TYB
LIVE: President Trump Holds a Rally in Charlotte, North Carolina - 7/24/24
President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, will deliver remarks at a Rally in Charlotte, North Carolina on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 6:00PM EDT. Watch LIVE on RSBN starting at 11:30 am ET!
https://rumble.com/v57r4oc-live-president-trump-holds-a-rally-in-charlotte-north-carolina-72424.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5frGFraetC4
SpaceX makes Starlink Roam available throughout the US
July 23, 2024
Your internet connection today is brought to you by space.
No, that's not an ad from a science fiction movie; it's the reality now thanks to SpaceX's ever-growing constellation of Starlink satellites.
In June, SpaceX introduced its new version of its satellite internet antenna, providing users the option to have an on the go service that's the perfect size to throw in your backpack.
Now, Starlink Roam is available anywhere across the United States, connecting customers in even the most remote locations with high-speed internet that can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world.
The Starlink Roam kit is now available coast to coast giving users internet access without needing a residential subscription.
The kit is waterproof and includes a dish, Wi-Fi router, and DC power source. Maximum download speeds could exceed 100 mbps, SpaceX says.
The service, which will be a game-changer for those who live in or travel to remote locations, is an investment to start at the cost of $599.
But then, for a fixed payment every month, users can have the opportunity to connect, simply put by SpaceX, in two easy steps — "plug it in" and "point at sky".
For the adventure seeker on-the-go across North America, the Mobile Regional option gives users unlimited inland mobile data for $150 a month.
If you'd prefer a set mobile data cap at 50GB, the monthly cost drops to $50 for inland access across the continent.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared the announcement on his X social media platform last month, posting that this technology "will change the world."
New users can get connected through the Starlink app to learn more about what the best location would be for installation and explore more about the service on either Android or iOS devices.
SpaceX's Starlink network has steadily expanded since the first satellites launched in 2019.
There are now more than 6,000 operational Starlink satellites in low Earth orbit, connecting more than three million customers across 100 countries to the company's satellite internet service.
https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-mini-available-united-states
https://news.virginia.edu/content/uva-engineers-may-have-solved-vexing-problem-hypersonic-flight
UVA Engineers May Have Solved a Vexing Problem of Hypersonic Flight
July 23, 2024
Since the early days of spaceflight, engineers have dreamed of creating an economical “space plane” that takes off from a runway, thunders into orbit and then glides back down to Earth.
One hangup has been controlling the massively powerful engines that would have to push such a craft thousands of miles an hour to break the bonds of gravity.
But researchers at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science have devised a novel solution.
Rather than using traditional and unreliable pressure sensors to monitor the engine and the stress it’s under, they’ve determined optical sensors that read changes in light, rather than changes in pressure, would work better.
As part of a new NASA-funded study, the team published data this summer in the journal Aerospace Science and Technology showing, for the first time, that airflow in supersonic combustion jet engines can be controlled by an optical sensor.
The finding could lead to more efficient stabilization of hypersonic jet aircraft, allowing new opportunities to break Earth’s bounds.
“One of our national aerospace priorities since the 1960s has been to build single-stage-to-orbit aircraft that fly into space from horizontal takeoff like a traditional aircraft and land on the ground like a traditional aircraft,” professor Christopher Goyne, director of the UVA Aerospace Research Laboratory, said. “Currently, the most state-of-the-art craft is the SpaceX Starship.
It has two stages, with vertical launch and landing. But to optimize safety, convenience and reusability, the aerospace community would like to build something more like a 737.”
The now-retired space shuttle largely mastered half the problem, the gliding-back-to-a-runway part. But the shuttle launched vertically attached to mammoth, volatile and expensive rockets.
To reach those high speeds, a space plane would need a different engine, something scientists call a “scramjet.”
These “air breathing” engines use oxygen forced in during flight to combust safer hydrocarbon-based fuels.
The engines can be throttled back, too, rather than running only at full blast.
Scramjet engines have been demonstrated to fly up to Mach 10 – that’s 10 times the speed of sound, or more than 7,600 mph – but only for a matter of seconds.
The intense shock waves produced at hypersonic speeds – Mach 5 and greater – have prevented control of longer flights.
Previously, scramjets used pressure sensors to obtain information about shock impact at the engine’s walls.
The optical sensor, however, can identify more subtle changes, both inside the engine and within the flow path.
1/2
The tool analyzes the amount of light emitted by a source – in this case, the reacting gases within the scramjet combustor – as well as other factors, such as the flame’s location and its spectrum of light.
“The light emitted by the flame within the engine is due to relaxation of molecular species that re-excited during combustion processes,” explained Laurie Elkowitz, a doctoral student on the project.
“Different species emit light at different energies, or colors, offering new information about the engine’s state that is not captured by pressure sensors.”
Goyne oversaw the control aspect of the study, while co-investigator Chloe Dedic, a UVA Engineering associate professor, oversaw the optical sensor development.
The work was supported by a NASA grant, led by Timothée Pourpoint of Purdue University.
The team used UVA’s Supersonic Combustion Facility, which can simulate engine conditions for a hypersonic vehicle traveling at Mach 5, for the study.
The team tested an optical emission spectroscopy sensor for the feedback needed to control the lab-created shock waves.
The team’s wind tunnel demonstration showed that the engine control can be both predictive and adaptive, smoothly transitioning from ramjet functioning – the technology that the fastest operational jets and missiles currently use – to scramjet engine mode and continued operation, despite changes in dynamics.
“We were very excited to demonstrate the role optical sensors may play in the control of future hypersonic vehicles,” doctoral student Max Chern, the paper’s first author, said.
“We are continuing to test sensor configurations as we work toward a prototype that optimizes package volume and weight for flight environments.”
While more work remains to be done, optical sensors may be a component of the space flight future Goyne believes will be realized in his lifetime.
Dual-mode scramjets would still require a boost of some sort to get the aircraft to at least Mach 4.
But an all-in-one aircraft, which would glide back to Earth like the space shuttles once did, might provide the ideal combination of cost-efficiency, safety and reusability.
“I think it’s possible, yeah,” Goyne said. “While the commercial space industry has been able to lower costs through some reusability, they haven’t yet captured the aircraft-like operations.”
2/2
F-117A Nighthawk Arrives At Stafford Air & Space Museum
July 23, 2024
On July 11th, 2024, another Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk found its way to an aviation museum when F-117A USAF #82-0819 Raven Beauty arrived at the Stafford Air & Space Museum in Weatherford, Oklahoma.
If there was ever a museum that was deserving of an F-117 it is the Stafford Air & Space Museum, which is named in honor of Weatherford native and legendary test pilot and astronaut, Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford, the man who wrote the specs and established the program that led to the development of the F-117 Stealth Fighter, and later, the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
The museum stated it required “eight years of preparation” to bring the fighter to Weatherford, which sits along Route 66.
Officials posted several photos and videos of Raven Beauty as it was being hauled down Weatherford streets to its final destination.
This Nighthawk is one of a series of aircraft that were recently assigned to aviation museums across the United States.
In November 2019, Lockheed Nighthawk F-117A 82-0803 went on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum.
This airframe reportedly flew 78 combat missions, more than any other examples of the breed.
In October 2020, the Palm Springs Air Museum received F-117A 85-0833 Black Devil which, following a period of restoration, went on display in April 2022 in a specially designed exhibit at their new Jim Houston Pavilion.
In December 2020, the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum welcomed F-117 Nighthawk 85-0817 Shaba to their facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
In early 2021, Castle Air Museum had the good fortune to receive confirmation that they too would receive a Nighthawk; F-117A 85-0813 Toxic Avenger arrived in July 2022, and its restoration is currently well-advanced.
Then in March 2021, the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska announced the assignment of F-117A 85-0831, which is reportedly the highest-time example in the fleet with 2,720.7 flight hours.
Last but not least, the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Georgia received its Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk in May 2023 and following a period of refurbishment, will go on display sometime next year.
The F-117 now at Stafford made its first flight on April 14th, 1986. While assigned to the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron the jet flew 30 combat sorties during Operation Desert Storm.
