As a part of a competition sponsored by SpaceX, university students and independent engineering teams are building scale-model Hyperloop pods.
Alex Chan details the efforts of the HyperXite team at U.C. Irvine "as they finalize their designs for a pod that would speed through a tube at more than 700 mph, levitated by compressed air."
The team is participating in the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, which is scheduled to wrap up this summer. "The competition aims to speed up the development of a prototype," according to Chan. Cnn Money also recently caught up on the development of a prototype, with the leaders of a company, Hyperloop Technologies, already starting to lay test tracks in the California desert.
As for the SpaceX Hyperloop Pod Competition, 120 finalists were selected from about 360 submissions in November. "Those teams, representing 20 countries, will present their designs during the competition's Design Weekend on Jan. 29 and 30 at Texas A&M University," reports Chan.
FULL STORY: L.A. to S.F. in an Hour: U.C. Irvine Students Submit Hyperloop Proposal
SpaceX Removes Hyperloop Test Tube
After blocking sidewalk access for years, a tube segment in front of SpaceX’s Hawthorne office was removed at the city’s request, signaling a broader retreat from the project.
The Hyperloop’s Prospects Dim
The media is coming around to the idea that the hyperloop is not a near-term solution for the country’s transportation woes. It’s too little, too obvious, too late.
Opinion: Stop Trusting Elon Musk—on Tunnels, on Teslas, on Everything
Musk has leveraged social media intrigue and a hot streak on the market to become the standard bearer for autonomous vehicle technology. Trust Tesla at public peril, argues James Brasuell in this opinion piece.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie