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NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
Jan 10, 2024
The Light, the Dark, and the Dusty
This colorful skyscape spans about three full moons across nebula rich starfields along the plane of our Milky Way Galaxy toward the royal northern constellation Cepheus. Near the edge of the region's massive molecular cloud some 2,400 light-years away, bright reddish emission region Sharpless (Sh)2-155 is at the center of the frame, also known as the Cave Nebula. About 10 light-years across the cosmic cave's bright walls of gas are ionized by ultraviolet light from the hot young stars around it. Dusty bluish reflection nebulae, like vdB 155 at the left, and dense obscuring clouds of dust also abound on the interstellar canvas. Astronomical explorations have revealed other dramatic signs of star formation, including the bright reddish fleck of Herbig-Haro (HH) 168. At the upper left in the frame, the Herbig-Haro object emission is generated by energetic jets from a newborn star.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html?
Space Force inks deal with Microsoft for mixed reality training
January 9, 2024
The U.S. Space Force has inked a $19.8 million deal with Microsoft to develop a virtual and mixed-reality training environment. This agreement positions the tech giant in the burgeoning military simulation market and expands its Azure cloud’s reach into space applications.
The one-year contract announced Jan. 5 is to continue work on an augmented reality space simulation tool that Microsoft started developing last year for the Space Systems Command in Los Angeles.
Dubbed the Integrated, Immersive, Intelligent Environment (I3E), the system features Microsoft’s HoloLens headsets, Azure cloud platform, and a mesh framework for building shared AR experiences. Together, these technologies enable an interactive model of space with accurately scaled orbital objects that users can manipulate in real time.
The I3E agreement gives Space Force guardians access to physics-based satellite behavior modeling, intelligence analysis tools and space war-gaming, said Col. Richard Kniseley, senior materiel leader for the Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office.
“This technology provides an unrivaled experience to better understand the space domain,” Kniseley said in a news release. “We need to expound upon every opportunity and partner with industry to allow our members to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving environment.”
Understand space ‘in depth’
According to Space Force guardians who have used I3E for training, the system provides singular insight into the dynamics of space. “Picking up a headset and being able to visually interact with the planet and satellites and understand space more in depth was mind-blowing,” said 1st Lt. Jordan Savage of SSC’s Information Mobility Branch.
Through a virtual desktop solution, the capability will ultimately be accessible enterprise-wide to guardians anywhere in the world, Steve Kitay, senior director of Azure Space, said Jan. 9 in a blog post.
“I3E establishes an immersive environment to train, prepare, and enhance the mission of guardians for current and future space-based scenarios,” Kitay added.
https://spacenews.com/space-force-inks-deal-with-microsoft-for-mixed-reality-training/
USSF announces selections for Space Strategic Technology Institute 2
Jan. 8, 2024
The United States Space Force selected two institutions under the Space Strategic Technology Institute, or SSTI 2, to facilitate applied research in the areas of In-Space Operations, which includes Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics, or SAML.
In partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, USSF has selected the following lead institutions to receive a combined total of $49.9 million:
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University of Cincinnati
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Texas A&M University
This opportunity, pursuant to the In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing National Strategy, will focus on procurement of technologies relating to spaceflight experimentation and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.
Focus areas for the selected proposals include researching robotic servicing and associated modeling and simulation, developing testbeds, as well as CubeSat berthing and refueling technologies, developing constructive operations, large-scale in-space assembly, and debris mitigation.
This effort coincides with Space Force's involvement in the Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities, or COSMIC, kickoff event, Nov. 7-8, 2023, and will contribute to the national coalition in what Chief of Space Operations Mobilization Assistant Maj. Gen. John Olson referred to as a "WeSAM" approach.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3634897/ussf-announces-selections-for-space-strategic-technology-institute-2/
Space Operations Command Change of Command
Jan. 9, 2024
The U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command held a change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Jan. 9, where Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting relinquished command to Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr.
Chief of Space Operations U.S. Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman served as the presiding officer for the ceremony. During his remarks, Saltzman spoke about SpOC’s mission evolution and its vitality to national defense.
“Our ability to adapt, to stay ahead of emerging threats, and to seize new frontiers will be instrumental in maintaining our superiority in space in this era of Great Power Competition,” said Saltzman. “These challenges will be expertly addressed because of our Guardians and the missions they execute under SpOC.”
After assuming command, Miller spoke about his goals for his tenure as SpOC’s commander.
“As I see it, our task from the Secretary and the CSO is pretty clear: to build on and also build out the combat space power of this nation,” said Miller. “We need to provide a United States Space Force service force provider to coordinate, prioritize, and recommend to our CSO, combat sourcing solutions to solve the joint force’s problems.”
Miller also expressed optimism for the command’s future.
“I am excited about this opportunity, but our work is far from done,” said Miller. “We need to set our horizons high, and we will achieve the goals we set up.”
Whiting served as the first commander of SpOC from the field command’s inception in October 2020. During the ceremony, he reflected on SpOC’s accomplishments during his tenure and expressed the pride he had leading the command’s Guardians and Airmen.
“Leading SpOC has been an absolute honor and counting their successes has been akin to counting all the trackable objects on orbit, a monumental task that keeps expanding with every passing day.” said Whiting. “I am confident that SpOC will continue delivering world-class combat power for the Joint Force and our allies and will reach even greater heights.”
Saltzman also highlighted some of SpOC’s accomplishments during Whiting’s tenure.
“SpOC was able to field Combat-Ready Forces by activating 13 new Space Deltas and over 50 Detachments and Squadrons, organizations solely focused on functions and missions in order to streamline operations, all while continuing to oversee space operations and serve as the service component to U.S. Space Command,” he said. “These capabilities represent a service prepared to control the space domain, with force, if necessary, as part of the Joint Force, and none of that would be possible without the talented and innovative Guardians and Airmen from SpOC and the leadership of General Whiting.”
Space Operations Command is responsible for generating and presenting combat-ready space forces to all Combatant Commands to deliver space effects.
https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3639876/space-operations-command-change-of-command