NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day

February 15, 2025

Parhelia at Abisko

Three suns seem to hug the horizon in this otherworldly winterscape. But the evocative scene was captured during a February 3rd snowmobile exploration of the mountainous region around Abisko National Park, northern Sweden, planet Earth. The two bright spots on either side of Earth's Sun are parhelia (singular parhelion), also known as mock suns or sun dogs. The parhelia are caused by hexagonal ice crystals suspended in the hazy atmosphere that reflect and refract sunlight. Commonly seen in winter and at high latitudes, the bright parhelia lie along the visible 22 degree ice halo of the Sun.

https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html

Story behind one of the 'most terrifying photos' ever taken in space is chilling

14:47 15 Feb 2025 GMT

The late Bruce McCandless II opened up about his history-making expedition before his death, which included snapping a particularly haunting pic.

The idea of space is scary for most of us, not least of all for the fact it's as far away from our home planet as possible without factoring in 'space junk' or potential alien megastructures and the weird blobs growing outside the International Space Station.

However, possibly the most terrifying thing to happen in space has actually been captured on camera.

In 1984, the then-47-year-old aviator embarked on a Space Shuttle mission to deploy two communication satellites for the first time.

And it wasn't the only major NASA first, as the Boston-born man found himself the subject of the 'most terrifying space photo' ever taken at the time as he made the first untethered 'spacewalk'.

McCandless and fellow astronaut Bob Stewart had strapped themselves into Manned Manoeuvring Units (MMUs) and left the comfort of their ship.

The MMUs allowed them to move around in open space, untethered from the spacecraft at around 28,900 kilometers per hour. This meant McCandless was 'space walking' for almost seven hours.

The iconic image from the Challenger shuttle shows McCandless floating freely above Earth, which is frightening even if you don't suffer from astrophobia.

More than three decades after becoming the first human in history to complete an untethered free flight, McCandless told The Guardian there were been tensions in NASA about the plans.

"My wife was at mission control, and there was quite a bit of apprehension,” he explained.

He also said it didn't feel as scary as it looked, adding: "I wanted to say something similar to Neil [Armstrong] when he landed on the Moon, so I said, 'It may have been a small step for Neil, but it’s a heck of a big leap for me.'

That loosened the tension a bit." McCandless also said while he had been told about the silent vacuum of space, his tranquility was interrupted.

He joked that multiple people on his radio were asking a myriad of questions, which meant things weren't exactly peaceful.

He continued: "My walk lasted six hours 45 minutes, and I stayed alongside the shuttle the whole time, moving 100 yards one way, 100 yards back.

“I was travelling at more than 18,000 miles an hour, but wasn’t aware of it, because the shuttle was going at the same speed.

“It was only when I looked at the Earth that I could tell we were moving fairly rapidly.”

At one point, he careered over the Florida peninsula and said it was 'reassuring' to see something he recognized below.

"It was a wonderful feeling, a mix of personal elation and professional pride: it had taken many years to get to that point.”

After logging more than 312 hours in space, he retired from NASA in 1990 and went on to work for the Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

At the age of 80, McCandless died in 2017 and was buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis.

https://www.unilad.com/technology/space/nasa-photo-astronaut-space-explained-290738-20250212

NASA Sent One Twin to Space While the Other Stayed — Then They Noticed Something Strange

February 15, 2025

Space has existed since ancient times with records of astronomical observations made in several cultures and religious inscriptions, per The Weather Channel.

Physical observations, however, did not occur until 1957 when the Soviet Union launched the Sputnik 1 satellite– the first human-made object to enter the Earth’s orbit, per NASA.

Decades later, that curiosity for interstellar space has only increased.

NASA, the leading space organization globally, found an innovative experiment to depict the impact of space on the human body– by sending a twin to space while the other remained on Earth, per a report on NASA’s Twin Study.

Identical twins Scott and Mark Kelly became the first relatives to be picked as astronaut candidates following their application in 1995.

