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Northrop Grumman warns space sector employees of potential layoffs
February 27, 2024
Northrop Grumman on Feb. 26 warned its California-based employees who work on space programs of potential layoffs, sources told SpaceNews.
A company spokesperson on Feb. 27 confirmed that the company has filed a WARN notice with the California Employment Development Department, “and shared information with our employees about potential workforce reductions.”
WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) notices are notifications sent by employers to employees regarding potential layoffs or business closures. By state law, large employers have to notify employees in the event of business closings or layoffs.
The company would not confirm how many employees would be affected. According to sources, about 1,000 employees based at Northrop Grumman’s Space Park in Redondo Beach, California, would be impacted.
“We are working to match impacted employees with existing job openings and opportunities across Northrop Grumman,” the spokesperson said. “This is ongoing, and a higher number of employees will receive WARN notices than may ultimately be impacted.”
Northrop Grumman has approximately 100,000 employees nationwide, with more than 550 facilities in 50 U.S. states and in over 25 countries worldwide.
The Space Park campus in Redondo Beach is a historic site that has been integral to major space achievements since opening in 1961. The company’s website says the campus has 47 buildings where about 7,000 employees work on space systems.
Sources said workers at the Space Park were informed of the WARN notice at an all hands meeting Feb. 26.
Northrop Grumman has not specified what is driving the job cuts. During the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call Jan. 25, executives reported double-digit top-line growth in its $14 billion space portfolio, with sales up approximately 14% for the year.
However, chief financial officer Dave Keffer noted some shifts in space budget priorities by government agencies. “A lot of our customers are having to address budget prioritization, particularly as it relates to 2025 and beyond,” he said.
Bloomberg News earlier this month reported that the U.S. Space Force canceled a Northrop Grumman multi-billion dollar classified military communications satellite program due to cost and schedule overruns.
Northrop Grumman also has taken a charge on its contract to build a module for NASA’s lunar Gateway, bringing its losses for the year on that program to $100 million.
https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-warns-space-sector-employees-of-potential-layoffs/
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/groundbreaking-results-from-space-station-science-in-2023/#hds-sidebar-nav-8
Groundbreaking Results from Space Station Science in 2023
FEB 27, 2024
The International Space Station is a microgravity research lab hosting groundbreaking technology demonstrations and scientific investigations. More than 3,700 investigations conducted to date have generated roughly 500 research articles published in scientific journals. In 2023, the orbiting lab hosted more than 500 investigations.
See more space station research achievements and findings in the Annual Highlights of Results publication, and read highlights of results published between October 2022 and October 2023 below:
A New Spin on Pulsars
Neutron stars, ultra-dense matter left behind when massive stars explode as supernovas, are also called pulsars because they spin and emit X-ray radiation in beams that sweep the sky like lighthouses. The Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) collects this radiation to study the structure, dynamics, and energetics of pulsars. Researchers used NICER data to calculate rotations of six pulsars and update mathematical models of their spin properties. Precise measurements enhance the understanding of pulsars, including their production of gravitational waves, and help address fundamental questions about matter and gravity.
Learning from Lightning
Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) studies how upper-atmospheric electrical discharges generated by severe thunderstorms affect Earth’s atmosphere and climate. These events occur well above the altitudes of normal lightning and storm clouds. Using ASIM data, researchers reported the first detailed observations of development of a of negative leader, or initiation of a flash, from in-cloud lightning. Understanding how thunderstorms disturb the high-altitude atmosphere could improve atmospheric models and climate and weather predictions.
Regenerating Tissue in Space
Tissue Regeneration-Bone Defect (Rodent Research-4 (CASIS)), sponsored by the ISS National Lab, examined wound healing mechanisms in microgravity. Researchers found that microgravity affected the fibrous and cellular components of skin tissue. Fibrous structures in connective tissue provide structure and protection for the body’s organs. This finding is an initial step to use connective tissue regeneration to treat disease and injuries for future space explorers.
Mighty Muscles in Microgravity
JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) developed the Multiple Artificial-gravity Research System (MARS), which generates artificial gravity in space. Three JAXA investigations, MHU-1, MHU-4, and MHU-5, used the artificial-gravity system to examine the effect on skeletal muscles from different gravitation loads – microgravity, lunar gravity (1/6 g), and Earth gravity (1 g). Results show that lunar gravity protects against loss of some muscle fibers but not others. Different gravitational levels may be needed to support muscle adaptation on future missions.
Better Ultrasound Images
Vascular Echo, an investigation from CSA (Canadian Space Agency), examined changes in blood vessels and the heart during and after spaceflight using ultrasound and other measures. Researchers compared 2D ultrasound technology with a motorized 3D ultrasound and found that 3D is more accurate. Better measurements could help maintain crew health in space and quality of life for people on Earth.
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This is Your Brain in Space
The Brain-DTI investigation from ESA (European Space Agency) tested whether the brain adapts to weightlessness by using previously untapped connections between neurons. MRI scans of crew members before and after spaceflight demonstrate functional changes in specific brain regions, confirming the adaptability and plasticity of the brain under extreme conditions. This insight supports the development of ways to monitor brain adaptations and countermeasures to promote healthy brain function in space and for those with brain-related disorders on Earth.
Improving Solar Materials
Metal halide perovskite (MHP) materials convert sunlight into electrical energy and show promise for use in thin-film solar cells in space due to low cost, high performance, suitability for in-space manufacturing, and defect and radiation tolerance. For Materials International Space Station Experiment-13-NASA (MISSE-13-NASA), which continues a series investigating how space affects various materials, researchers exposed perovskite thin films to space for ten months. Results confirmed their durability and stability in this environment. This finding could lead to improvements in MHP materials and devices for space applications such as solar panels.
Understanding Bubbles in Foams
Wet foams are dispersions of gas bubbles in a liquid matrix. An ESA investigation, FSL Soft Matter Dynamics or FOAM, examines coarsening, a thermodynamic process where large bubbles grow at the expense of smaller ones. Researchers determined the coarsening rates for various types of foams and found close agreement with theoretical predictions. A better understanding of foam properties could help scientists improve these substances for a variety of uses, including firefighting and water treatment in space and making detergents, food, and medicine on Earth.
Answering Burning Questions
Fire is a constant concern in space. The Saffire series of experiments studies flame conditions in microgravity using empty Cygnus resupply spacecraft that have undocked from the space station. Saffire-IV examined fire growth with different materials and conditions and showed that a technique called color pyrometry can determine the temperature of a spreading flame. The finding helps validate numerical models of flame properties in microgravity and provides insight into fire safety on future missions.
The Robot Hop
Astrobatics tests robotic movement using hopping or self-toss maneuvers by the station’s Astrobee robots. In low gravity, robots could move faster, use less fuel, and cover otherwise impassable terrain with these maneuvers, expanding their orbital and planetary capabilities. Results verified the viability of the locomotion method and showed that it provides a greater range of distance. The work is a step toward autonomous robotic helpers in space and on other celestial bodies, potentially reducing the need to expose astronauts to risky environments.
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Delta Air Lines opens up 2nd 'totality' flight for 2024 total solar eclipse
Feb 26, 2024
If you're looking for a more unique way to experience the total solar eclipse, Delta Air Lines has another special flight along the path of totality available.
This will be a rare way to literally follow the eclipse from within the path of totality, offering a literal birds-eye view of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Delta originally opened a flight that flies along the path of totality from Austin, Texas to Detroit, Michigan, but that flight sold out within 24 hours.
But on Monday (Feb. 26), Delta Air Lines announced up a second total eclipse flight, this time taking off from Dallas, Texas. The new flight will be aboard an Airbus A321neo (a larger plane than the original eclipse flight to allow for more passengers) and will leave Dallas at 12:30 p.m. Central Time before arriving in Detroit around 4:20 p.m. ET along with the original flight from Austin.
"This flight is the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork Delta is known for — from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin and the experiences at the gate and in the air," Eric Beck, Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning for Delta Airlines, said in a release announcing the original flight. "Thanks to teams across the company, the idea of viewing a total eclipse from the air will become a reality for our customers."
