TYB
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
January 12, 2025
Mimas: Small Moon with a Big Crater
Whatever hit Mimas nearly destroyed it. What remains is one of the largest impact craters on one of Saturn's smallest round moons. Analysis indicates that a slightly larger impact would have destroyed Mimas entirely. The huge crater, named Herschel after the 1789 discoverer of Mimas, Sir William Herschel, spans about 130 kilometers and is featured here. Mimas' low mass produces a surface gravity just strong enough to create a spherical body but weak enough to allow such relatively large surface features. Mimas is made of mostly water ice with a smattering of rock - so it is accurately described as a big dirty snowball. The featured image was taken during the closest-ever flyby of the robot spacecraft Cassini past Mimas in 2010 while in orbit around Saturn.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
Smart robot helps out astronauts on China's Tiangong space station
January 12, 2025
Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze — the crew of the current Shenzhou 19 mission aboard Tiangong — have been working alongside a robot named Xiao Hang ("Little Space") using human-robot collaborative interaction software.
The software has allowed them to carry out a variety of experiments related to human-robot spatial relationships, robot behavior characterization and multimodal interaction technologies.
The goal of these experiments is to help enhance mission efficiency by fostering a more effective interaction between astronauts and robotic systems, according to China Central Television (CCTV).
Xiao Hang can be seen moving and orienting itself in microgravity and is able to line up and take photos on command. But there may be bigger roles to step into going forward.
"In the future, it will also be able to perform various functions such as in-cabin inspections and resource management through upgrades," Wang Haoze, China's first female spaceflight engineer, said in a New Year's greeting message, Global Times reported.
The crew, meanwhile, have been busy with a range of experiments. They recently completed tasks including collecting fruit flies, emptying their culture containers and organizing samples.
The study aims to assess the impacts of sub-magnetic fields and microgravity on the insects.
The astronauts also performed a series of detailed movement measurements focused on using precision motion measurement devices and experimental software.
The aim is to learn more about changes in fine motor control and the adaptive learning mechanisms of astronauts during long-term space missions.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/smart-robot-helps-out-astronauts-on-chinas-tiangong-space-station-video
'Space coast' congressman sets bold goal for American moon missions
January 11, 2025 4:00am EST
The Space Coast’s new congressman wants the U.S. to set bold goals for exploration beyond our Earth, believing the country’s potential will take Americans sky-high – literally.
"We need to do everything we can to make sure it's safe, but it's done in a way that removes some of the superfluous red tape so that we can get out there, compete and beat China and beat any other nation," Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital in an interview.
"Because the moon and beyond is not a cliché from a Disney movie. It is the future."
Haridopolos said he would "love" to see the U.S. return to the moon in the next four years of the Trump administration.
The Florida Republican was careful not to speak in absolutes, noting, "We can’t guarantee anything," but credited billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos with revitalizing the science and space sector to make such conversations possible.
"It's a stepping stone," he said. "For example, as we're starting to move towards [nuclear power], with the need for more and more energy here in the United States…
There's particles that are on the moon that they would bring back because they're very scarce here in America [and] around the world."
Helium-3 is a highly coveted resource found on the moon known to be key in nuclear fusion processes.
"From that point, you settle the moon, and then you go on to Mars, which has been, of course, Elon Musk's vision," Haridopolos said.
"When he thought of things like SpaceX, it was, how do I get to Mars? And then how do you pay to get to Mars?
That was the inspiration behind a lot of the new technologies he helped create. And now he's got a fellow zillionaire in Jeff Bezos dreaming of the same type of things. It's really exciting"
In Congress, the first-term lawmaker represents part of the country that’s famous for being home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The Space Coast broke its all-time annual record with 93 orbital launches last year, according to Florida Today.
Just this week it’s scheduled to host launches by both Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 and Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket.
He lauded both President-elect Trump’s vision for space as well as new House Space Science and Technology Chairman Brian Babin, R-Texas.
"Donald Trump has proven day-one and officially in 2019 that he loves space," he said, referring to Trump’s creation of the Space Force.
He suggested that the U.S. approach to the final frontier may not be dissimilar to the optimism and pride seen in 1969, when Americans landed a team of astronauts on the moon.
"It was an inspiration for my parents’ generation," Haridopolos said. "Now, of course, Elon Musk gave us this whole new vision of landing potentially, in our lifetime, on Mars.