Owing to a career of multiple spaceflights, the retired astronauts were selected as the subjects of NASA’s landmark Twin Study between 2015 and 2016.

The primary objective of the experiment was to assess the physiological, molecular, and cognitive changes in humans when exposed to the extreme environments of space.

To accomplish the same and collect essential data, Scott was sent to space to the International Space Station (ISS) while his brother Mark stayed back on the ground for a year.

The Kelly twins are the only siblings to have gone into space together yet. In 2019, the results were published in a study published in the NASA report and a summary in the journal Science.

Scott’s body had undergone some interesting changes during the year-long mission, the researchers found.

Within six months on the ISS, fluctuations in Scott’s body mass and gene expression were observed.

His body mass decreased by seven percent mostly because of increased physical activity and his controlled nutrition consuming about 30% fewer calories than anticipated.

His bone breakdown and bone reformation cycle also occurred at a faster rate than before in the initial half of the mission. The researchers were able to gather more information about vision problems faced by astronauts during spaceflight.

Scott showed elevated levels of the protein AQP2, which regulates water reabsorption and is a typical indicator of hydration and dehydration of the body.

Scott’s body endured changes in gene expression but fortunately, most of it reverted back to normal once back on Earth. The consistent radiation exposure in space contributed to DNA damage during the Twins Study program.

While 91.3% of the damage returned to normal after his return, about seven percent of his genes were permanently altered as they persisted beyond six months on the ground.

While in space, Scott’s telomeres, genes linked to life longevity also increased by 14.5 percent but returned to normal once back.

It is worth noting that even Mark experienced some changes in gene expression on Earth but they did not bear any correlation to Scott’s.

The findings helped researchers understand the impact of environmental stressors on gene activity and physiological processes in space.

The Twin Study became a groundbreaking feat as Scott became the first astronaut to be vaccinated in space.

He received three flu vaccines during the year-long mission and researchers were relieved to find that the body reactions turned out to be as anticipated.

The observations from this study will be used to develop new measures and treatments that ensure the safety of astronauts and overcome the challenge of human body limitations in space.

https://www.greenmatters.com/pn/nasa-sent-one-twin-to-space-while-the-other-stayed-then-they-noticed-something-strange

https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/nasas-twins-study-results-published-in-science-journal/

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aau8650

>>22588205

Summary of the 10th DSCOVR EPIC and NISTAR Science Team Meeting

Feb 14, 2025

Introduction

The 10th Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) Earth Polychromatic Camera (EPIC) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Advanced Radiometer [NISTAR] Science Team Meeting (STM) was held October 16–18, 2024.

Over 50 scientists attended, most of whom were from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), with several participating from other NASA centers, U.S. universities, and U.S. Department of Energy laboratories.

There was one international participant – from Estonia. A full overview of DSCOVR’s Earth-observing instruments was published in a previous article in The Earth Observer and will not be repeated here.

This article provides the highlights of the 2024 meeting. The meeting agenda and full presentations can be downloaded from GSFC’s Aura Validation Data Center.

Opening Presentations

The opening session of the 10th DSCOVR STM was special. Former U.S., Vice President Al Gore attended the opening session and gave a presentation at the panel discussion “Remote Sensing and the Future of Earth Observations” – see Photo.

Gore was involved in the early days of planning the DSCOVR mission, which at that time was known as Triana.

He reminisced about his involvement and praised the team for the work they’ve done over the past decade to launch and maintain the DSCOVR mission.

Following the STM Opening Session, Gore spoke at a GSFC Engage session in Building 3 later that afternoon on the same topic, but before a wider audience. [Link forthcoming.]

Following Gore’s remarks, the remainder of the opening session consisted of a series of presentations from DSCOVR mission leaders and representatives from GSFC and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Thomas Neumann [GSFC, Earth Sciences Division (ESD)—Deputy Director] opened the meeting and welcomed Vice President Gore and the STM participants on behalf of the ESD.

