TYB
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
March 31, 2025
Parker: The Solar System from Near the Sun
If you watch long enough, a comet will appear. Before then, you will see our Solar System from inside the orbit of Mercury as recorded by NASA's Parker Solar Probe looping around the Sun. The video captures coronal streamers into the solar wind, a small Coronal Mass Ejection, and planets including, in order of appearance, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. Between the emergence of Earth and Mars, Comet Tempel 1 appears with a distinctive tail. The continuous fleeting streaks are high energy particles from the Sun impacting Parker's sideways looking camera. The featured time-lapse video was taken last year during Encounter 21, Parker's 21st close approach to the Sun. Studying data and images from Parker are delivering a better understanding of the dynamic Sun's effects on Earth's space weather as well as humanity's power grids, spacecraft, and space-faring astronauts.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW1yQt3K_YY
Crew-9 Post-Flight News Conference
March 31, 2025 2:30 pm EDT
After completing a long-duration science mission aboard the International Space Station, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts will discuss their expedition during a postflight news conference at 2:30 p.m. EDT Monday, March 31, from the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/crew-9-post-flight-news-conference/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm6S_DD3F04
https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/4139480/department-of-defense-completes-underway-recovery-test-12-with-nasa/
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/URT12
Department of Defense Completes Underway Recovery Test 12 with NASA
31 March 2025
SAN DIEGO — NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Landing and Recovery team and the Department of Defense successfully completed the third recovery test for the crewed Artemis II mission aboard amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) off the coast of San Diego, March 31.
The primary objectives for Underway Recovery Test 12 were to demonstrate and evaluate the processes, procedures, and hardware for recovery operations for the crewed Artemis II mission around the moon.
“The U.S. Navy and NASA have a long history of partnering together to support the recovery of astronauts and equipment used for space exploration and research,” said Capt. Andrew Koy, commanding officer, USS Somerset.
“The inherent capabilities of our amphibious transport dock ships are the perfect combination to ensuring the Artemis capsule and crew are safely recovered following their mission.
The well deck, flight deck, medical facilities, and immense cargo carrying capacity crewed by highlight trained and proficient Sailors, continues the NASA and Department of Defense legacy.”
Underway Recovery Test 12 allowed NASA and the Department of Defense to practice operational procedures for Artemis II, including timing of crew extraction from the capsule to the ship’s medical bay and day-and-night recovery procedures to support certification of personnel and processes for Artemis II mission.
Artemis II astronaut U.S. Navy Capt. Victor Glover embarked the ship for Underway Recovery Test 12.
“This puts my two loves together, space and the navy. I am really in my happy place here,” said Glover.
“The partnership between NASA and the U.S. Navy is a testament to a fostered symbiotic relationship built on trust, where our needs are met by their unparalleled expertise and resources.
Together, we’re not just working side by side; we’re one team! As we prepare to send the next group of explorers around the Moon and beyond, we’re pushing the boundaries of human achievement, all thanks to the strength of this incredible partnership.”
Working in support of U.S. Space Command, additional U.S. Navy units included Expeditionary Strike Group 3, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, and Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, with support from U.S. Air Force’s First Air Force, Detachment 3, and U.S. Space Force’s 45th Space Launch Delta Weather Squadron.
After the 2022 successful recovery of the Orion spacecraft from the Artemis I mission using amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), and with the addition of crew for the Artemis II mission, the recovery teams modified their timelines and procedures to ensure the astronauts will be safely on the recovery ship within two hours after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
After a 10-day mission, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen will reenter Earth’s atmosphere at 25,000 mph, landing approximately 60 miles off the coast of California, where one of the U.S. Navy’s amphibious transport dock ships will recover the capsule and crew with NASA and DoD personnel.
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Once the crew splashes down, a group of Navy divers will approach Orion and ensure it is safe for the astronauts to exit the spacecraft.
The divers will then open the spacecraft hatch and help the astronauts exit one by one onto an inflatable “front porch.”
This raft wraps around the capsule and allows for the crew to be picked up via helicopter and flown back to the recovery ship.
Once the astronauts are on board the recovery ship, teams will secure Orion with a series of lines and tow it into the ship’s well-deck, just as they did during the Artemis I mission.
During the test, the team practiced the Artemis II recovery procedures, including releasing and recovering the crew module test article, a full-scale mock-up of Orion.
“As Navy Divers, we are proud members of the URT-12 team and look forward to a successful mission,” said Master Chief Navy Diver Ryan Crider, who leads the team of divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 assigned to Underway Recovery Test 12.
“We are the Navy’s experts in mobile salvage and towing, so the unique task of recovering and transporting a space capsule from the ocean to a well deck is the perfect opportunity to put our skills to the test.”
The recovery team will capture lessons learned and apply them to future underway tests to make sure they are ready to recover the Artemis II crew and bring them home safely.
“Since 1959, First Air Force, Detachment 3 has collaborated with NASA and the US Navy, a partnership that has led to our critical role in preparing for Artemis,” said Lt. Col. Mahan, First Air Force, Detachment 3 Artemis Program director.
“With US Space Command, backed by the U.S. Navy, spearheading DoD human spaceflight support, and Air Forces Space serving as deputy, URT-12 has built a cohesive team committed to mission success.
This landmark joint effort is undoubtedly the pinnacle of our year!”
As the Department of Defense’s Human Space Flight Support manager, U.S. Space Command is responsible for the terrestrial rescue and recovery of NASA-sponsored astronauts and spacecraft for the Artemis program.
Expeditionary Strike Group 3 comprises three amphibious squadrons, 15 amphibious warships, and eight naval support elements including approximately 18,000 active-duty and reserve Sailors and Marines.
As the deputy commander for amphibious and littoral warfare, U.S. 3rd Fleet, the Expeditionary Strike Group 3 commander also oversees the 17 littoral combat ships under Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1.
Expeditionary Strike Group 3 is postured in support of U.S. 3rd Fleet as a globally responsive and scalable naval command element, capable of generating, deploying, and employing naval forces and formations for crisis and contingency response, forward presence, and major combat operations focusing on amphibious operations, humanitarian and disaster relief and support to defense civil authorities, and expeditionary logistics.
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https://www.foxnews.com/media/nasa-astronauts-butch-wilmore-suni-williams-give-first-interview-since-return-earth-fox-news-exclusive
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams give first interview since return to Earth in Fox News exclusive
March 31, 2025 10:31am EDT
After spending nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), veteran astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are finally back on Earth – and they opened up about their mission for the first time in an exclusive Fox News interview that aired Monday.
Sitting down with "America's Newsroom" co-anchor Bill Hemmer at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, the duo reflected on their time in orbit, their reactions to learning they'd be staying longer than planned, the future of space exploration and what it means to serve their country in space.
"My first thought was we've just got to pivot," Williams said, recalling the moment the duo learned their return would be delayed.
"If our spacecraft was going to go home based on decisions made here, and we were going to be up there 'til February, I was like, 'Let's make the best of it.'"
A little "excited" about the prospect of spending months in orbit, Williams enthused about her love for living in space – witnessing "scientific experiments" unfolding around them and seeing the changes made to the International Space Station since her last visit.
"I'm honored to be a little part of it," she added.
For Wilmore, his reaction focused on reminding himself that the mission was not about him or his feelings. "It's about what this human spaceflight program is about. It's our national goals," he told Hemmer.
"And I have to wrap… my mind around, what does our nation need out of me right now? That's going back to when we're in the fleet, and we're operating from the pointy end of the spear… We're an instrument of our nation, of our national goals.
Did I think about not being there for my daughter's high school year? Of course. But… we've trained them to be resilient, my daughters and my family."
Wilmore continued, sharing that his family is forced to develop some resilience, an understanding that there's no "given" when it comes to "test flights."
"We don't know what's going to happen," he continued. "We might not be back in eight days or whatever the plan was. Focus on that, focus on the mission.
Certainly [we] deal with the personal side of it, but I can't let that interfere with what I'm called to do at the moment."
Wilmore and Williams spent over 280 days in space after their eight-day mission, which began last June, was derailed when their Boeing Starliner spacecraft encountered technical issues.
