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ISS astronauts celebrate New Year’s 16 times: ‘We have our own ball, but it doesn’t drop’
Published Dec. 31, 2024, 4:42 p.m. ET
It’s a New Year’s sunrise like no other.
The astronauts aboard the International Space Station will celebrate New Year’s a total of 16 times as the vessel hurdles across the universe and into 2025.
“As 2024 comes to a close today, the Exp 72 crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets while soaring into the New Year,” the ISS crew posted on X about the unique celebration.
Despite the ISS’s speedy 90-minute orbit around the Earth — as it travels about 17,500 miles per hour — NASA specified that the station’s clocks are set to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Butch Wilmore, who is stuck on the ISS with Suni Williams after their Boeing Starliner craft malfunctioned over the summer, hailed the start of the New Year’s celebrations in a message to Earth with ABC News.
“Well, Happy New Year from the International Space Station,” Wilmore said as he stood beside fellow astronaut Don Pettit.
“We’ll get a go around the planet here every 90 minutes, so we’ll get 16 New Year’s celebrations here on the International Space Station.
“We’d love to be there with you in Times Square to watch the ball drop,” he added as Pettit pulled out an orange ball and let it go in the weightlessness of space.
“We have our own ball, but it doesn’t drop. It just kind of stays in place,” Wilmore joked. “We look forward to midnight, Eastern Time, in Times Square, and we’ll be there, virtually with you.”
Pettit added: “While we’re on the International Space Station, we’re separated from our families. We’re separated from our friends, but we have our crew here, and they become our family.”
Wilmore and Williams are making the best of the holidays in space after it was revealed earlier this month that their trip back home was delayed yet again to at least late March.
The American astronauts have been stuck on the ISS since their June 5 blastoff aboard the faulty Boeing Starliner — and they were originally slated for just eight days in space.
They were set to return in February aboard a SpaceX craft, but the company delayed the trip as it needed more time to prepare a new capsule.
https://nypost.com/2024/12/31/science/iss-astronauts-celebrate-new-years-16-times/
https://x.com/Space_Station/status/1874066725152452748
After His Death, Neil Armstrong’s Widow Found a Bag of Space Artifacts in His Closet
December 31, 2024
There are many stories of historical treasures hiding for decades in attics and cupboards around the world, but few match what was found in a closet in Ohio in 2012.
A few months after the death of Neil Armstrong, his widow, Carol, came across a white bag in a closet. Upon closer inspection, she found tiny parts that looked like they could have belonged to a spaceship.
In the end, it wasn't just any spaceship but a collection of items from the Lunar Module Eagle of the Apollo 11 mission.
The astronaut's widow reached out to Allan Needell, the Apollo curator at the National Air and Space Museum, who had visited her a few weeks earlier to make an inventory of the items the Armstrong family intended to donate to the National Collection.
“I received an email from Carol Armstrong that she had located in one of Neil's closets a white cloth bag filled with assorted small items that looked like they may have come from a spacecraft,” Needell wrote in a blog post in 2015.
“Needless to say, for a curator of a collection of space artifacts, it is hard to imagine anything more exciting.”
The white bag, which made the trip to the Moon, is known as a Temporary Stowage Bag or “McDivitt purse,” after the Apollo 9 astronaut who asked for a bag to put away objects when astronauts didn't have time to go to fixed stowage locations.
Armstrong's bag contained the waist tether he used to support his feet during the only rest period he got on the Moon, utility lights and their brackets, equipment netting, a mirror made of metal, an emergency wrench, the optical sight that was mounted above Armstrong's window and, most importantly, the 16mm data acquisition camera (DAC) that recorded the footage of the lander's final approach.
All of these were bound for the same fate—being destroyed when the Eagle crashed into the lunar surface after serving its purpose.
Since the crew had to account for any added weight for the return trajectory, Armstrong didn't simply sneak the bag. Mission transcripts record Armstrong telling command module Columbia pilot Michael Collins about it.
“You know, that—that one's just a bunch of trash that we want to take back—LM parts, odds and ends, and it won't stay closed by itself. We'll have to figure something out for it.”
Later, the bag would be described to mission control as “odds and ends” and “10 pounds of LM miscellaneous equipment.”
While it's unclear how Armstrong retained possession after the mission, he wasn't the only astronaut to keep mementos from his trip to the Moon.
Apparently, it's so common that in 2012, President Barack Obama signed a bill into law granting NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo crew members “full ownership rights” to their space artifacts.
Today, the data acquisition camera is on display at the National Air and Space Museum after Armstrong's widow donated it in 2019, alongside its power cable.