Adam Szabo [GSFC—DSCOVR Project Scientist] briefly reported that the spacecraft was still in "good health.” The EPIC and NISTAR instruments on DSCOVR continue to return their full science observations.

He also gave an update on DSCOVR Space Weather research.

Alexander Marshak [GSFC—DSCOVR Deputy Project Scientist] briefly described DSCOVR mission history and the science results based on DSCOVR observations from the first Sun–Earth Lagrange point (hereinafter, the L1 point).

He also summarized the major EPIC and NISTAR results to date. At this time, more than 125 papers related to DSCOVR are listed on the EPIC website.

Elsayed Talaat [NOAA, Office of Space Weather observations—Director] discussed the future of Earth and space science studies from the L1 point.

cont.

https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/earth-science/summary-of-the-10th-dscovr-epic-and-nistar-science-team-meeting/

https://avdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/pub/DSCOVR/Science_Team_Meetings/

NASA Sets Coverage of Firefly’s First Robotic Commercial Moon Landing

Feb 14, 2025

With a suite of NASA science and technology on board, Firefly Aerospace is targeting no earlier than 3:45 a.m. EST on Sunday, March 2, to land the Blue Ghost lunar lander on the Moon.

Blue Ghost is slated to touch down near Mare Crisium, a plain in the northeast quadrant on the near side of the Moon, as part of NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign to establish a long-term lunar presence.

Live coverage of the landing, jointly hosted by NASA and Firefly, will air on NASA+ starting at 2:30 a.m. EST, approximately 75 minutes before touchdown on the Moon’s surface.

Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. The broadcast will also stream on Firefly’s YouTube channel.

Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates as the descent milestones occur.

Accredited media interested in attending the in-person landing event hosted by Firefly in the Austin, Texas, area may request media credentials through this form by Monday, Feb. 24.

Following the landing, NASA and Firefly will host a news conference to discuss the mission and science opportunities that lie ahead as they begin lunar surface operations.

The time of the briefing will be shared after touchdown.

Blue Ghost launched Jan. 15, at 1:11 a.m. EST on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The lander is carrying a suite of 10 NASA scientific investigations and technology demonstrations, which will provide insights into the Moon’s environment and test technologies to support future astronauts landing safely on the lunar surface, as well as Mars.

NASA continues to work with multiple American companies to deliver science and technology to the lunar surface through the agency’s CLPS initiative.

This pool of companies may bid on contracts for end-to-end lunar delivery services, including payload integration and operations, launching from Earth, and landing on the surface of the Moon.

NASA’s CLPS contracts are indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with a cumulative maximum value of $2.6 billion through 2028.

In February 2021, the agency awarded Firefly this delivery of 10 NASA science investigations and technology demonstrations to the Moon using its American-designed and -manufactured lunar lander for approximately $93.3 million (modified to $101.5 million).

Through the Artemis campaign, commercial robotic deliveries will perform science experiments, test technologies, and demonstrate capabilities on and around the Moon to help NASA explore in advance of Artemis Generation astronaut missions to the lunar surface, and ultimately crewed missions to Mars.

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-sets-coverage-of-fireflys-first-robotic-commercial-moon-landing/

https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis/2025/02/14/blue-ghost-remains-on-track-lunar-orbit-insertion-burn-complete/

>>22588252

Mornin'

Hidden by clouds, SpaceX launches record-breaking rocket from Cape Canaveral Saturday

Updated 8:11 a.m. ET Feb 15, 2025

SpaceX launched a record-setting rocket early Saturday, but clouds quickly ruined the view as the rocket vanished within seconds of lifting off.

If you didn't see the light through the clouds, the only proof a rocket had launched was the low rumble heard throughout the Space Coast.

This rocket was flying for the 26th time, as SpaceX continues to push reusability to new records.