NASA decided it was unsafe to send the astronauts back on the spacecraft, and it returned to Earth unmanned in September.
The duo told Hemmer they didn't blame Boeing for the hiccup, with Wilmore calling spaceflight "hard."
"This is new technology that we're dealing with, so when you put all that together, it's tough," he said.
Williams, similarly, said she wouldn't characterize the spacecraft's issues as Boeing "failing" them.
Wilmore disputed the narrative that he and Williams were "stranded" and "stuck," telling Hemmer that everyone, including himself, was culpable to some extent.
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"'They' failed you. Who? Who’s ‘they’?" he asked. "There are many questions that, as the commander of CFT, I didn't ask, so I'm culpable… I'll admit that to the nation.
There's things that I did not ask that I should have asked. I didn't know at the time that I needed to ask them, but, in hindsight… some of the signals were there.
Is Boeing to blame? Are they culpable? Sure. Is NASA to blame? Are they culpable? Sure. Everybody has a piece in this… There were some shortcomings in tests and shortcomings in preparations that we did not foresee."
Wilmore added that he doesn't "want to point fingers" and instead wants to "look forward" and learn from past mistakes.
A rescue mission, conducted by NASA and SpaceX earlier this month, helped bring the astronauts home on March 18. The mission thrust SpaceX – and CEO Elon Musk – even further into the spotlight.
Hemmer asked Wilmore and Williams what they would like to say to Musk and President Donald Trump, who frequently called out the Biden administration for allegedly not acting with urgency to bring them home sooner.
"I respect you, I trust you. You’ve given me no reason not to trust you, either one of them…" Wilmore replied.
"I am grateful that our national leaders actually are coming in and taking part in our human spaceflight program, which we see is hugely important global significance, and they take an active role.
Based on the past and what we see now, with them doing that… it's not just refreshing, it's empowering. It's strengthening, for our nation.
I think it's a good thing for our nation when the national leaders, especially something that's high visibility, are involved in the process. I'm grateful for that."
Williams echoed that sentiment, saying she is glad to see them "involved" and "taking notice." She added that their nine-month orbit allowed a lot of people, including Musk and Trump, to see what is happening at the ISS and "take it very seriously."
"[It allows them to] understand that our involvement as a country, as a spacefaring nation, is really important throughout the world.
It sets an example, and it shows our ability to be able to do the hard things, put people in space, operate in space, work in space, and then bring us back.
It's important, and I appreciate that," she added.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts, including Wilmore and Williams, are slated to discuss their expedition during a postflight news conference at 2:30 p.m. EDT Monday, March 31, from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
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NASA admits it ― Einstein’s faster-than-light engine could be closer than expected
March 31, 2025
NASA made a groundbreaking admission about faster-than-light engine theories, which Einsteinian theories support by revealing that the technology might be nearer to practical application than scientists initially believed.
It will transform long-distance industries by making interstellar communication instant and creating totally new physical and engineering sciences that redefine human destiny.
The scientific community and other fields have shown tremendous excitement after this admission.
The paper investigates recent progress in warp drive engineering, its scientific basis, and its possible effects on space exploration.
Real-life tests of warp drive technology have become more probable since Einstein developed his scientific theories.
Since ancient science fiction authors, warp drives have remained the subject of numerous futuristic visions.
New scientific advancements have demonstrated that warp drive concepts are not nearly as impossible to develop as previous theories indicated.
Researchers have established the warp drive theory based on Einstein’s theory of general relativity because it allows for modifying spacetime properties.
The laws of physics remain unchallenged when spacecraft manipulate spacetime through specific equations proposed by Einstein, thus enabling superluminal speeds by warping the surrounding space.
A spacecraft employing the Alcubierre drive relies on negative energy encased in a bubble, which squeezes space in its front section and stretches space in its back section.
NASA researchers continue their studies because experts believe warp drives could become achievable
NASA is a leading organization investigating the potential of warp drive space travel. Warp drive technology can reshape human perceptions of time and distance between locations.
Recent positive energy field research at The Brighter Side proves that accurate warp drives may become feasible. NASA researches how exotic matter and energy would provide the fundamental conditions to produce a warp bubble.