It's remarkable. And so the president said this is the future."
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/space-coast-congressman-sets-bold-goal-american-moon-missions
Civil Air Patrol to Conduct Rare Drone Flights in D.C.’s Restricted Airspace
January 12, 2025
The Civil Air Patrol is set to perform a series of drone calibration flights in Washington D.C.’s highly restricted airspace, marking an unusual occurrence in one of the nation’s most tightly controlled aerial zones.
The flights, scheduled from January 13 to January 15, will take place over Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Joint Base Andrews, and Washington Navy Yard, according to an announcement from the Air Force District of Washington, reports The Washington Post.
Planned Calibration Activities
The upcoming drone operations are specifically designed to test “the integration of various sensors and systems,” as stated by Air Force officials.
These carefully coordinated flights represent a significant development in drone operations within the National Capital Region, an area typically characterized by strict flight restrictions.
Public Safety and Communication
In their official statement, the Air Force District of Washington emphasized their commitment to public awareness and safety: “We want to ASSURE the public that these flights are carefully planned and executed to minimize any potential disruption to daily activities.”
This proactive communication approach comes at a crucial time, following recent concerns about unauthorized drone activities in the region.
Context of Recent Drone Sightings
The announcement gains additional significance in light of recent mysterious drone sightings across several states, including Maryland and Virginia.
These incidents prompted state officials, including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, to express concerns about transparency in drone operations.
On December 14, Governor Youngkin stated he was “deeply concerned” about the limited information shared regarding these unexplained drone sightings.
Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Federal Aviation Administration, and Department of Defense, addressed these concerns in a joint statement on December 17, asserting that the previous drone activities did not pose “a national security or public safety risk.”
DroneXL’s Take
This coordinated drone calibration exercise represents a significant step in transparent drone operations within restricted airspace.
The Civil Air Patrol’s planned activities not only demonstrate the evolving integration of Drone Technology in sensitive areas but also highlight the importance of clear communication between federal agencies and the public.
As drone technology continues to advance, such calibration flights may become increasingly necessary to ensure the safe and effective integration of unmanned aircraft systems in restricted airspace zones.
https://dronexl.co/2025/01/12/civil-air-patrol-drone-flights-dc-restricted-airspace/
Private drones are interfering with aerial firefighting efforts as death toll rises in LA wildfires: officials
January 12, 2025 8:36am EST
Private drones being flown near the wildfires consuming Los Angeles County continued to interfere with aerial firefighting efforts Saturday evening, according to officials, as the death toll from the flames rises.
Officials have detected 48 privately owned drones flying over the fires since the infernos erupted Tuesday, Los Angeles County Deputy Fire Chief Robert Harris said during a briefing Saturday evening.
"When those privately owned drones are detected, we have to pause firefighting activities, so we ask you to please assist us by not operating drones in the area," Harris said, adding that the drones’ owners are being sought by police and will face potential prosecution.
Authorities urge civilians not to fly drones near wildfires because they can get in the way of low-flying firefighting aircraft and delay emergency responders. Pilot distractions can be deadly.
On Thursday, someone flew a private drone into the wing of a Quebec 1 Super Scooper firefighting aircraft as it carried water to battle the wildfires.
Officials said the collision caused a "fist-sized hole" in the aircraft and knocked it out of service until at least Monday.
The Super Scooper, which had flown down from Canada, was working to contain the Palisades Fire at the time of the incident.
The pilots were unaware of the drone hit, which wasn’t discovered until they landed at Van Nuys airport and maintenance staff noticed the hole, officials said.
The FAA is investigating, and a spokesperson told Fox News Digital that interfering with firefighters is a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison and a $75,000 fine.
Meanwhile, the death toll in connection with the wildfires has jumped to 16, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Five of the deaths were attributed to the Palisades Fire and 11 resulted from the Eaton Fire.
As of Saturday evening, the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires had consumed about 62 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco, Cal Fire said.
The Palisades and Eaton fires – the two largest wildfires – have so far scorched 59 square miles.
Firefighters are still working to contain the Palisades and Eaton fires. Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades Fire at 11% and the Eaton Fire at 15% on Saturday night.