SpaceX video showed the rocket as it soared up through the clouds. Its payload: 21 Starlink satellites, 13 which include direct-to-cell capability.

Just over eight minutes later, the first-stage booster landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship, which was waiting in the Atlantic Ocean.

This shattered the record this particular booster set back in January for launches and landings.

As SpaceX continues to push the reusability of its boosters, it remains to be seen just how many refights its Falcon 9 booster can reach.

Previous missions the first-stage powered include: 14 Starlink missions, CRS-22, Crew-3, Turksat 5B, Crew-4, CRS-25, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13G, O3B mPOWER, PSN SATRIA, Telkomsat Marah Putih 2, Galileo L13, and Koreasat-6A.

When is the next SpaceX rocket launch from Florida?

The next SpaceX launch is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. Backup launch opportunities exist that evening until 10 p.m..

The launch will be another batch of Starlink satellites, and will see the first time a SpaceX Falcon 9 lands on a drone ship stationed off the coast of the Bahamas.

https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2025/02/15/spacex-rocket-launch-from-cape-canaveral-florida-falcon-9-booster-sees-new-record-and-clouds/78480023007/

Astronauts push back on Trump claim Biden abandoned them on space station

02/14/25 9:55 PM ET

NASA astronauts pushed back during an interview on President Trump’s claim last month that former President Biden and his administration abandoned them on the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were asked Thursday night on CNN if they feel abandoned, an assertion they refuted.

“We don’t feel abandoned. We don’t feel stuck. We don’t feel stranded. I understand why others may think that.

We come prepared. We come committed,” Wilmore, speaking from the space station, told CNN host Anderson Cooper.

“That is what your human spaceflight program is. It prepares for any and all contingencies that we can conceive of, and we prepare for those,” he added.

“So if you’ll help us change the rhetoric, help us change the narrative, let’s change it to ‘prepared and committed.’ That’s what we prefer.”

The pair took off into space in June last year on Boeing’s Starliner program that throughout the process faced numerous delays with helium leaks and thruster failures.

When the capsule attempted to dock at the station, five of the thrusters malfunctioned.

Boeing said the Starliner was safe to bring back Wilmore and Williams, but NASA decided in August last year that the pair will come back in February this year on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule.

Late last month, tech billionaire Elon Musk, wrote on the social platform X that Trump asked Space X, which Musk owns, to bring back the two astronauts “stranded on the” space station.

“Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long,” Musk wrote.

Hours later, Trump made a similar claim on Truth Social, saying the “brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration.”

“They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station,” Trump wrote on Jan. 28. “Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!”

NASA said in December that Williams and Wilmore’s return with Crew-10 is set for March 12.

https://thehill.com/homenews/space/5147018-astronauts-trump-biden-space-station/

>>22588274

Sent some out to all affected.

>>22588236

And then proceeded to run amok.

>>22588421

David Adair has some fun descriptions of it.

I'd go along to get along if I was up there, but otherwise no thanks.

Space Force leaders visit Japan to strengthen partnership

Feb. 13, 2025

Senior leaders from U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command visited Japan Feb. 9-11, to engage with U.S. Space Force personnel and bolster an alliance with one of the U.S. Space Force’s closest allies, the Japanese Self-Defense Force.

While in Japan, Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr., SpOC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Lloyd, SpOC command senior enlisted leader, met with members of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force’s Space Operations Group, which was activated in 2022, at Fuchu Air Base.

During this engagement, Miller spoke to the continuously growing strength of the partnership between the two organizations.

“I believe what you see from the United States is a recognition that throughout our history, we don’t go it alone when deterring conflict.

We have found willing and abiding partnerships as fundamental to our ability to deter and ultimately, if necessary, defeat threats and deal with any crises that evolves,” Miller said.

“The U.S. and Japan have been allies for decades and are going to continue to build on this strong partnership.