Negative energy is a crucial obstacle to warp drive development because nature does not provide this substance.
Studies demonstrate that arranging positive energy in specific ways can produce results equivalent to those harmful to energy applications.
Discoveries about warp drive technology have sparked intensified research projects and experimentation.
If NASA succeeds, interstellar travel may happen in our lifetime.
Warp drive technology exists in a highly advanced state of theoretical physics involving complex scientific principles.
Through this process, a spacecraft achieves superluminal speed by manipulating spacetime even though it does not physically move beyond the speed of light.
A warp bubble is generated through warp drive to create spacetime distortions surrounding spacecraft structures.
According to Space.com, creating a warp bubble demands the adjustment of energy densities that specialists believe exotic matter or sophisticated energy structures could provide.
A spacecraft could cover immense distances with buoyant energy-based stable warp bubbles that outperform traditional propulsion methods for time travel.
A verified warp drive technology will achieve interstellar space travel alongside significant effects on human progress.
The establishment of warp drive technology has enormous effects on space travel capabilities. The practical achievement of a warp drive would lead to a transformative effect on space exploration since it would enable interstellar travel.
Warp drive technology would create chances for scientific discovery, enabling colonizing efforts and investigating extraterrestrial life.
According to The Brighter Side, warp drive development will cut down the duration of space travel, enabling human beings to reach distant stellar systems within their lifetime.
This discovery will revolutionize our perspective of space and resurface our position in the universe. The technology to achieve superluminal travel affects both technological and social progress.
Scientific interest and enthusiasm now surged because NASA revealed that the space engine described by Einstein might become achievable sooner than previously thought.
Scientists now take the possibility of warp drive seriously because researchers are exploring its practical potential, formerly limited to science fiction.
The advancement of exotic matter and positive energy research brings humanity nearer to realizing this groundbreaking technology.
https://www.coachesdatabase.com/nasa-einstein-faster-than-light-warp-drive/
The grinder is no place for a human
NASA Took Mice Into Space, And It Did Something Scary to Their Bones
31 March 2025
Floating about in microgravity might seem like a blissful reprieve for the human body's weight-bearing skeleton, but when astronauts spend months in space, their bone density takes a serious hit that they may never fully recover from.
A study of mice on board the International Space Station gives NASA scientists a better clue as to why this significant and unresolved health risk exists.
As it turns out, the bone losses may not have to do with space radiation, a lack of sunlight, or a similar, systemic factor. After mice spent 37 days in orbit, some parts of their skeletons showed more damage than others.
Compared to 'ground control' mice who were not shuttled off our planet, the hindlimb femurs of mice in space were riddled with large holes, especially at their ends where they join the hip and knee joint.
By contrast, the lumbar part of mice spines remained remarkably intact. "A specific focus of our study is the femur because of its major weight-bearing role in the mouse," explain researchers from NASA and the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science.
In two-legged humans, the lumbar spine mostly carries the weight of the upper body, but in four-legged rodents, the horizontal structure does not serve the same weight-bearing role.
This suggests that mammal bones bearing weight on Earth are the ones most impacted by microgravity in orbit.
Perhaps it's like the 'use it or lose it' concept in neuroscience. If weight-bearing bones aren't getting 'worked out' like usual, they may begin to deteriorate.
When mice on Earth were kept in cages that limit movement, they showed losses of density in weight-bearing bones but to a smaller extent than microgravity mice.
To account for the stress of the rocket launch, the ground control mice were also exposed to simulations of flight.
"If space radiation in low Earth orbit or other systemic factors were the primary effectors of bone loss during spaceflight, we would expect systemic changes to the skeletal system," explain the researchers.
If the loss was caused by ionizing radiation, for instance, researchers would expect to see the dense outer bits of bone somewhat shielding the inner marrow cavity. But that doesn't appear to be the case. The deterioration occurs inside out in mice.
The femoral neck, for instance, has a substantial outer covering of bone, and yet it shows a significant loss of inner, spongy bone marrow when exposed to microgravity for 37 days.
After this much time in low Earth orbit, the authors of the study, led by bioengineer Rukmani Cahill, say mice on board the ISS were exposed to only a small daily dose of radiation.