With the battle set to continue, firefighters are bracing for another round of strong winds expected starting on Monday, said Michael Traum of the California Office of Emergency Services.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/private-drones-interfering-aerial-firefighting-efforts-death-toll-rises-la-wildfires-officials
Moment Ukrainian shotgun nukes three Russian drones before killing soldier
UPDATED: 12:46, Sun, Jan 12, 2025
Extraordinary new footage shows the moment that a Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drone uses a built-in shotgun to destroy three incoming Russian aerial threats before turning fire on an enemy soldier.
The video shows the Kyiv drone shooting down three Russian drones - identified as Chinese-made Mavics - which may have been on reconnaissance missions.
Soon after, the FPV drone shoots at - and hits - a Russian “invader” before “finish[ing] him off” by dropping a grenade, reports add.
The footage was taken over Synkivka and Petropavlivka, villages in Kharkiv district of Ukraine.
The video highlights the fearsome war capability of the latest military drones piloted by remote controllers. While the type of the Ukrainian drone has not been revealed, it clearly demonstrated its warfare potential.
This is the first time such a drone is seen being used against an enemy infantryman.
"The Ukrainian drone shoots down three Russian Mavics with a shotgun, then shoots at the invader with the same shotgun and finishes him off with a grenade,” said Ukrainian military journalist Andriy Tsaplienko.
Last month, footage emerged of a Ukrainian-made Winchester drone using buckshot to shoot down approaching Russian aerial threats.
“Drones armed with shotguns have proven remarkably effective in combating enemy drones, including those operating via fibre optics,” reported Focus Ukraine.
“Winchester drones can shoot down other drones mid-flight using buckshot. The development is already being used by Ukrainian defenders,” the report added.
Buckshot is a collection of many small metal balls fired from a shotgun.
Ukraine has also pioneered missile-firing FPV marine drones, which have taken down several military helicopters.
Such sea drones are also capable of launching aerial drones to hit targets.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1999365/ukraine-shotgun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUU9eVFyk3Q
FBI working to piece together drone that damaged super scooper while battling Palisades Fire
Sunday, January 12, 2025 4:41AM
The FBI released new photos of a damaged water-dropping super scooper firefighting aircraft that collided with a drone over the Palisades Fire.
According to officials, the plane collided with a privately-owned drone, causing significant damage to it. The drone put a 3x6 hole in the aircraft, causing a 20- to 30-minute delay in the aerial firefight.
"I'd just like to stress, that technique, using that super scooper aircraft, are our most effective technique to fight fires like this, and when this happens, it puts everybody's lives at risk," said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.
The low-flying, surface-skimming planes dip into the water before dumping its contents over blazing wildfires. As the wind-driven fires continue across Southern California, officials are pleading with people to not fly drones over wildfire-ravaged areas.
"Our biggest concern is that there are so many unauthorized drones in the area that they are impacting law enforcement and firefighters' efforts to suppress this fire and actually get it contained," said Davis.
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) are put in place by the FAA to alert pilots of areas of restricted air travel due to a hazardous condition, a special event, or a general warning for the entire FAA airspace.
TFRs are currently in place over the Palisades and Eaton fires, allowing firefighting aircraft the airspace they need. They apply to all aircraft, including drones.
Drone videos of destroyed neighborhoods are spreading over social media, despite the threat of jail time.
"We'll work backwards through investigative means to try and recreate that drone and figure out what company owns that drone and who it was assigned to," said Davis.
During a news conference Thursday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman reiterated that anyone caught flying a drone faces severe consequences.
"If you're thinking that it's fine to send a drone up in the area for your own amusement, or you want to get information that nobody else can get, and you do it in one of these areas that for which drones are not permitted … you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be punished to the full extent of the law," he said.
According to the FAA, you can still be arrested and fined, even if TFRs are not in place.
"Even if a TFR is not in place, drone pilots should avoid flying near wildfires," the FAA states. "It's a federal crime to interfere with firefighting aircraft regardless of whether restrictions are established, and violators can face stiff penalties."
The damaged super scooper plane was only one of two super scoopers available, and it's now out of commission until at least Monday as it gets repaired, officials said.
The pilots were unaware they hit the drone until they landed at Van Nuys Airport and the maintenance staff noticed a "fist-sized hole," according to officials.
In 2019, KABC's helicopter had to make a precautionary landing after it was hit by a drone while flying over downtown Los Angeles.
