Given the state of the art at the time, critics scoffed at the idea that these exotic, speed-of-light weapons could ever be made to work.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Why not the best?

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) that runs the facility has for a decade been fitting it with state-of-the-art digital electronics, a new central computer, and high-speed transmission lines to carry the data that the 25m, 200-tonne dishes gather.

BBC: Very Large Array telescope in public call for new name

When speed of execution is normative and rapid-fire decisions are a constant, the art of reflection can seem quaint, a holdover perhaps from earlier, more sedate times.

FORBES: Innovation Leadership: The Revolution Starts With Words

"With the launch of our latest AC Wi-Fi products, Belkin becomes the leading provider of state- of-the-art, next-gen Wi-Fi devices, and delivers the ultimate in speed, coverage and performance for today's connected home networks, " said Mike Chen, senior director of product management for Belkin's networking group.

ENGADGET: Belkin outs AC1800 and AC750 dual-band routers, USB WiFi adapter at CES 2013