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NASA collaborates with Jon Hopkins on new single to be sent to the moon, ‘Forever Held’
31 October 2024, 11:40
Jon Hopkins has worked with NASA on a new single to be sent to the moon.
‘Forever Held’ has been specially commissioned for NASA's Space for Earth installation at NASA HQ in Washington DC, an audio-visual experience that allows small groups of viewers to "experience Earth as can only be seen from space—as an interconnected world, lacking boundaries or limits".
'Forever Held' will be sent to the moon as part of NASA's Lunar Codex time capsule, which comprises over 35,000 contemporary writers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers. Seven "missions" have so far been launched from Earth to space.
The track, which features string arrangements from Icelandic multi-instrumentalist Ólafur Arnalds, is inspired by recent letters written by NASA Creative Director and artist Erica Bernhard in which she signed off with the phrase “Forever enveloped in your gravity”.
These words formed the catalyst for the title, penned by poet and long-term Hopkins collaborator, Rick Holland.
“I took this opportunity to create a full orchestral piece," said Hopkins in a press statement.
"I wanted to make something timeless that would transmit the feeling of being ‘held’ by the Earth.
I was thinking about the fragility and power of our planet, and of the human race’s role in its own destiny.”
"The view from space offers a profound shift in perspective - astronauts call this the overview effect," explained Bernhard.
"Hopkins’ compositions capture that shift - infusing sound with the expansiveness of space while grounding us in the essence and rhythms of life on Earth.
His soundscapes act as a bridge between these realms, translating the awe and wonder of space and Earth into a sonic and immersive journey that asks us to consider our place in the universe and our responsibility to the planet."
Check out the video for 'Forever Held,' created and directed by Bernhard, below.
This is the latest of NASA's music-led projects. Earlier this year, the US government agency broadcast hip-hop into space for the first time, sending Missy Elliott's debut 1997 single 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' towards Venus (Elliott's favourite planet).
Kerri Chandler previously spoke to DJ Mag about broadcasting his track, 'Atmosphere', into space.
The NASA Kennedy Space Centre also hosted an after-hours “techno party” in February.
https://djmag.com/news/nasa-collaborates-jon-hopkins-new-single-be-sent-moon-forever-held
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=708gIm6BP20
SpaceX Starlink Missions
October 30, 2024
On Wednesday, October 30 at 5:07 a.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
This was the 14th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched SDA-0A, Transporter-11, SARah-2, and now 11 Starlink missions.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-9-9
On Wednesday, October 30 at 5:10 p.m. ET, Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
This was the 14th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched mPOWER-B, BlueBird-1, Crew-6, USSF-124, and now 10 Starlink missions.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-10-13
Halloween on the International Space Station
Oct 31, 2024
Although no ghouls or goblins or trick-or-treaters come knocking at the International Space Station’s front hatch, crew members aboard the orbiting facility still like to get in the Halloween spirit.
Whether individually or as an entire crew, they dress up in sometimes spooky, sometimes scary, but always creative costumes, often designed from materials available aboard the space station.
Please enjoy the following scenes from Halloweens past even as we anticipate the costumes of the future.
In October 2021, Crew-3 NASA astronauts Raja J. Chari, Thomas H. Marshburn, Kayla S. Barron, and Matthias J. Maurer of the European Space Agency (ESA), had some undisclosed plans for when they reached the space station just before Halloween.
However, bad weather at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida thwarted those super-secret spooky Halloween plans, delaying their launch until Nov. 11.
Undeterred, Expedition 66 crewmembers who awaited them aboard the station held their own Halloween shenanigans.
ESA astronaut Thomas G. Pesquet posted on social media that “Strange things were happening on ISS for Halloween.
Aki rising from the dead (or is it from our observation window?),” referring to fellow crew member Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
https://www.nasa.gov/history/halloween-on-the-international-space-station-2024/
ESA, Awake.AI, ABB, Wallenius Marine launch DECARDIS to enhance ship-port data sharing
October 31, 2024
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched a new initiative, Decarbonization through Digitalization in Shipping (DECARDIS), in partnership with Awake.AI, ABB, and Wallenius Marine.