I believe our multilateral partnerships in and across the Indo-Pacific region, and globally, have a stabilizing effect to counterbalance threat activity.”

Miller and Lloyd also met with representatives from U.S. Space Forces Japan which was activated in December 2024 at Yokota Air Base.

U.S. Space Forces Japan plans, integrates and executes Space Force and space security efforts in close coordination with Japanese counterparts. During their meeting, Lloyd commented on the importance of their mission.

“It’s paramount that this organization ensures seamless integration of space capabilities between the Japanese Self-Defense Force and U.S. Space Force,” he said.

“I have no doubt you’ll achieve this by continuing to develop complimentary capabilities together and focusing on building realistic combined training exercises ensuring the highest levels of readiness needed to sustain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The U.S. Space Force and Japanese Space Operations Group both participated in exercise Keen Sword in November 2024. Keen Sword is an annually held bilateral exercise designed by Japan to increase readiness and interoperability.

This edition of Keen Sword was the largest iteration of the exercise since its inception in 1986.

As Miller and Lloyd concluded their visit to Japan with a trip to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Miller discussed the joint statement released after U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 7.

In this meeting, Trump and Shigeru discussed cooperation in the space domain.

“What I heard over the last few days in the commitment from the president and the prime minister is that this relationship is broad and enduring, and that the partnership in many areas is going to be deepened,” Miller said.

“The way we demonstrate our resolve is a shared commitment in both the development of capability, the training and exercising of that capability, and also in the strengthening of the coordination and synchronization of our military forces, as well as our diplomatic, informational, and economic instruments of national power.”

Miller and Lloyd also visited South Korea while in the region, where they discussed trilateral partnership amongst Japan, the U.S., and RoK.

U.S. Space Operations Command is committed to protecting America and its allies in, from, and to space, now and into the future.

https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4067768/space-force-leaders-visit-japan-to-strengthen-partnership/

Drones required to be registered in Cambodia after attack plot foiled

2025-02-15 22:31:00

PHNOM PENH, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) – Cambodia has required users to declare their unmanned aerial vehicles or drones at local police stations after a drone attack plot on the residence of Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen has been foiled.

An Inter-Ministerial Prakas (edict), signed by the ministers of interior, agriculture, and civil aviation on Friday and publicized on Saturday, said the measure aims to manage the use of drones to ensure security, public order, and social safety in the Southeast Asian country.

The drones that can carry a weight of two kilograms or more, must be registered with local police stations, the edict said, adding that the users are required to give details of drone information such as manufacturer, model, serial number, maximum flight speed and load weight.

Drone users must be 18 years old or older, the edict said, adding that drones are allowed to be flown between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. only, and a permit is required for a night flight.

Flying a group of five drones or more is prohibited without permission, the edict said, adding that drones are restricted in some important areas.

Drones are not allowed to fly within a radius of three kilometers of the civil and military airports, the edict said.

"Any individual who manages, occupies and uses drones without complying with the provisions of this Inter-Ministerial Prakas shall be subject to penalties in accordance with applicable laws and regulations," the edict said.

The edict came after Hun Sen, 72, said on Tuesday that security personnel have recently thwarted a plot to launch a drone attack on his residence in southern Kandal province's Ta Khmau City.

Hun Sen released a sound clip showing a secret conversation among a group of alleged extremists, who plotted to pour gasoline from an agricultural drone onto his house and set it alight.

https://english.news.cn/20250215/cda1b0cc79d448b6b170f03c36964a8a/c.html

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hun-Sen

https://www.inforum.com/news/north-dakota/north-dakota-senate-rejects-chinese-drone-replacement-backs-faa-radar-expansion

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1038.html?bill_year=2025&bill_number=1038

North Dakota Senate rejects Chinese drone replacement, backs FAA radar expansion

Feb 15, 2025 8:43 AM

If North Dakota does not develop the security infrastructure necessary for an FAA radar data enclave in a timely fashion, the FAA will invest in other test sites, Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, said.