Later in the decade, it flew 20 sorties during Operation Allied Force and finally five sorties part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
It was retired from Holloman as part of the second group on October 12, 2007.
The Stafford Air & Space Museum was built in 1993.
The idea of a display started in the late 1970’s as a 6 ft. case with a few of General Stafford’s items featured in the original lobby of the Weatherford Airport. In 1993, the first 2 rooms of the museum were built.
Six expansions and 63,000 sq. ft. later, the last addition was completed in 2020.
For more information, visit www.staffordmuseum.org.
https://vintageaviationnews.com/warbirds-news/f-117a-nighthawk-arrives-at-stafford-air-space-museum.html
New enlisted leader takes responsibility at Space Forces Indo-Pacific
July 24, 2024
On Chief Master Sgt. Jason Childers’ first official day of his new job, he flew to Korea for U.S. Space Forces Korea’s first-ever change of command ceremony.
Only a week later, Childers was front and center for U.S. Space Forces – Indo-Pacific Command’s first-ever change of responsibility ceremony.
“I’m absolutely honored for the privilege to serve in this role and to continue to be a team member and leader in the world’s greatest Space Force,” said Childers, who becomes the almost two-year-old command’s new senior enlisted leader.
The event not only marked the command’s first COR, but also SPACEFOR-INDOPAC’s first official ceremony since its activation in November 2022.
Just as the SPACEFOR-INDOPAC is new to the Department of the Air Force, so is the change of responsibility ceremony.
The ceremony, typically held in joint military environments, started at the Air Force command level in 2023.
“This is the moment when leadership transitions are marked with honor, respect and continuity,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, SPACEFOR-INDOPAC commander.
In Childers’ new role he said he’d strive to be a key advisor to the commander, focus on development of forces, mentorship and care.
This is not Childers’ first space assignment, his involvement with space systems and operations began as early as 2008.
The chief filled an enlisted role in approximately five space units before taking on his new role.
“With his vast set of experiences, I have no doubt that Chief Childers’ leadership is exactly what we need for out Guardians and Airmen to continue to thrive and excel,” Mastalir said.
Childers takes over the role from Chief Master Sgt. Leomel Abueg, who moves on to Space Delta 2 at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3847999/new-enlisted-leader-takes-responsibility-at-space-forces-indo-pacific/
What is Space Force fit?
July 23, 2024
Military service members are expected to be fit – it’s all a part of making sure a fighting force is ready for duty and the U.S. Space Force is no exception.
Guardians may spend more time tracking satellites and space debris and staying alert for hostile missiles than engaging in hand-to-hand combat, but that doesn’t mean they can slack off when it comes to physical training.
As the newest military service, the U.S. Space Force is taking a more holistic health approach to fitness standards.
“Regular exercise isn't just about building physical strength; it's about optimizing our potential,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Sauvé, Space Systems Command senior enlisted leader. “Research consistently affirms that exercise isn't merely a routine; it's a vital component fostering resilience, mental clarity and holistic health. From safeguarding against cardiovascular risks to bolstering mental well-being, fitness is a mission imperative.”
When the Space Force was first established in December of 2019 without its own formal health and fitness program, it relied mostly on the Air Force's standard Physical Fitness Assessment test, which includes a plank, crunches, hand-release and conventional push-ups and a 1.5 mile run, or shuttle run to gauge the fitness levels of Guardians.
Early in 2020, the Space Force began the development of a service-specific human performance capability for its Guardians — the Holistic Health Approach, which consists of continuous fitness, performance health optimization and capacity-building. The HHA is intended to increase short and long-term health outcomes for the force by meeting Guardians “where they are” and showing them what “right” looks like.
“It’s a more comprehensive and malleable approach to overall health and wellness, to include physical fitness and public health and prevention,” said Christine Heit, U.S. Space Force Headquarters holistic health approach lead.
“For decades, the U.S. Department of Defense has pushed out one-size-fits-all programs that do not take into account differences in individuals.