Other items are listed as “promised gifts.” Still, the fact that the astronaut saved these items from the dark emptiness of space is enough of a gift for those who have long been fascinated by the historic moon landing.
https://mymodernmet.com/neil-armstrongs-bag-of-apollo-11-artifacts/
FCC allocates additional spectrum for commercial launches
December 31, 2024
The Federal Communications Commission has formally allocated additional spectrum for launch applications, fulfilling a provision in a bill passed earlier this year.
The FCC published Dec. 31 a report and order that allocated spectrum between 2360 and 2395 megahertz for use in communications to and from commercial launch and reentry vehicles on a secondary basis.
That band currently has a primary use for aircraft and missile testing communications.
The order satisfies language in the Launch Communications Act (LCA) of 2024, signed into law by President Biden Sept. 26 after Senate passage by unanimous consent and House passage on a voice vote.
The act directed the FCC to make available three bands for use in commercial launches and reentries, finalizing such allocations no later than 90 days after enactment of the bill.
Two of the bands listed in the bill, 2025–2110 and 2200–2290 megahertz, had already been allocated by the FCC for use in launches and reentries on a secondary basis.
The FCC limited the first band for use in uplinks to vehicles and the second for vehicle downlinks. The new report and order permits vehicle uplinks and downlinks in the 2360–2395 megahertz band.
Both the FCC and launch companies had argued that the additional spectrum was needed to accommodate growth in launch activities.
“By identifying more bandwidth for vital links to launch vehicles, we are making it simpler for new competitors to get consistent access to the spectrum they need,” Jessica Rosenworcel, chairwoman of the FCC, said in a Dec. 19 statement calling for approval of the then-proposed report and order.
One issue with the new spectrum allocation was potential interference with current aircraft and missile testing applications in the band.
In comments to the FCC, the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council warned of potential interference between space launches and aerospace testing communications.
However, the FCC noted that the band’s use for launch communications would be on a secondary basis, requiring launch operators to take steps to avoid causing interference with aerospace testing.
The same steps will also be required in a portion of the band where amateur services have a primary allocation.
Both SpaceX and Virgin Galactic have already made limited use of that band, including for Falcon Heavy and Starship/Super Heavy launches by SpaceX.
Virgin Galactic, in a comment to the FCC, noted it had used a part of the band for “numerous” launches of its suborbital spaceplane “and has never received any complaints about interference.”
The report and order also includes the 2360–2395 megahertz band into a new licensing framework called part 26 that currently includes the two other bands allocated to launch communications.
That framework is intended to streamline the license application process, replacing earlier requirements to apply for special temporary authority to use the spectrum individually for each launch.
“Our action today not only fulfills the directives of the LCA to complete any proceeding in effect, but also provides regulatory certainty and improved efficiency for commercial space launch operations, and promotes continued innovation and investment in the United States commercial space launch industry,” the FCC stated in the report and order.
https://spacenews.com/fcc-allocates-additional-spectrum-for-commercial-launches/
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-132A1.pdf
Trump Tower explosion horror as thick smoke rises in Las Vegas after loud 'boom'
Updated17:27, 1 Jan 2025
Eye witnesses reported hearing a "huge explosion" near Donald Trump's tower in Las Vegas, with one local posting on social media saying he heard a loud "boom, boom, boom".
Videos taken by locals nearby the 64 floor complex reported police and fire rushing to the scene, which boasts it has the most "exceptional views" of the strip.
One person shared a video on X seeming to show smoke rising into the air from close to the luxury complex and police sirens were reported within minutes.
It was later suggested the noises were the result of a car fire in the vicinity of the hotel, at the nearby Fashion Show Mall.
They said in the footage: "I just heard a boom. There's a lot of smoke. It was like a boom, boom, boom. It almost sounded like a rolling garbage dumpster, then I saw that pop up."
Another wrote on X: "My friend who did the Grucci fireworks show in Las Vegas just now texted me that there was a huge explosion at Trump Tower in Vegas."
Another added: "Some sort of explosion at Trump tower in Las Vegas. No idea what happened yet."
The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is a huge 64-story building, complete with condos, on Fashion Show Drive in Paradise, Nevada.
It was named after its part-owner Donald Trump, and is located just down the street from the Wynn hotel.
The exterior glass is infused with gold. The property opened on March 31, 2008, with 1,282 rooms, as well as two restaurants.
It is Las Vegas's tallest residential building at 622ft (190m).