The North Dakota Senate on Friday, Feb. 14, rejected a proposal to replace Chinese-made drones used by state agencies, instead approving funding to expand a drone-tracking radar system.

The Senate split House Bill 1038 on Friday, voting 29-15 to reject a $15 million plan to replace drones used by North Dakota agencies if they were made in countries deemed adversarial by the U.S. government.

Supporters of the bill are concerned the Chinese drones send any data they collect through Chinese servers, making it accessible to the Chinese government.

Lawmakers instead voted 40-4 to approve $11 million to develop an FAA radar data enclave and engage in a first-of-its-kind one-year pathfinder program where the FAA would share radar data with the state to support the expansion of the Vantis system over most of the state.

The Vantis system, simply put, is a radar system that tracks and identifies drones and allows them to operate beyond the line of sight of pilots.

It is the result of a collaboration between the state, aerospace company Thales, and the Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test Site.

The system does not allow drones manufactured in China to operate on its network.

Northern Plains UAS Test Site Deputy Executive Director Erin Roesler said the system covers 3,000 square miles and with the FAA data would cover 56,000 square miles— an expansion that would cost the state $255 million to develop without the FAA’s assistance.

The hope, according to those in support of the bill, is that Vantis with the FAA’s data would become the guideline for a national drone infrastructure system.

The bill was expedited and was one of the first House bills to be voted on in the Senate.

It was time-sensitive because if North Dakota does not develop the security infrastructure necessary for an FAA radar data enclave in a timely fashion, the FAA will invest in other test sites in the country, according to the bill’s primary sponsor Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck.

“I'm extremely happy that the FAA data piece passed, because that was, quite frankly, the most important piece in the bill,” Nathe said.

He said the Senate’s decision to vote down the drone replacement portion of the bill, however, was “extremely disappointing.”

1/2

>>22588534

Nathe said he found it “interesting” that Sen. Kyle Davison, R-Fargo, read “word for word” from the comments submitted by Chinese drone manufacturer Da-Jiang Innovations, more commonly referred to as DJI, on the Senate floor.

“The governor supports this bill. The House overwhelmingly supports this bill, and more importantly, the people of North Dakota support this bill, but yet they (the Senate) listen to a Chinese manufacturer and chose to side with them," Nathe told The Bismarck Tribune.

“I find it interesting that they killed this part of the bill because now we have this wonderful Vantis system that everybody in the country wants, and the North Dakota agencies cannot use it because they have Chinese drones.

It's mind-blowing. People around here in the House are quite, quite surprised.”

Nathe said he had spoken with Davison, who proposed splitting the bill on the Senate floor, earlier in the week and the senator was in support of the program. So he was surprised to learn this afternoon the senator was against it.

Davison said he chose to split the bill and advocate for not passing the “confusing buy-back program” of Chinese-made drones because there are only so many dollars available and U.S. drones are twice as expensive and have less functionality than their Chinese counterparts.

“We are here to choose how we spend that (budgeted) money and the investments we make in our state,” Davison said.

“With this $15 million dollars I would rather invest in rural roads, I would rather invest in housing, I would rather invest in property tax reduction.”

He said most of the agencies like their drones and may not want to trade them in, and questioned the point of the replacement program when “our cellphones and computers all have parts manufactured in China.”

Other senators questioned the point of the bill when there are “thousands” of DJI drones in the hobby market that fly over the state that are not regulated by this proposed legislation and the Chinese government has spy satellites that can acquire the same information a drone can.

Davison supported the section of the bill that would appropriate money to develop an FAA radar data enclave and said supporters of the drone replacement program can ask for money in the Commerce budget to replace Chinese drones, it does not need to be introduced in a bill.

Nathe said “this is far from over” and that he has plans for next steps but does not wish to speak on them yet.

