indian culture, loyalty in Poland, and grace in Hungary, reflecting the crew's diverse backgrounds. Shukla highlighted that Joy serves as a meaningful companion, helping the team focus on what truly matters during their mission in space. When people think of space missions, they think in terms of complex machines, satellites, and scientific experiments. However, behind the scenes, astronauts sometimes take toys with them to help them remember home, inspire inquisitive children watching from Earth, and sometimes help to demonstrate science concepts. Either towards the end of a school year, many of the toys have not only been fun, but have also had realistic the years, many toys, from characters popularised in memorable movies to handmade stuffed animals, have floated inside the International Space Station (ISS). Each toy has a story to tell and a reason to be in are the most interesting toys for travelling in Yoda joined the crewIn 2020, during SpaceX's Crew-1 mission, a Baby Yoda toy from The Mandalorian series joined NASA astronauts Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover, Shannon Walker, and Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi on their journey to the ISS. Astronaut Victor Glover playfully told mission control, 'Baby Yoda says you guys can come back on board,' after the cameras had briefly turned off, making the toy an instant hit on social media. Meet the toys that have floated in space: From Joy to Buzz Lightyear Dinosaurs, Planets, and Buzz LightyearMany other toys have made memorable space trips:Tremor the sparkly dinosaur plush: Chosen by astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley for SpaceX's Demo-2 mission because both have children who love dinosaurs. Tremor became famous worldwide and quickly sold out the toy planet: Sent as a zero-gravity indicator on SpaceX's Crew Dragon test flight in 2019. It floated as the spacecraft entered orbit, showing the crew had reached buddy, that's your Mother Earth. Isn't she beautiful? COL Anne McClain (@AstroAnnimal) March 4, 2019Buzz Lightyear: In 2008, NASA sent a Buzz Lightyear toy to the ISS, finally fulfilling the character's dream of flying in space. Buzz stayed in orbit for 15 months before returning to Earth, where he now lives at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. NASA/Steven Siceloff TOYS THAT TAUGHT AND INSPIREDSome toys also helped astronauts explain science to children on Earth:Angry Birds plush: In 2012, astronaut Don Pettit took a plush Red Bird to the ISS to help explain microgravity in an educational chessboard: NASA astronaut Gregory Chamitoff played a long-distance chess game against schoolchildren on Earth, with moves exchanged online every couple of days. The kids eventually ISS model: Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa built a Lego model of the International Space Station while on board to show scientific ideas AND SPECIAL TOYSA few toys carried personal and cultural meaning:Smokey Bear: A soft toy symbol of fire safety travelled with NASA astronaut Joe Acaba and Russian cosmonauts in 2012, highlighting the importance of Earth research from dinosaur plush: In 2013, astronaut Karen Nyberg sewed a small toy dinosaur aboard the ISS for her son Jack using scraps of fabric and materials available on the station—the only toy on the list made entirely in Astronauts, including Peggy Whitson in 2002, used yo-yos to show how objects move differently in solo baseball: Japanese astronaut Satoshi Furukawa famously pitched, batted, and caught the same baseball thanks to zero gravity, turning an ordinary game into something truly ASTRONAUTS TAKE TOYS TO SPACETo many people, toys in space may seem playful or even unnecessary. But they serve important roles:Acting as zero-gravity indicatorsHelping astronauts share science in creative waysBringing comfort and reminders of family and homeMaking space missions feel closer and more human to people on EarthFrom Joy the swan to Baby Yoda and Buzz Lightyear, these toys remind us that even on the most advanced space missions, astronauts carry a piece of Earth-and often, a piece of love—with them beyond the stars.- Ends


Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How toys have quietly become part of space history
A soft white swan named Joy is all set to join the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, floating her way into orbit alongside a crew of astronauts. Chosen by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's six-year-old son, Joy will serve as the mission's zero-gravity indicator—a whimsical but meaningful tradition in space travel that began decades ago. Joy joins a long line of toys that have become silent companions in space history. What Joy stands for Joy, the baby swan aboard Axiom-4, isn't just a zero-G indicator—it's a symbol of cultural unity. Chosen to mark the transition into microgravity, Joy also reflects the joint spirit of ISRO, ESA, and Hungary's Hunor programme. In India, the swan is revered as the vahana of Goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom and purity. In Poland, it stands for loyalty and resilience. In Hungary, it embodies grace and the beauty of nature. Through Joy, the Ax-4 crew quietly celebrates the cultural threads that connect their mission across borders. The first space toys The tradition started in 1961 when Yuri Gagarin brought a small doll on his historic flight. In 1985, NASA's STS-51D mission flew 11 toys to demonstrate microgravity's effects—showing how objects like Slinkys and yo-yos behave differently in orbit. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo These experiments became powerful tools to teach space physics. Pop culture icons take flight Buzz Lightyear's 2008 mission aboard the ISS helped NASA's STEM outreach by bringing a beloved toy to space. Since then, characters like Olaf ( Frozen ), Red ( Angry Birds ), and Grogu (Baby Yoda) have flown to inspire young fans and make space more relatable. Handmade and family-selected keepsakes Not all toys come from franchises. In 2013, astronaut Karen Nyberg sewed a tiny dinosaur aboard the ISS for her son. Many toys are picked by astronauts' children, like Tremor, a glittery dinosaur flown on Crew Dragon, or the CBeebies star Miss Mouse from , carried by Tim Peake. Why toys travel to space They serve scientific, emotional, and cultural roles. After missions, many toys find homes in museums or with families. Zero-G indicators: Show when weightlessness begins. . Examples include Earthy, a plush blue planet on a SpaceX test flight, and Tremor, who delighted kids watching Crew Dragon's launch Physics demonstrators: NASA's toy experiments teach microgravity physics. Emotional anchors: Provide comfort and connection, often chosen by astronauts' kids. Cultural ambassadors: Characters inspire wonder and science curiosity.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