In simulated studies showing radiation can trigger bone loss, the dosage is much, much higher, equivalent to about 13 years of living on board the ISS.
In less than half a year in low orbit, however, astronauts can experience decades' worth of bone loss, that they may never fully recover.
Each month, on average, human space travelers lose 1 percent or more of their bone density, about 10 times the rate of osteoporosis on Earth. This decline greatly increases the risk of fractures in long bones like the femur.
Unlike human astronauts, the mice tested in the current study were young and in the late stages of skeletal maturation.
In microgravity, their femurs, which should have kept growing for a while, showed signs of premature ossification, turning cartilage to bone earlier than typical. This could possibly limit bone growth, stunting development.
These cautionary results come from NASA's longest-duration spaceflight rodent study to date.
The space agency says it is the first of many experiments that will explore how to protect the health of astronauts during space travel.
If their hypothesis on bone density is right, it suggests that tactics like diet may not improve an astronaut's bone health.
Treadmills with harnesses that hold a user to the ground or devices that mimic weight lifting in space could prove more effective.
https://www.sciencealert.com/nasa-took-mice-into-space-and-it-did-something-scary-to-their-bones
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0317307
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUgBiEgF138
Come celebrate with us ESA’s 50th anniversary! Apply to the Space Policy in Action training course
31/03/2025
The launch of the Soviet satellite Sputnik in 1957, followed by the United States' Apollo missions, culminating in the historic Moon landing in 1969, marked the dawn of the space age.
Meantime in Europe, in 1964, two organisations were established to ensure Europe’s role as a strong joint player in the emerging sector: the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) and the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO).
ESRO was responsible for developing scientific satellites and conducting space research, while ELDO focused on creating launch vehicles to propel these satellites into orbit.
These organisations laid the groundwork for Europe's collaborative approach to space exploration and utilisation, which ultimately led to the formation of the European Space Agency (ESA) in 1975.
Since its creation, ESA has achieved remarkable milestones.
Notable missions such as the Rosetta mission, which successfully landed a probe on a comet, and Gaia, which aimed to create the largest and most precise 3D map of the Milky Way, have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also inspired generations.
ESA covers the whole spectrum of space activities, from launchers via scientific and exploration missions to all space applications and technology developments. It is today a model for regional integration of space activities and policies.
The profound impact ESA’s contributions have had on society and the economy, and will still have, underline the importance of having a solid understanding of the complexities of navigating space activities and ensuring the responsible exploration and utilisation of space resources.
This five-day course aims to provide comprehensive insights into ESA’s history, from its foundations with ESRO and ELDO to its current role in space exploration, education, and international cooperation.
Participants will explore key topics such as the evolution of European space policy, the legal implications of space exploration, the importance of ESA's role in public communication, and the future challenges and opportunities for space.
The course will also feature a mock ministerial exercise, giving participants a hands-on understanding of space policy discussions at the highest levels.
cont.
https://www.esa.int/Education/ESA_Academy/Come_celebrate_with_us_ESA_s_50th_anniversary!_Apply_to_the_Space_Policy_in_Action_training_course
https://educationforms.esa.int/tlp/60655-2/
Nelson concerned about NASA layoffs and other changes
March 31, 2025
Former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson says he is concerned about some of the recent changes at the agency, such as the firing of its chief scientist.
Speaking on a panel March 29 as part of the Kennedy Center’s “Earth to Space” festival here, Nelson expressed his concerns that the agency’s work on Earth science might be affected by policy changes by the new administration.
“I have to say that the first person that was fired at NASA” in a round of layoffs announced March 10, he said, “was the chief scientist and chief climate officer, and so I think we need to be concerned about that.”
NASA said it was closing the Office of the Chief Scientist as well as its Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Branch of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, affecting 23 employees.
That included Kate Calvin, a climate scientist who has been NASA’s chief scientist since 2022.
Many scientists are concerned that the agency’s Earth science programs could be targeted for major cuts in the upcoming fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, which by some reports could slash NASA’s overall science programs by as much as 50%.
Nelson, on the panel, emphasized his belief in the importance of Earth science at NASA.