2/2

Flights restricted at seven Russian airports due to drone attacks

12:37, 15 February 2025

Flights have been restricted at seven airports in Russia, Russian media outlet RBC reports.

Starting from February 15, flights have been restricted at the airports of Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Grozny, Kaluga, Saratov, and Ulyanovsk, which are temporarily not receiving or dispatching aircraft.

According to RBC, these measures were introduced in response to drone attacks. The media outlet reports that 40 drones were destroyed over the Russian Federation last night.

https://24.kg/english/320055_Flights_restricted_at_seven_Russian_airports_due_to_drone_attacks/

Lebanon official media report Israeli drone strike in south

February 15, 2025 16:48

BEIRUT: Lebanese official media said an Israeli drone struck the country’s south on Saturday, without reporting casualties, days before a deadline in a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

“An Israeli enemy drone carried out a strike” targeting the outskirts of the town of Ainata, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) said, adding that “nobody was hurt” and that “drones and surveillance aircraft are still flying over the area at low altitude.”

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590328/middle-east

First-ever Coca Cola® Drone Show in Hong Kong 600 Drones Present 12 Scenes of Mesmerizing Memories with Coca-Cola over Victoria Harbour

15-02- 2025 07:59 AM

This year’s Coca‑Cola® Chinese New Year Campaign Grand Finale – “Meet on 2.14: Together, Share Your Heartfelt Wishes with Coca-Cola” – completed on a high note tonight at Ocean Terminal Deck, Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui, transforming the night sky over Victoria Harbour into a vibrant stage overhead.

At the event, 600 drones presented a mesmerizing 12‑scene light show, while the ever‑charming Louis Cheung Kai Chung delivered a warm and heartfelt narration on stage – guiding the audience through cherished moments of gathering with family, friends, and colleagues for a sweet, unforgettable Valentine’s evening.

The time limited check-in spots and photo zones at Ocean Terminal Deck will remain open throughout Valentine’s weekend, inviting locals and visitors alike to come together with their loved ones!

Hong Kong’s First 600-Drone Sea Launch Performance

Chinese New Year is a time for reuniting with family and loved ones.

This season, Coca‑Cola® has launched a series of events which began with the time limited festive edition packaging featuring a dazzling fireworks design signifying heartfelt New Year wishes.

This was followed by a lucky draw where winners got together on the second day of the Chinese New Year to indulge in traditional “poon choi” while immersed in a fireworks performance on a vessel.

The grand finale, “Meet on 2.14: Together, Share Your Heartfelt Wishes with Coca-Cola”, not only marked the first-ever Coca‑Cola® drone show in Hong Kong but also set a new milestone as the city’s first drone performance featuring 600 drones launched from a barge on the water.

2 Acts of Drone Light Art, Guided by Louis Cheung

The drone performance was kicked off by distinguished guests including Sally Cheng Wai Lee, Senior Frontline Marketing Director – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau & Mongolia, Coca-Cola China Limited, Lily Chu Wai Shan, Sales & Marketing Director, Swire Coca-Cola Hong Kong Limited, Kitman Tang, Executive Director - Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co. ltd and Louis Cheung.

Dazzling fireworks illuminated the night sky, heralding the start of the show.

The drones then formed the iconic Coca‑Cola® bottle, perfectly simulating the effect of a refreshing drink being poured into a glass.

They seamlessly transitioned into a series of images – depicting famous local meal moments including fish balls, siu mai, hotpot gatherings, and celebratory toasts – that rekindled fond memories of joyful reunions shared over Coca‑Cola® with family and friends.

With his signature warm and engaging tone, Louis Cheung narrated live on stage, remarking, “Truly, when a family gathers around for a hearty meal and shares Coca‑Cola®, it becomes the most heartwarming and joyous moment.”

The 600 drones then transformed into a globe and a vivid red “福” (blessing) character, symbolizing the heartfelt wishes being sent to everyone near and far.