Funded by ESA and led by Awake.AI, the project aims to develop a port call optimisation solution designed to reduce GHG emissions by addressing inefficiencies between ships and ports.
The partners noted that, despite significant advances in ship technology and port automation, communication and data-sharing between port and vessel systems remain limited.
Voyage and berth information often exist within closed systems, leading ships to arrive on time but frequently encounter delays upon arrival, resulting in unnecessary fuel consumption and increased emissions.
The DECARDIS project is focused on creating an interoperable platform that integrates decision-making on ship routing and speed, aligning with precise port arrival timings.
As the first of its kind, this solution aims to optimise entire voyages, rather than isolated segments, which could reduce emissions substantially if adopted globally.
The project aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, as well as the EU’s Climate Target Plan, which mandates a 55 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
DECARDIS will combine the ABB and Wallenius Marine-developed voyage optimisation platform, OVERSEA, with Awake.AI’s port call optimisation technology into a single web-based interface accessible to users on board.
OVERSEA users will draw on both an advanced digital solution and support from centre experts to reach decisions on optimising vessel operational performance, cutting bunker costs and reducing emissions.
“With the OVERSEA collaboration, we are establishing a smart fleet support service which enhances efficiency,” said Jesper Lögdström, Head of Performance Management Centre, Wallenius Marine.
“We aim to give crews and shore personnel a common understanding of data and support them with insights and actionable recommendations to improve vessel operational performance.
Transparency and close collaboration with clients will be crucial to succeed.”
“Together with ABB and Wallenius Marine, we have a joint vision to the industry: what if no ship ever had to rush to wait. Every ship would always sail at their optimal speed and take the optimal route,” said Karno Tenovuo, CEO, Awake.AI.
“By combining the technologies Awake.AI has for port call optimisation and ABB and Wallenius Marine have for voyage optimisation, we can make this vision a reality.”
This project forms part of ESA’s broader initiative to support sustainable maritime solutions and assist the industry in meeting evolving European and international regulatory standards.
Earlier this year, Awake.AI announced a partnership with Peel Ports Group to leverage AI-based solutions for berth planning and prediction.
https://www.porttechnology.org/news/esa-awake-ai-abb-wallenius-launch-decardis-to-enhance-ship-port-data-sharing/
Korea conducts 1st interagency field training against space debris
Updated : 2024-10-31 22:19
Korea conducted its first interagency field training exercise, aimed at coping with potential hazards from space debris, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said on Thursday
The exercise, organized by the JCS, was conducted at the Air Force's 20th Fighter Wing, attended by relevant agencies, including the Korea Aerospace Administration and the National Fire Agency, officials said.
Under a scenario of space debris falling on South Korean territory, participating agencies and the military jointly detected and tracked the debris, and retrieved it after a radioactivity test.
Thursday's exercise marked the first training of its kind and came on the heels of a tabletop exercise conducted last year.
The JCS said it plans to strengthen its capabilities to detect and track space debris, and implement joint response measures against such risks.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/10/113_385423.html
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3952028/delta-4-embraces-year-of-the-nco-with-guardian-airmen-development-program/
https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Display/Article/3687813/space-delta-4/
Delta 4 embraces ‘Year of the NCO’ with Guardian, Airmen Development Program
Oct. 30, 2024
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) – Space Operations Command recognizes 2024 as "The Year of the NCO," celebrating noncommissioned officers as the backbone of the force.
Space Delta 4 has taken this initiative to heart, establishing a robust Guardian and Airman Development Program across all assigned units.
The GADP is an initiative started by Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Lloyd, SOC senior enlisted leader, in February 2024.
The program acknowledges the Space Force mission and structure, which results in a unique demand on the force.
Enlisted members starting at a junior level must have a mission-command approach to meet the demands of the service and formation.
Thus, leadership skills and growth mindset must be ingrained early on.
The GADP seeks to equip first and second-line supervisors with the necessary skills and information to grow and develop their subordinates effectively throughout their careers.
This standardized approach allows unit-level customization to meet individual needs, eliminating potential program stagnation.
“Delta 4 has fervently designed and deployed GADP across all 13 assigned units with a unique flair for each, yet united with a standardized purpose,” Chief Master Sgt. Kyle Mullen, Delta 4 senior enlisted leader.