"We heard this pop, a loud bang," said pilot and reporter Chris Cristi. "We felt it, we heard it. We all looked at each other. Didn't really know what it was.
Just assumed it was a bird because that happens every once in a while. When we got on the ground, though, it was a different story."
FAA rules prohibit flying drones within five miles of an airport, above 400 feet elevation or in a way that interferes with manned aircraft. It also says drones cannot be operated beyond the unassisted line of sight of the operator.
And if you're thinking of citing "the media" as a reason to be exempt from the rules, the FAA stresses that even media personnel are not allowed to fly near wildfires unless they're granted a special approval that "must directly support a response, relief, or recovery activity."
"Not only are these drone flights illegal and dangerous for our firefighters," said ABC Owned TV Stations executive producer and licensed drone pilot, Tim Sarquis, "It makes flying legitimately more difficult. When drone pilots break the rules, it hurts everyone, resulting in more restrictions if not full out bans of drones in some areas."
If you see a drone in the area of a wildfire, you can make an anonymous tip to the FAA by calling 866-TELL-FAA or by their FAA Hotline Webform.
https://abc7.com/post/california-wildfires-fbi-shares-photos-pieces-drone-damaged-super-scooper-aircraft-flying-palisades-fire/15792412/
https://hotline.faa.gov/webform/s/
Major UK airport could face delay chaos from military drones flying from nearby RAF base
12:48, 12 Jan 2025
Brit holidaymakers travelling from a major airport could face major delays if RAF plans to launch military drones from a nearby base go ahead, bosses have warned.
The RAF has announced plans to launch US-made drones from RAF Fairford, its Gloucestershire base, "two to three times per week", a move airport chiefs have said could have disastrous consequences for UK flights.
The base will soon start flying RQ-4 Global Hawk surveillance drones, but to do so, it must sever a flight path used by Birmingham Airport.
The path is used by multiple airlines to carry thousands of people to and from the airport several times a week, and, without it, Birmingham bosses say flights could be extended by hundreds of miles.
Managers have written to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which coordinates UK airspace, with airline representatives following suit in outlining their own fears.
Letters seen by the Daily Telegraph outline fears from senior airport managers that blocking the airport flight path could also delay flights for up to 20 minutes.
Joining the group in highlighting concerns, Ryanair representatives added the USAD plans could delay up to 2,800 passengers.
Routing around the blocked out flight path would also affect up to 15 flights, with the additional time spent in the air wasting up to nine tonnes of fuel and causing 34 tonnes of extra CO2 emissions.
Jet2 has also voiced concerns about its own flights, saying its journeys from Portugal, Spain and the Canary Islands could face similar 20-minute delays as planes fly an additional 145 miles.
In addition to the delays, Jet2 warned the new arrangements could also prove costly for customers, who may have to help foot the bill for the additional roughly £901 incurred by the new flight path.
Representatives for both Birmingham Airport and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have said discussions are ongoing, and that both parties are hoping to find an acceptable solution that avoids mass disruption.
The Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: "We continue discussions with the relevant parties and remain hopeful of a mutually acceptable solution."
And the the MoD official added: "No final decisions have been taken and we are working to minimise any potential impact to other airspace users."
The pushback follows dramatic drone sightings over US bases on British soil at the end of 2024, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) spotted hovering at RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.
They appeared at the bases in Suffolk and Norfolk over several days in December last year.
Defence sources told the Daily Mail the swarms appeared "coordinated", with former British military intelligence Colonel Philip Ingram saying the sightings had "all the hallmarks" of an operation launched by the Russian GRU spy agency.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/major-uk-airport-could-face-34465316
Ravens-Steelers playoff game paused in 3rd quarter due to drone over seating bowl
Updated 1/12/2025 12:40 a.m. EST
For the 3rd time in 2 years, a Ravens game was paused because of drone activity, which presents a safety concern
A drone, once again, paused a Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Game play stopped during the third quarter of Baltimore’s home playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and a drone was the culprit, Maryland Stadium Authority Vice President for Public Safety and Security Vern Conaway Jr. confirmed.
The drone flew above the seating bowl, he said in a text message, which prompted a temporary stoppage of the game.
“Law enforcement is investigating,” he added.