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/breaking-trump-tower-explosion-horror-34403879
Starting 2025 off with a boom boom boom
Navigating change: US Air Force, Space Force surgeon general discusses transformative leadership
Dec. 31, 2024
For U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force surgeon general, transformative leadership is rooted in purposeful communication, adaptability and a commitment to the Air Force core values.
During this time of change in the Air Force Medical Service with ongoing preparations to stand up Air Force Medical Command, DeGoes highlighted his approach to navigating this organizational change.
“Being a learning leader is certainly a core principle for me,” DeGoes said. “This goes with grounding myself in the Air Force core values of integrity first, excellence in all we do and service before self.”
Empowering medics through clear communication
A significant part of DeGoes' leadership has involved improving communication across AFMS.
DeGoes described his goal to establish transparent and succinct messaging, ensuring that all medics within AFMS are well-informed and connected to the mission.
"In my first month, we prioritized improving how we communicate broadly, deeply and briefly to our 31,000 active medics and international Guard and Reserve medics as well," he noted.
"You can do all this great strategic planning and have a nice trifold glossy mission vision, but if you can't get things done, then your genius just stays on paper."
Embrace the Ready Medic mindset
One of the most challenging moments in DeGoes’ career came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 13, 2020, as the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, DeGoes faced critical decisions on maintaining Air Force training pipelines in his previous role as the 59th Medical Wing Commander, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
"I could tell you exactly where I was. I was sitting at the Air Education & Training Commander's table," DeGoes recalled.
At the time, he led discussions on whether to suspend Air Force training programs due to health concerns.
"I leveraged the fact that we had the best infectious disease experts in the Department of Defense in San Antonio between Air Force and Army … what I believe is the best hospital intensive care unit capability.”
The experience underscored the necessity of operationally relevant healthcare and partnerships across services.
By aligning the strengths of Air Force’s medical capability with other military units, DeGoes ensured that training pipelines remained open – a success that he attributes to clear mission alignment and effective risk management.
"The success is one thing, but it's making sure that when you're a medic, you can give commanders the opportunity to keep their mission going,” DeGoes said.
Creating a culture for success and innovation
For DeGoes, building a supportive and innovative culture within AFMS is essential for enduring success.
He sees the right people and resources as integral to achieving trusted care, anytime, anywhere.
"Creating a culture in the organization where it’s safe to bring up a new idea, that will be another one of my cross-cutting goals," he said.
"We won’t have all the resources we need. You make up the difference with innovation.”
By fostering open communication and ensuring resource allocation, DeGoes aims to empower AFMS personnel, creating an environment where new ideas are encouraged, and critical innovations can take hold.
Commitment to the future of the Air Force Medical Service
As DeGoes leads AFMS through its 75th year, he envisions a future driven by continuous improvement and adaptability.
His goal is to prepare medics who are not only highly skilled but also equipped to support operations in increasingly austere environments.
"The Airmen and Guardians are the most important part of the Air Force Medical Service," DeGoes emphasized.
"The mission gets done at our med groups. I would encourage them to be operationally relevant and to be part of their installation’s mission.
The better they understand it, the more effective they will be."
In his role, DeGoes remains dedicated to innovation, readiness, and the well-being of both personnel and the families that support them.
Through his leadership, he aims to carry AFMS forward, adapting to new challenges while upholding the values that define the Air Force.
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4019849/navigating-change-us-air-force-space-force-surgeon-general-discusses-transforma/
Russians complain that Ukrainian Magura drone shot down not one, but two helicopters of russian army
01 January 2025, Wednesday, 19:18
Russian Z-channels complained that during the battle near Cape Tarkhankut, the Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drone allegedly shot down not one, but two Mi-8 helicopters of the army of the aggressor country of the russian federation.
This is evidenced by reports on Z-channels.
The Fighterbomber Telegram channel, which specializes in russian aviation, wrote that the Ukrainian drone allegedly managed to shoot down both helicopters.
"The end of 2024 was overshadowed by the loss of our best crews. They fought and died in battle.
We haven't lost so many of our best guys at one time since 2022," the channel's author wrote.
The russian Aviation Telegram channel also wrote about the death of both crews.
"It is not yet clear about the crews, but judging by the video where the battle took place at night, it is not clear who would have saved those who were in distress on the water," the report says.
There is currently no official confirmation of the information about the loss of two Mi-8 helicopters by the russians.
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on December 31, a Magura V5 naval drone operated by servicemen of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine engaged in combat with two russian Mi-8 helicopters near Cape Tarkhankut in the west of the occupied Crimea.