“Is it important to us that we know so that we can be better stewards of what we have on this extraordinary planet?” Nelson asked. “I think this is where politics starts to get in the way.”
In an interview after the panel, Nelson noted that despite the concerns about the agency’s Earth science work, NASA has so far been spared sharper cuts, like widespread layoffs of “probationary” civil servants, seen elsewhere in the government.
“Now I take the long view,” he said. “I think compared to other agencies, NASA is not getting it nearly as bad.”
He praised Janet Petro, NASA’s acting administrator, for efforts to stave off bigger cuts and other changes.
“I do understand that Janet is trying to hold them off on some things,” he said, allowing NASA to move ahead with the Artemis 2 mission scheduled for launch in about a year.
He added, though, that some people still at the agency he talked with recently are concerned and “fearful” of potential future changes, like a future round of layoffs.
Nelson, though, did note concerns about “political interference,” citing comments made by NASA’s current press secretary, Bethany Stevens, in a recent Fox News interview. In that interview, Stevens, a political appointee, discussed the return of the Crew-9 mission that brought back Starliner astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who had been on the station since June.
“This is a huge win for the Trump administration, and it would not have happened without President Trump’s intervention,” she claimed.
However, the decision to return Williams and Wilmore on the Crew-9 mission was made by NASA in August 2024, before Donald Trump won election to a second term.
“Of course, none of that is the case,” Nelson said of those comments in the interview. “I had the responsibility of making the final decision. It was an easy decision because NASA was entirely unanimous.”
Nelson also said he was unaware of any proposal that Elon Musk made to bring Williams and Wilmore back earlier.
The SpaceX chief executive, also a closer adviser to President Trump, has stated several times that he proposed to the Biden administration an earlier return for the two astronauts only to be rejected.
Musk, though, has not provided any details about that proposal or who in the White House rejected it.
“The White House, if they had been contacted, they would have contacted me,” Nelson said. “None of that occurred.”
https://spacenews.com/nelson-concerned-about-nasa-layoffs-and-other-changes/
SpaceX FRAM2 Mission
March 31 at 9:46 p.m. ET
SpaceX is targeting Monday, March 31 at 9:46 p.m. ET for Falcon 9’s launch of Fram2 to a polar orbit from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
There are three additional launch opportunities within the approximate 4.5-hour window: 11:20 p.m. ET followed by 12:53 a.m. and 2:26 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1.
If needed, backup opportunities are available on Tuesday, April 1 starting at the same time.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about one hour prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
The Dragon spacecraft supporting this mission previously flew Crew-1 to and from the International Space Station, Inspiration4, the first all-civilian mission to orbit, and Polaris Dawn, the first commercial mission to conduct an extravehicular activity from Dragon.
This will be the sixth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-9, RRT-1, Firefly Blue Ghost Mission 1, and two Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
During their multi-day mission, Dragon and the crew will explore Earth from a polar orbit and fly over Earth’s polar regions for the first time.
They will also conduct 22 research studies designed to help advance humanity’s capabilities for long-duration space exploration and understanding of human health in space.
Throughout Fram2’s time on-orbit, the crew are planning to take the first x-ray in space, perform exercise studies to maintain muscle and skeletal mass, and grow mushrooms in microgravity.
Additionally, after safely returning to Earth, the crew plans to exit from the Dragon spacecraft without additional medical and operational assistance, helping researchers characterize the ability of astronauts to perform unassisted functional tasks after short and long durations in space.
THE CREW
This will be the first human spaceflight for Mission Commander Chun Wang, Vehicle Commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, Vehicle Pilot Rabea Rogge, and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Eric Philips.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=fram2
https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2025/03/31/spacex-fram2-crew-will-launch-to-polar-orbit-tonight-from-kennedy-space-center-florida/82687512007/
Sierra Space Demonstrates Resilient GPS Satellite Technology for National Security-Focused U.S. Space Force Satellite Program
Mar 31, 2025 6:00am
Sierra Space, a leading commercial space company and defense tech prime that is Building a Platform in Space to Benefit Life on Earth® and protect economic freedom in the Orbital Age®, announced today a successful demonstration of the company’s Resilient GPS (R-GPS) technology for the U.S. Space Force (USSF).
