NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
Dec 9, 2023
Pic du Pleiades
Near dawn on November 19 the Pleiades stood in still dark skies over the French Pyrenees. But just before sunrise a serendipitous moment was captured in this single 3 second exposure; a bright meteor streak appeared to pierce the heart of the galactic star cluster. From the camera's perspective, star cluster and meteor were poised directly above the mountain top observatory on the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. And though astronomers might consider the Pleiades to be relatively close by, the grain of dust vaporizing as it plowed through planet Earth's upper atmosphere actually missed the cluster's tight grouping of young stars by about 400 light-years. While recording a night sky timelapse series, the camera and telephoto lens were fixed to a tripod on the Tour-de-France-cycled slopes of the Col du Tourmalet about 5 kilometers from the Pic du Midi.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html?
EUCOM, AFRICOM, Space Force activate new service component command
Dec. 8, 2023
U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Space Force officially activated the U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa component command at a ceremony in Ramstein, Germany, Dec. 8, 2023.
USSPACEFOR-EURAF is the newest service component under EUCOM and AFRICOM with their permanent headquarters at Ramstein Air Base. EUCOM and AFRICOM are the latest combatant commands to establish a space component, following in the footsteps of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command.
“For Germany, the U.S. are the most important partner in developing and expanding space capabilities. The activation of the U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa component at Ramstein Air Base emphasizes both the fast-growing military significance of the space domain and the importance of Germany as a reliable ally and base for the U.S. Armed Forces.” said Boris Pistorius, the German Defense Minister “I am confident that this important step will strengthen our already excellent bilateral military partnership in space and accelerate our practical cooperation on this topic of strategic relevance.”
“The activation of USSPACEFOR-EURAF highlights our dedication to strengthening collaborative space capabilities across the African continent," stated U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander for AFRICOM. "Our emphasis extends beyond protecting our space assets; we are equally devoted to fostering partnerships and augmenting the command's capacity to deliver space-related benefits in support of shared missions with African partners.”
USSPACEFOR-EURAF will be staffed by approximately 30 service members and commanded by U.S. Space Force Col. Max Lantz. The command will play a significant role in supporting EUCOM’s growing need for space-based capabilities such as satellite navigation, communications and integration with NATO Allies and partners.
"The activation of USSPACEFOR-EURAF is a testament to our commitment to strengthening the joint space capabilities in this region,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander for EUCOM. “Our focus is not only on protecting our space assets but also on enabling and enhancing the command's ability to provide space effects in support of our missions alongside Allies and partners."
The ceremony also featured remarks from the Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, Gen. Chance Saltzman, who emphasized that USSPACEFOR-EURAF‘s activation marks a pivotal step in advancing U.S. commitment to space security and cooperation and ensures the continued protection and resilience of U.S. and Allied space assets.
"Today, we will integrate our Space Forces at the component level – something that will provide a cadre of space experts who can work with the Joint Force, our Allies, and partners to integrate space activities into our shared operations, activities, and investments," Saltzman said. "The joint force's missions increasingly rely on space and the Space Force is committed to ensuring that the force has the space resources it needs to succeed."
USSPACEFOR-EURAF‘s presence in Europe and Africa will enhance both EUCOM and AFRICOM’s ability to promote security and regional stability, while also building strong and strategic relationships within the realm of space.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3611951/eucom-africom-space-force-activate-new-service-component-command/
Bill Nye visits Buckley SFB
Dec. 8, 2023
Bill Nye, mechanical engineer, science communicator and television presenter, held a Q&A session and witnessed the Space Force mission firsthand during a visit to Buckley Space Force Base, Dec. 6.
Nye has an extensive background in science advocacy and education. With a mechanical engineering degree and a passion for promoting scientific literacy, he has become a prominent figure in popularizing scientific concepts for the general public.
Nye also visited Space Delta 4, a key component of the Space Force mission. At the Mission Control Station, he engaged in a comprehensive briefing gaining insights into the importance of Delta 4 in space operations.
“The Delta 4 mission and vision have evolved over time,” said Capt. Eric Honeyman, Delta 4, Space Based Infrared System Engineering branch chief. “Initially centered around missile warning, we’ve broadened our scope to encompass mission defense, battlespace awareness and technical awareness.”