While there will be only two flights along the direct path of eclipse totality, other travelers can still get a glimpse at the eclipse while en route to their destination on five other flights that day:
DL 5699, DTW-HPN, 2:59 pm EST departure ERJ-175
DL 924, LAX-DFW, 8:40 am PST departure A320
DL 2869, LAX-SAT, 9:00 am PST departure A319
DL 1001, SLC-SAT, 10:08 am MST departure A220-300
DL 1683, SLC-AUS, 9:55 am MST departure, A320
Afraid of flying or would rather keep your feet on the ground while being in the path of totality? You don't have to be at 30,000 feet to have a great seat — you just need to make sure you're in the right location at the right time.
"The April 8 eclipse is the last total eclipse we'll see over North America until 2044," Warren Weston, Delta Air Lines Lead Meteorologist, said in a statement announcing the flight. "This eclipse will last more than twice as long as the one that occurred in 2017, and the path is nearly twice as wide."
Delta did also put out a disclaimer that as always, factors out of their control including delays with air traffic and weather could impact the maximum time in the totality path. But for those of us who've flown before, you know the drill to plan ahead and stay positive for the best conditions!
https://www.space.com/total-solar-eclipse-april-8-delta-path-of-totality-flight-30000-feet
Redwire opens new facility in Virginia to support national security programs
February 27, 2024
Redwire, a space infrastructure company based in Jacksonville, Florida, is expanding its focus on government work with a new facility in Chantilly, Virginia.
The 7,300 square foot building will house executive offices, secure workspace, engineering labs and equipment to support Redwire’s national security programs, the company announced Feb. 27.
Redwire develops and produces deployable structures, digital engineering models and sensors for space surveillance and tracking.
Location close to defense agencies
The new Chantilly location positions Redwire close to defense and intelligence agencies like the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office and the Space Development Agency (SDA), as well as other aerospace contractors operating in the region.
The expansion in Virginia follows the company’s recent opening of a facility in Longmont, Colorado, where Redwire added capacity to design Link 16 antennas for SDA’s network of low Earth orbit satellites. These antennas are designed to extend the U.S. military’s Link 16 battlefield network beyond line-of-sight limitations.
“Redwire’s new Chantilly office provides a front door for the national security community,” said Dean Bellamy, Redwire’s executive vice president of national security space.
https://spacenews.com/redwire-opens-new-facility-in-virginia-to-support-national-security-programs/
CSAF, CMSAF hold first all-call at Peterson SFB
Feb. 26, 2024
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin held an all-call during his first visit to Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 23. This was the general’s first all-call since being appointed as chief of staff.
Allvin is the senior uniformed Air Force officer and 23rd Air Force chief of staff.
During his visit, Allvin discussed Great Power Competition and how Air Force leaders are implementing major changes centered on how they develop people, generate readiness, project power and develop integrated capabilities.
“I do believe we are in a time of consequence and what we do matters,” Allvin said. “There has never been a time when it has been more important for us to have one Air Force and one mission. It’s going to take everything we’ve got if the balloon goes up, and we have to fight the high-end fight.”
The CSAF highlighted how the battleground has expanded into the space and cyber domains, and the current pace of change must drive the way the Air Force reoptimizes in the era of Great Power Competition.
“It’s not what it was 10 years ago – it’s not a benign environment,” Allvin said. “It’s not just about keeping communications or satellites up. This is warfighting. The dependence upon space for all of the things we’re doing, not just as an Air Force, but as a joint force, is ramping up.”
To address those pacing challenges, Allvin said it is important for the Air Force to invest in Airmen, so they are ready to deter and defeat.
“War is a human endeavor,” Allvin said. “The idea is to make sure that we can automate…with the things that technology is providing, so you have the opportunity to do your job better.”
Allvin further emphasized how the choices made today will have great effects on the world tomorrow.
“The Air Force must continue to develop more and more capabilities to get at the speed that we need for our Air Force in the future to be able to change and adapt as rapidly as the environment demands,” he said.
Following his brief, Allvin recognized three outstanding performers, coining Master Sgt. Travis Beatty, 50th Security Forces Squadron operations and training section chief, Staff Sgt. Mark Harris, 21st Medical Squadron pharmacy noncommissioned officer in charge, and Senior Airman Anthony Magana, 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron logistics planner technician.
Towards the end of the event, Allvin held a Q&A session with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass where they discussed various topics including how to better enable the warfighter, quality of life initiatives, and deployments.
Following his visit to Peterson SFB, Allvin spoke at the National Character and Leadership Symposium senior leader discussion panel held at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3686881/csaf-cmsaf-hold-first-all-call-at-peterson-sfb/
Space capabilities highlighted in second annual CENTCOM Theater Space Forum
Feb. 26, 2024
U.S. Space Forces Central hosted the second annual U.S. Central Command Theater Space Forum recently, bringing together over 140 space experts from all five branches of the Defense Department, multiple combatant commands and partner nations.
The forum provided an opportunity for SPACECENT to share lessons learned from current operations in the region. Participants created working groups that enhanced capabilities, established processes for intra and extra-command operations, and strengthened collaboration. The working groups allowed the teams to leverage the collective expertise of participants and forge new relationships.
As the U.S. and partner nations seek to maintain stability in the region, SPACECENT’s Guardians provide a range of capabilities that Defense Department and partner-nation attendees learned about first-hand in the forum.
For example, Space Force provides the GPS used for naval and aerial navigation, enabling commercial shipping of vital cargo such as humanitarian aid. Space Force Guardians also support missile warning systems which have been key to Operation Prosperity Guardian defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, along with Operation Inherent Resolve’s defeat Daesh mission.
Guardians work closely with international partners to integrate space activities into shared operations. Integrating space effects into a single team allows for increased speed and innovation in space-related operations supporting CENTCOM’s role in maintaining stability in the region explained SPACECENT commander Col. Christopher S. Putman.
“Space-based capabilities are woven into virtually all aspects of defense and commerce today, so it’s important we continually look for ways to improve,” Putman said. “Integrating with our partners helps us support them from a security standpoint. But engagement also provides the U.S. an opportunity to hear from and learn from our partners. They may have the next great idea, capability or technology that makes us even better in defense we weren’t thinking about. We’re always learning from each other.”
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3687214/space-capabilities-highlighted-in-second-annual-centcom-theater-space-forum/
The New Pininfarina Enigma GT Looks Like a UFO and Runs on Hydrogen
26 Feb 2024, 22:00 UTC
The Enigma is a visionary creation envisioning the everyday driving pleasure. That driving pleasure is provided by a hydrogen-powered turbo V6 engine and an electric motor in an all-wheel drive setup. The GT displays a sleek silhouette, riding close to the ground on large wheels. Slim LED strips at both ends play the parts of the headlights and taillights.
The vehicle sports no A- and B-pillars, while the C-pillars are thick and heavily tilted, flowing into an aerodynamically optimized rear end, contributing to the drag coefficient of 2.24. Active aerodynamic elements such as front grille shutters and wheel deflectors are also on the menu.
The car is 180.3 inches (4,580 millimeters) long and sports a relatively long wheelbase of 113.4 inches (2,880 millimeters).
The futuristic design includes a large canopy that lifts with the dashboard to allow ingress and egress from an innovative cabin with a 2+2 layout. The dashboard is represented by an OLED screen with augmented reality and Artificial Intelligence. The vehicle sports autonomous driving functions.
The steering wheel seems inspired by the world of motor racing but with the lower section chopped off. Sustainable materials are featured everywhere inside the cabin, seats included.
The Pininfarina Enigma GT is set in motion by a hydrogen-powered mid-rear 2.5-liter V6 and an electric motor. The V6 pumps out 436 horsepower (442 metric horsepower) to the rear axle, while the electric motor brings along 268 horsepower (272 metric horsepower) to the front wheels in an all-wheel drive setup.
The Enigma should do the 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 kph) run in under 4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155 mph (250 kph).
The hydrogen is stored in a 19.8-pound (9-kilogram) tank, while energy is stored in a battery with a capacity of 10 kWh. Together, they allow the GT to drive as far as 342 miles (550 kilometers).
The virtual-only exotic-looking concept unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show is still a work in progress, but it might play the part of a preview for the future models of the brand.
The photos are quite relevant, but we are not supposed to see everything yet, as Pininfarina is planning to show the GT in all its glory at a later date.
The Italian design house is present at the 2024 Geneva Motor Show, where it displays the result of its partnership with Foxconn, the Foxtron Model B. It is an electric crossover sharing the platform with the other model of the Foxconn subsidiary, the Foxtron C, which is already in production.
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-new-pininfarina-enigma-gt-looks-like-a-ufo-and-runs-on-hydrogen-229892.html#