The 2026 Ford Explorer's off-road credibility is in for a boost when the midsize SUV adds a model with the automaker's popular Tremor badge later this year. The Explorer Tremor adds gear, including three steel skid plates, increased ground clearance and a Torsen rear differential. The 2026 Explorer Tremor also gets handsome visual upgrades from bright LED off-road lights across a new grille to 'Electric Spice' orange details. On sale late 2025 Standard four-wheel drive 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine 400-hp maximum power 10-speed automatic transmission 31.5-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires 18-inch gloss black painted wheels with orange highlight Electric spice orange highlights Assembled in Chicago Price: TBA The Tremor should add meaningful capability compared with the Explorer's short-lived Timberline trim, which was about looks more than function. Ford discontinued the Timberline after the 2024 model year. The Tremor is an outdoorsy model mirroring the performance-oriented ST in the Explorer lineup. ST prices start at $56,770. It's not unreasonable to expect the Tremor in the same neighborhood. 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 review: Plug-in luxury with smooth power and smart style Tremors will be available with either a 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6 engine. The only performance figures Ford has revealed is 400 hp from the twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. A 14-speaker B&O audio system will be available. The Explorer is the second Ford SUV to get a Tremor model, following the Expedition. There are also Tremor models of Ford's pickups. The Explorer Tremor's front corners were carved out so the front wheels can tackle big rocks without damaging the fascia. Selecting a new off-road mode modifies throttle response, shift points, traction control, power distribution, 360-degree trail view and an inclinometer. Other unique Tremor touches include: 1 inch more ground clearance Twin front recovery hooks LED off-road lights in grille Steel front, rear and transmission skid plates Unique front and rear fascia Off-road driving mode Improved approach and departure angles Trail view cameras Unique stabilizer bars and springs Upgraded shock absorbers The Tremor will be the first vehicle with the 1.5 version of Ford's Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which adds fully automatic lane changes to its other features. It shares the upgrades the 2025 Explorer received, including Google navigation, apps and music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard equipment. Ford is taking orders for the Explorer Tremor now. Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data


USA Today
3 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
2026 Ford Explorer Tremor SUV gets new off-road chops, more style
The 2026 Ford Explorer's off-road credibility is in for a boost when the midsize SUV adds a model with the automaker's popular Tremor badge later this year. The Explorer Tremor adds gear, including three steel skid plates, increased ground clearance and a Torsen rear differential. The 2026 Explorer Tremor also gets handsome visual upgrades from bright LED off-road lights across a new grille to 'Electric Spice' orange details. 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor Ford key facts On sale late 2025 Standard four-wheel drive 3.0L twin-turbo V6 or 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine 400-hp maximum power 10-speed automatic transmission 31.5-inch Bridgestone all-terrain tires 18-inch gloss black painted wheels with orange highlight Electric spice orange highlights Assembled in Chicago Price: TBA Taking the Explorer off-road — for real, this time The Tremor should add meaningful capability compared with the Explorer's short-lived Timberline trim, which was about looks more than function. Ford discontinued the Timberline after the 2024 model year. The Tremor is an outdoorsy model mirroring the performance-oriented ST in the Explorer lineup. ST prices start at $56,770. It's not unreasonable to expect the Tremor in the same neighborhood. Tremors will be available with either a 2.3L four-cylinder or 3.0L V6 engine. The only performance figures Ford has revealed is 400 hp from the twin-turbo V6. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds. A 14-speaker B&O audio system will be available. The Explorer is the second Ford SUV to get a Tremor model, following the Expedition. There are also Tremor models of Ford's pickups. What makes the Explorer Tremor special? The Explorer Tremor's front corners were carved out so the front wheels can tackle big rocks without damaging the fascia. Selecting a new off-road mode modifies throttle response, shift points, traction control, power distribution, 360-degree trail view and an inclinometer. Other unique Tremor touches include: The Tremor will be the first vehicle with the 1.5 version of Ford's Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, which adds fully automatic lane changes to its other features. It shares the upgrades the 2025 Explorer received, including Google navigation, apps and music. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain standard equipment. Ford is taking orders for the Explorer Tremor now. Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.


Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
This SUV gets pickup performance; it's capable, comfortable and … expensive
ORO STATION, ONT.—Take one racetrack under construction. Add a beautiful blue sky. Mix in a brand-new, full-size SUV specially tuned for off-road work and an enthusiastic road tester. And what do you get? A grand day! I'm at the site of what's soon to be the Oro Station Motor Circuit racetrack, near Lake Simcoe regional airport, about 90 minutes north of Toronto. The piles of soil and boulders here provide a great means to test the mettle of the all-new Ford Expedition Tremor. All Expedition trims have been re-engineered for 2025, but the Tremor is an all-new addition to the line. Every model comes with four-wheel-drive, three rows of seating and an all-new, split rear tailgate. Just the upper part can be open. The lower portion stays closed to keep things in place. The front centre storage bin slides rearward under power to reveal an additional, eight-inch, storage tray. Tremor-spec., hitherto available only on Ford pickups, provides: knobby 33-inch, General Grabber, all-terrain tires; 10.6-inch of ground clearance; tow hooks; and a grille design with additional auxiliary lights and underbody protection. 'Electric Spice' accents around the front air intakes, on the tow hooks, and, even on the wheels, are eye-catching, but functional; the yellow on the wheel spokes surrounds the tire's valve stem so it can be located more easily when caked in mud or snow. The Tremor is about more than just looking the part of a tough off-roader; it's meant to be used as such. Hence the underbody skid plates that protect the radiator, gas tank and more. Hence the added ride height, the addition of a Rock Crawl drive mode and the fact that it comes available only with the more powerful version of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 all Expeditions get. It produces 440 horsepower and 510 pounds-feet of torque, fed to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. There's an electronic locking rear differential for even more off-road ability. With Rock Crawl drive mode activated, I traverse basketball-sized rocks embedded in the dirt below. Even with the girth associated of a full-size SUV, it gamely clambers through the obstacles, with only a few strikes of the skid plate below. The truck can handle all the throttle and braking duties through the Trail Assist feature that acts as a form of off-road cruise control. All the driver has to do is steer, a task helped by another piece of tech: a camera facing forward and down with onscreen indicators that show each wheel's expected path. That makes it much easier to avoid certain obstacles, once you get used to looking at the 13.2-inch screen below. Every Expedition gets a digital speedometer. The 24-inch display also contains the fuel gauge, Google Maps and blind-spot camera display. It's neat. But you have to look at it and use buttons mounted on the oval-shaped steering wheel — I will say this provides a clearer view of both the instruments and the road ahead — to adjust the wheel and the pedals. It just doesn't feel as natural as a button or lever mounted on the column. If you'd rather not worry about using the steering wheel at all, you can do that as well — to a degree. The Tremor is equipped with Ford BlueCruise, which enables you to drive for extended periods without ever having to put your hands on the wheel, or your feet on the pedals. It doesn't work on all roads, but on the highway I was on, it was aces, even adjusting when the road lost a lane in a construction zone. It kept a perfect distance from the vehicle ahead and kept me dead-centre in the lane. It will even change lanes for you; simply nudge the turn indicator stalk, and, when safe, it will change lanes to pass. Space and creature comforts inside keep occupants happy. For better visibility, the second-row seats get a higher mount than the first, and the third row sits even higher still. It can accommodate three kids comfortably — there are child seat latches — and two adults should have no problem getting comfortable back there. They get USB-C ports and cupholders as well as their own ceiling-mounted climate vents to keep them comfortable on longer journeys. If you want to pitch up at a backcountry campsite, certain features make it a glamping-like affair. These include a trunk-mounted folding picnic table, extra interior lights, USB-C ports and a 400W power outlet. Even with the knobbier tires, the Tremor provides a smooth ride on normal roads and with all the other interior accoutrements, it makes for a perfect long-distance travel companion. At more than one 100 grand before delivery, it won't be a massive seller. But it's a hugely capable three-row SUV. Back on the dusty obstacle course, I try to unseat the Tremor, but there really is nothing that can stop it. Off-camber soft dirt? No problem. Steep climbs that would make a mountain goat think twice? Aces. How about a set of fallen logs? Hard to traverse smoothly, but that was likely because of my lack of skill. But the logs were dispatched. If the Tremor can handle all this, a forestry road to a backcountry campsite shouldn't be a problem, even in bad weather. Type: Five-door, full-size SUV; four-wheel-drive Engine: Twin-turbocharged V6; 440 horsepower; 510 pounds-feet of torque (motive force) Fuel: 15.4 litres/100 km in the city; 10.7l/100 km on the highway; 13.3l/100 km combined Transmission: Ten-speed automatic Cargo: 3,072 litres or 108.5 cubic feet behind first row; 1,979l or 69.9 cu. ft. behind second row; 648l or 22.9 cu. ft. behind third row Towing: 4,218 kilograms, or 9,300 pounds, as equipped Price: $103,470, as tested