In tandem with its core space mission, Buckley SFB is home to the 140th Wing and the Army Aviation Support Facility. Nye was escorted to the flightline, where he observed a HH-60 Black Hawk and an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Service members provided detailed insights into the capabilities of the aircraft and highlighted their crucial roles in the Buckley SFB mission that contributes to national security.
“The 140th Wing plays a critical role in our state and nation’s defense,” said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Dodson, 140th Command and Control Operations superintendent. “We have pilots and maintainers fulfilling the F-16 Alert Mission 24/7, space operators managing two unique mission sets and hundreds of support personnel ensuring continuous mission success.”
Moving to the 460th Security Forces Squadron, Nye observed a K-9 demonstration, showcasing the integration of multifaceted strategies for safeguarding space assets. The accompanying briefing shed light on the responsibilities of the 460th SFS, military working dog section.
“Buckley’s military working dog section provides a physical and psychological deterrent, explosive detection, patrol and apprehension capabilities,” said Tech. Sgt. Dylan Cantrell, 460th SFS kennel master.
In addition to these experiences, Nye engaged in a Q&A session with service members and their families fostering a direct exchange of insight between the science advocate and those executing the Space Force mission.
“We’re all in this together,” Nye said. “If you could take away one thing from science, it would be that we’re more alike than we are different. Working together we can make the world a better place and you all are a great part of that. Thank you all for your service.”
This visit to Buckley SFB not only allowed Nye to witness the technological prowess displayed by the Space Force but also provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between public perception and the intricate realities of Space Force’s mission. The base visit underscored the Space Force’s pivotal role in the shaping of space exploration and national security.
“I’m thrilled our service members had the opportunity to meet Bill Nye and showcase their hard work and excellence,” said Col. Heidi Dexter, Space Base Delta 2 commander. “Team Buckley is looking forward to more exciting events that highlight our collective commitment to advancing space operations.”
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3611925/bill-nye-visits-buckley-sfb/
SSC Launches Space Force’s first two System Deltas
Dec. 8, 2023
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – Space Systems Command (SSC), the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for developing and delivering resilient space capabilities, stood up the first two provisional System Deltas (SYDs) in an activation and assumption of command ceremony at the Los Angeles Air Force Base on Dec. 8.
Brig. Gen. Jason Cothern, SSC, deputy commander, presided over the ceremony at which Col. Matthew Spencer assumed command of the Positioning, Navigation and Timing System Delta and Mr. Jordan Riedel assumed leadership of the Electromagnetic Warfare System Delta.
The two SYDs will prototype a new concept to maximize the recently announced provisional Integrated Mission Deltas (IMDs), which are organized around mission areas (e.g. position, navigation, and timing; electromagnetic warfare) instead of functional ones (e.g. intelligence, operations, cyber effects). The new Deltas were announced by the Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman in a CSO Notice To Guardians published Oct. 13.
“Establishing these SYDs creates a natural connection between our operations today and the acquisition efforts that will shape our operations in the future,” Saltzman said. “The feedback and focus this structure provides will ensure our operational need is what drives our next-generation capability development.”
SYDs will consolidate program offices in SSC that design, develop, and deliver mission systems under a mission-focused command structure for acquisitions. IMDs will consolidate all aspects of mission-area readiness into a single organization, combining units in Space Operations Command (SpOC) that perform mission generation, intelligence support, and cyber defense with program offices at SSC that handle sustainment.
Pairing IMDs in SpOC with complementary SYDs in SSC will streamline unity of effort for capability development. SpOC launched its provisional Positioning, Navigation and Timing IMD and Electromagnetic Warfare IMD on Oct. 13.
“These new System Deltas are part of our effort to forge a purpose-built U.S. Space Force designed to optimize the force for the great power competition in today’s strategic environment,” Cothern said. “We have to reduce the seams within Space Force organizations, and Systems Deltas will provide a unity of effort in capability development through direct connection with their complementary IMD.”
The current Space Force organizational structures were inherited from expeditionary Air Force constructs and do not provide Unity of Command or Effort within core functions or mission areas. Deltas are the Space Force’s equivalent of the Air Force’s wing and group commands.
The two pilot IMDs will determine if the structure should expand to other mission areas. The initial effort will not involve the physical relocation of personnel and will not change the core missions of SpOC or SSC. The basic field command structure – SpOC, SSC, and STARCOM will remain the same.
https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/3611972/ssc-launches-space-forces-first-two-system-deltas