“In the proven high-speed and award-winning nature of DEL4, senior NCOs across our formations have produced impressive and impactful programs that resonate with their members and have yielded positive results at their locations.”
The organization has identified 24 Foundational Knowledge Areas inherent to noncommissioned officers as effective communicators and leaders.
These FKAs are building blocks and will be delivered in both delta-wide and in unit-specific forums to allow maximum accessibility, scale and relevance based on the covered topic and personnel availability.
The first five FKAs developed and implemented in the third quarter of 2024 are: Profession of Arms, Fundamental Leadership Skills, Professional Military Education, Opportunities and Feedback, Basic Supervision Techniques and Competence to assess and select resources.
Master Sgt. Eric Mistrot, 2nd Space Warning Squadron senior enlisted leader, is one of the leaders who has brought DEL4's GADP to life.
Mistrot and his team have built foundational training aids, mentored, inspired and fostered organizational climates where operational requirements and professional characteristics are not distinct differences but inherently complementary and dependent upon one another.
"GADP is not intended to be a one-size-fits-all solution. The unit I work in, 2nd SWS, shares significant overlap with other units across the Space Force," Mistrot emphasized.
"However, the subtle differences that make each unit unique allow senior enlisted leaders and supervisors to tailor the messaging to fit their formations.
This approach enables units to conduct professional development impactfully for their specific needs while staying true to the overall vision."
The 2nd SWS has already begun its rollout of the GADP, with the curriculum aligned with the desired end state.
This includes lessons on the profession of arms, performance review fundamentals, and strategies for correcting deficient behavior.
The program comprises hard and soft skills, including addressing dress and appearance, as well as mentoring young officers and NCOs.
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"The GADP deliberately instills professional qualities in our noncommissioned officer corps to maintain the combat edge with character, discipline and excellence at the forefront," Mistrot said.
He elaborated on what implementing this program means saying, “my vision is to create and execute a program that will elevate the standards for every member of Delta 4.
The Space Force is unique among military branches but must still function as a professional military organization."
Another important aspect of the GADP is its focus on mission command.
"Mission command involves decentralized execution and a certain degree of command by negation, as long as we remain aligned with higher headquarters' guidance and intent," Mistrot said.
“We must prepare our Guardians to grasp the strategic picture and understand their decision-making space from an early stage in their careers."
DEL4's GADP aligns with the USSF Guardian Ideal, commitment and the requirements set forth by the Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, to prepare for the global environment of Great Power Competition.
The program focuses on the NCO as a warfighter by facilitating the transition from team members to team leaders. This enables NCOs and leaders at every level to understand their role in the joint fight.
"Space operations can often seem nebulous, and victories must be abstracted for members to grasp how and why they contribute," Mistrot said.
Mistrot's approach to mentoring is rooted in coaching rather than a one-way conversation. He aims to guide people to find the best solutions rather than simply giving them the answers.
He believes that teaching someone how to problem-solve is more important than teaching them to solve a single problem.
""The strength of a military has always depended on its tactical-level leaders," Mistrot said. "When a tactical leader understands doctrine and desired end states, they can make decisions within their boundaries to achieve strategic objectives more quickly.
If a tactical-level fight holds strategic significance, it is no longer just a tactical fight."
The passion that led Mistrot to step up and help shape GADP comes from his own experience as a tilitary training instructor for the Air Force and the Space Force.
This experience gave him unique insight into how the enlisted force is developed. He saw an opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of leaders.
"That experience gave me a unique insight into how we develop our enlisted force,” he said. “Taking my experience into account with my current job, I identified that there was a laundry list of things I wish I either knew sooner or had to learn the hard way.
GADP is an opportunity for me to pay it forward to the next generation of leaders."
As the Space Force approaches its fifth anniversary and the Year of the NCO ends, the GADP symbolizes its growth as a young branch by demonstrating a willingness and ability to change.
As Mistrot puts it, "The year of the NCO is a vehicle for the decade of the NCO. We are not interested in a temporary solution.
GADP aims to provide NCOs with knowledge and skills. That breeds competence, which in turn breeds confidence."
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