The pause lasted only a few minutes before play continued, with the Ravens ultimately winning 28-14 and advancing to the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
Given that there are often media timeouts during games, players were not aware that the pause was drone-related, Ravens tackle Patrick Mekari said after the game.
There were two similar drone interruptions last season during home Ravens game, but none this year.
A drone (a small, unmanned aircraft) caused a pause during a 2023 Ravens night game against the Cincinnati Bengals and then in the AFC championship against the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2024.
Although drones have been spotted around M&T Bank Stadium this season, there had not been an in-game pause until Saturday.
Due to safety concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration places a temporary flight restriction on sporting events played in venues with a capacity of more than 30,000, disallowing drone activity.
If a drone were to fall on someone, it could cause injury or death.
There were two similar drone interruptions last season during home Ravens game, but none this year.
A drone (a small, unmanned aircraft) caused a pause during a 2023 Ravens night game against the Cincinnati Bengals and then in the AFC championship against the Kansas City Chiefs in January 2024.
Although drones have been spotted around M&T Bank Stadium this season, there had not been an in-game pause until Saturday.
Due to safety concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration places a temporary flight restriction on sporting events played in venues with a capacity of more than 30,000, disallowing drone activity.
If a drone were to fall on someone, it could cause injury or death.
Given the recent drone activity, a local FBI social media account on Friday reminded residents not to fly their drones near the stadium, stating: “leave the drones at home.”
Saturday marked the first time that the Steelers played an NFL playoff game in Baltimore since 1976, when the Colts hosted at Memorial Stadium.
That day had a much scarier aerial threat: a single-engine airplane crashed into the upper deck shortly after the game ended. Fortunately, no one was killed.
https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/ravens-nfl/drone-pauses-ravens-steelers-game-MMBTODX2SBC4ZMNMEXGSA35SGQ/
Amazing that they found the wreckage in all that chaos.
Yemen attacks US aircraft carrier with missiles, drones
Jan 12, 2025, 6:59 AM
The Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a top-tier military operation in the Red Sea as part of their support for Gaza and its Resistance and in response to the Israeli-US-UK aggression against Yemen.
A joint operation by the missile and drone forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces targeted the American aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and a number of its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea using a number of drones and missiles, Al Mayadeen reported.
The engagement lasted approximately nine hours and achieved its objectives successfully, forcing the aircraft carrier to flee to the Red Sea's far north, leaving the designated area of operations, a statement issued by the Yemeni Military Media announced.
This marks the fifth targeting of the aircraft carrier since its deployment in the Red Sea.
Announcing the operation, Yemen’s Armed Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree stressed that the Yemeni armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any escalation of attacks by the US or the Israeli regime.
Yemen is committed to its obligations towards the oppressed Palestinian nation and continues to fulfill its duties in this field, he stressed.
Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine’s struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7 after the territory’s Palestinian Resistance movements carried out a surprise retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, against the occupying entity.
Yemeni Armed Forces have said that they won’t stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza, which have killed at least 27,948 people and wounded another 67,459 individuals, come to an end.
The United States and Britain in December announced a military coalition to target Yemen in support of Israel.
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/226774/Yemen-attacks-US-aircraft-carrier-with-missiles-drones
Ukrainian drone hits large oil refinery in Russia’s Tatarstan, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation confirms
January 11, 2025 11:11 PM
A Ukrainian drone hit the Taneko oil refinery in Tatarstan, Russian Telegram channel ASTRA reported on Jan. 11.
The refinery is one of the country's largest oil-processing facilities.
Workers at the refinery in Nizhnekamsk were evacuated amid the attack, and local footage showed smoke rising from the site.
Andrii Kovalenko, Head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed the strike, and emphasized its strategic importance.
"The refinery plays a key role in providing fuel to the Russian military.
Taking out refineries and oil depots directly affects Russia's ability to wage an intensive war," he said.
The refinery, which processes over 16 million tons of oil annually, was previously targeted in a drone attack in spring 2024, causing damage to its primary processing unit.
Taneko refinery is located in the city of Nizhnekamsk, around 1,300 kilometers from the country's border with Ukraine.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-hits-large-oil-refinery-in-russias-tatarstan-head-of-ukraines-center-for-countering-disinformation-confirms/
Come on Cali, grow some cojones