Continuous Fitness is the U.S. Space Force’s developing approach to quantify and qualify important fitness metrics that are unequivocal markers of health, in an enduring, persistent and year-round manner. These metrics are cardiorespiratory fitness, purposeful physical activity and body composition.”
cont.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3847169/what-is-space-force-fit/
Saucer-shaped vehicle spotted near Area 51 in Nevada
Jul 23, 2024 / 07:16 AM PDT
A Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy had a close encounter over the weekend not far from secretive Area 51, a magnet for reports of UFO activity.
And if it’s on the internet, it must be true. Right? … Right?
Occupants of a vehicle that resembled a glass-domed saucer allowed the deputy to approach and document the visit.
Official reports failed to disclose the nature of the occupants, but photos indicate the vehicle never left the ground — thus avoiding government classification as an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP).
The Facebook page for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office appeared to downplay any possible threat to national security:
“Just another day patrolling in Lincoln County on the Extraterrestrial Highway! These folks are on a cross-country trip to Roswell for a UFO Festival!”
The Extraterrestrial Highway, CR 375, between Crystal Springs and Warm Springs, skirts the northern edge of land controlled by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The small town of Rachel has cultivated the connection with UFOs and was even the site of 2019’s “Alienstock” festival.
Several media reports over the past few weeks appear to confirm the Lincoln County sighting involved two beings dressed in garb from the U.S. Midwest, claiming to be from Indiana.
Photos posted elsewhere on Facebook show the vehicle in Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Missouri.
The vehicle was stopped on June 28 in Crawford County, Missouri. The occupants told a deputy there that the vehicle is a converted 1991 Geo Metro.
He called himself Steve Anderson. Body camera video from the incident appears to show a lack of understanding of traffic laws, depite Mr. Anderson’s claim that he is a former member of Indiana law enforcement.
He took a long time to produce a driver’s license, having to sort through many cards — some of which carried Area 51 labels and photos that looked more like an alien.
The officer told him his license plate was expired, and he produced proof of insurance that was 10 years out of date.
If the vehicle was traveling from Missouri to New Mexico for a UFO Festival, as he told the Missouri deputy, it somehow avoided detection in Texas before arriving in Roswell for the July 5-7 event.
Our sister station, KRQE in Albuquerque, confirmed that the vehicle was indeed in Roswell during the event.
“Anderson says he will be in Roswell until Tuesday, and then he will make the drive to Area 51,” According to the KRQE report.
8 News Now has reached out to humans who took photos of the vehicle in Nevada. Mysteriously, those people have not replied.
https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/saucer-shaped-vehicle-spotted-near-area-51-in-nevada/
Australia's 'UFO capital' now lies abandoned as vandals have turned it into a dump
09:23, 23 Jul 2024
Australia's former UFO capital now lies abandoned with vandals turning the area into a dump.
Sitting in between a 3,000 kilometre stretch of road that takes millions of Australians from north to south every year lies one of the country's former UFO capital, Wycliffe Well.
The caravan site and 'roadhouse store' bought by a former sailor for the Australian Navy, Lew Farkas after he was looking for something to do after retirement, but there was something he didn't know before buying the land.
As he expanded the caravan park he noticed strange happenings around him and it wasn't until then that previous owners let Farkas into the secret of historic UFO sightings.
After the local media reported on the sightings in the late 1980s, Farkas was forced to change the entire look of the site to fit with new customer demands of alien and UFO paraphernalia.
But in 2010, after 25 years of running the site, Farkas was looking for a change and decided to sell to new owner, Anthony Vanderzalm.
Speaking to ABC News Vanderzalm said: "It was so different to anything that I'd really been experiencing before, being in the middle of the NT and the desert.
"It was caravan park, it had motel rooms, it was a pub, that was handy."
After becoming tired of running the site Vanderzalm called it a day and sold the business to a petrol company.
They look set to be the last owners of Wycliffe Well after catastrophic flooding in 2022 forced them to evacuate.
Ever since the site has been left abandoned with the sites alien and UFO regalia left in tatters by local vandals.
But the Danial Rochford the CEO of Tourism Central Australia said that he hopes the site can one day be returned to its former glory, but is pessimistic about its opportunities, saying:
"The dollars out there for investment are not like they were and so I'd be hopeful but at this stage it is a difficult environment."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/australias-ufo-capital-now-lies-33300447