The Defense Intelligence stated that as a result of the combat, one helicopter was shot down and the second was damaged.
https://ukranews.com/en/news/1056169-russians-complain-that-ukrainian-magura-drone-shot-down-not-one-but-two-helicopters-of-russian-army
https://t.me/fighter_bomber/19420
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter flies again as first drone on Rose Parade float
January 1, 2025
NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, the first aircraft to achieve powered flight on another planet, is now the first drone to fly on a parade float — in the form of a flower-covered replica.
The floral-but-flight-worthy display was just one of the highlights aboard "Rover Rendezvous," a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade held in celebration of New Year's Day in Pasadena, California on Wednesday (Jan. 1).
Designed in part to celebrate the achievements of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the float was built by the City of La Cañada Flintridge, where the NASA and Caltech facility is located.
"This out-of-this-world float invites viewers on a journey to Mars, featuring an astronaut who teams up with an alien exploration crew for a thrilling ride in a modified Mars rover," read La Cañada Flintridge's description of its parade entry.
"With all elements crafted by dedicated volunteers, this float represents the community's creativity and passion for innovation."
Covered in more than 35,000 flowers, the 55-foot-long (17-m) float featured an Ingenuity-like rotorcraft at its front and a six-wheeled rover made to look like it had been built using components from NASA's two robots active on Mars, Curiosity and Perseverance.
For example, the rover on the float is leaving behind the same wheel tracks as Curiosity — imprinting "JPL" in Morse code in the "Martian soil."
The float was also decorated with "floralgraph" mission patches, including the emblems for NASA's Viking, Pathfinder and Perseverance (Mars 2020) missions, as rendered using flowers.
The float's Mars Helicopter took flight at the control of two drone pilots who were on board (the drone was also tethered for safety precautions).
Earl Cox, chief engineer for communications and system engineering at AeroViornment, helped bring the "ingenious" exhibi to life, just as the company did for the real Ingenuity.
"It's just fun to pull everything together and something we can show to everybody, [since] the Mars helicopter is a million miles away," Cox said in an interview with the local newspaper, Outlook Valley Sun.
"This is a great opportunity to showcase Mars exploration."
Ingenuity on Mars flew a total of 72 times before crashing and suffering damage in January 2024, 22 months after its history-making first flight.
While it was active, it went from serving as a technology demonstrator to supporting the science mission of the on-going Perseverance rover by scouting the landscape ahead from above.
The inclusion of fantastical alien visitors was inspired by this year's theme for the parade, "Best Day Ever."
The float continues the story that began on La Cañada's 2017 entry, which depicted a young boy building a rocket in his backyard.
"We thought it'd be very clever to have our little intrepid astronaut make it to Mars, upon which he sees a rover and meets an alien, and they have a fun ride," Ernest Koeppen, president of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association, told the Outlook Valley Sun. "Seems to me, that'd be the best day ever."
"Rover Rendevous" was also the "greenest" float in the parade, swapping out its propane-powered animation engine and hydraulics with a full EV battery controlled motor and generator.
One other float looked toward outer space to represent this year's parade theme.
"Chasing Our Dreams" from Odd Fellows & Rebekahs, a sororal and service organization, featured an astronaut riding a rocket along a rainbow-colored path above Earth, past Mars and Saturn and towards the stars.
Built by the Phoenix Decorating Company, the float was adorned with 59,600 flowers, including yellow and white starburst mums.
Previous years' Tournament of Roses Parades have celebrated space exploration history, including a flower-formed model of space shuttle Endeavour in 2013 and the inclusion of a space-flown rose in 2009.
JPL has also represented itself in past Rose Parades, designing floats that depicted its Viking Mars lander in 1976 and the Spitzer Space Telescope with eight other spacecraft to form a giant Voltron-like robot in 2005.
https://www.space.com/rose-parade-mars-rover-rendezvous-float
SC New Year’s Eve drone show stopped after man hit by falling drone
January 01, 2025 11:36 AM
A drone show on New Year’s Eve stopped shortly after it began Tuesday night when a drone fell from the sky and struck a viewer.
A man was struck by the drone at a performance of choreographed drones in the sky over Folly Beach, TV station WCSC reported.
The man was treated by first responders at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
The drone show began at 7 p.m. but came to an end moments later and the remaining drones descended to a nearby landing zone.
This was the first year that Folly Beach had sponsored a drone show instead of traditional fireworks to ring in the new year.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the drone incident, Charleston station WCIV reports.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article297845488.html
https://abcnews4.com/news/local/folly-beach-new-years-eve-drone-show-halted-after-drones-fall-from-sky-reports-1-person-injured-abc-news-4-2024-12-31-2024