Finally, the drones converged to form the fireworks pattern featured on the time limited Coca-Cola Chinese New Year packaging accompanied by the Chinese slogan “Blooming Blessings, Together Always（綻放祝褔 年一在起）” and the iconic Coca‑Cola® logo.

As Louis Cheung put it, “Coca‑Cola® has been with us through countless times of togetherness.

Whether it’s those jubilant occasions that call for a celebratory toast or the simple, everyday moments of joy, Coca‑Cola® makes each moment even more delightful!”

https://thesun.my/business-news/media-outreach/first-ever-coca-cola-drone-show-in-hong-kong-600-drones-present-12-scenes-of-mesmerizing-memories-with-coca-cola-over-victoria-harbour-featuring-a-HM13681053

>>22588631

#2

Pentagon expands list of commercial drones certified for military use

Feb 14, 2025, 02:15 PM

The Defense Innovation Unit announced Friday it has selected 37 systems and components to add to its list of commercial drone capabilities certified for military use, pending final approvals to ensure they meet congressionally mandated cybersecurity and supply chain standards.

DIU in November staged a three-day flight demonstration at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms in California.

Following the event, the department selected 23 systems as well as 14 unique drone components, which are now in the midst of a months-long cybersecurity verification process.

Once completed, the approved drones will be added to DIU’s Blue Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, List and the components to its Blue UAS Framework, making them available for the military services to buy.

“Advocacy for many of these new and enabling technologies continues to be critical for getting capabilities to the warfighter,” DIU said in a statement.

“With the cycle for development of new capabilities in this space approaching three months, and current DOD timelines and processes for drone delivery lagging warfighter needs by multiple years, providing warfighters access to capabilities they need now through the Blue List and Framework is even more important.”

Small commercial drones have featured heavily in recent military conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East.

As the market for these capabilities has grown, particularly in China, the U.S. government has been increasingly concerned about the security of the technology and the possibility that data collected by these systems could be shared with adversaries.

That concern led to a series of congressional mandates blocking the Pentagon from buying or using certain drone components made by Chinese companies.

Units wanting access to commercial drones had to go through an intensive exemption process to get a waiver that lasted only six months before needing to be resubmitted.

DIU established Blue UAS in 2020 to create another avenue for validation. Since then, the organization has on-ramped 15 systems.

It also created an inventory of approved components and software through its Blue UAS Framework.

Although the Blue effort has essentially become the government standard for commercial drone procurement, DIU has heard from companies and DOD users that the process was not meeting their needs.

Military units said the list wasn’t providing the types of systems the military most urgently needs. Meanwhile, drone firms said there were too many financial and procedural hoops to jump through to get on it.

To address those concerns, DIU opted to refresh the Blue UAS List and build out the Blue UAS Framework effort.

In response, firms from the U.S. and 18 partner countries applied to participate in last fall’s demonstrations.

The drones selected through that event are: Hoverfly Spectre, Neros Archer, ModalAI Stalker, Zone 5 Paladin, Teledyne FLIR Black Hornet, Parrot Anafi UKR, Skyfront Perimeter 8, Mountain Horse Solutions Rotron DT-300, Vantage Robotics Trace, Easy Aerial Sparrow, Shield AI V-BAT, Edge Autonomy VXE-30 Stalker, Skyfall Vampire, Quantum Systems Vector, AeroVironment Dragon, Zepher Flight Z1, Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000, Teal Black Widow, Freefly Systems Astro, Skydio X10D, Flightwave Edge 130, PDW C100 and Anduril Ghost/GhostX.

Notably, the list includes one system from a Ukrainian company, Parrot’s Anafi drone. It also features several first-person-view drones, which can wirelessly transmit video feeds to displays like goggles or headsets.

The addition of FPV systems and tethered platforms came in direct response to feedback from military users, DIU said.

https://www.defensenews.com/unmanned/2025/02/14/pentagon-expands-list-of-commercial-drones-certified-for-military-use/