This major accomplishment, generating all GPS navigation signals required for the R-GPS mission, was achieved in collaboration with General Dynamics Mission Systems.
This technology targets the increased need for more resilient GPS systems that protect the United States against adversarial threats like jamming and spoofing of the current GPS infrastructure.
On March 31, 2025, Sierra Space announced a successful demonstration of the company’s Resilient GPS (R-GPS) technology for the U.S. Space Force. (Graphic: Sierra Space)
GPS technology plays a crucial role in daily life, supporting everything from civilian services such as smartphone map applications to vital military and defense uses.
However, as adversarial threats become more advanced, there is an increasing need for more resilient GPS infrastructure.
To address this, the USSF’s Quick Start program is developing concepts for integrating a layer of smaller and more affordable satellites into the existing GPS framework.
This R-GPS layer of smaller GPS satellites would be capable of rapid fielding to counter evolving threats. Sierra Space’s expertise in small satellite technology provides a competitive edge in achieving this goal.
“This successful demonstration is a testament to the innovative capabilities of Sierra Space and General Dynamics,” saidErik Daehler, Vice President of Sierra Space Defense.
“This milestone not only underscores our commitment to advancing GPS technology, but positions Sierra Space to be optioned for Phase One, the next step of the U.S. Space Force’s Quick Start program.”
In September 2024 Sierra Space announced a “Quick Start” R-GPS contract awarded by the USSF Space Systems Command (SSC) to develop design concepts for smaller, more affordable GPS satellites.
Later In 2024, Sierra Space successfully passed an internal Systems Requirements Review.
Now, a few short months after the program began, Sierra Space has passed this even larger milestone, providing a positive demonstration of the R-GPS program's technology.
“Our country needs GPS satellites with more capability and resiliency at a faster rate, and we are proud to bring our mature, mission-ready and proven portfolio of capabilities to Sierra Space to help the U.S. Space Force achieve these objectives quickly,” said Amy Johnson, vice president and general manager for the Space, Cyber & Intelligence Systems line of business with General Dynamics Mission Systems.
The demonstration focused on the satellite's hardware, firmware, and software that generates 'YMCA' waveforms including P(Y), M-code, and C/A signals at L1 and L2 frequencies.
This achievement is a significant step forward in ensuring that the GPS navigation signals generated by R-GPS satellites will be accurate, secure, and compatible with the devices that millions of people use every day.
https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250331812609/sierra-space-demonstrates-resilient-gps-satellite-technology-for-national-security-focused-us-space-force-satellite-program
US Marine Corps Creates Specialized Attack Drone Team
March 31, 2025
In response to the growing role of drones in modern warfare, the US Marine Corps has established a dedicated attack drone team to enhance combat capabilities.
The Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT) will focus on first-person view (FPV) drone training, ensuring Marines are equipped with cutting-edge unmanned systems.
It will also serve as a center of expertise for FPV drone operations, helping shape service-level requirements and accelerate new drone capabilities.
“The team’s mission is to integrate lessons from modern combat; represent the Marine Corps in inter-service, national, and international competitions; and, through iterative training and competition, provide input to the development of cutting-edge FPV drone capabilities to enhance warfighting effectiveness,” the service stated.
The MCADT will be based at the Weapons Training Battalion-Quantico in Virginia, working closely with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory.
‘At the Forefront of Precision Drone Employment’
The creation of the MCADT was driven by rapidly evolving drone tactics observed in ongoing geopolitical conflicts, especially in Eastern Europe.
The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted the tactical advantage of FPV drones, which are used extensively to attack territory and shift battlefield dynamics.
Through the MCADT, individual and unit lethality will reportedly be enhanced through hands-on training and real-world application.
“Today’s battlefield is changing rapidly, and we must adapt just as quickly,” MCADT officer-in-charge Maj. Alejandro Tavizon explained.
“The [MCADT] will ensure that our warfighters remain at the forefront of precision drone employment, providing a critical advantage in future conflicts.”
The team’s first training competition is set for June, where it will go head-to-head with elite units like the 75th Ranger Regiment, conducting tactical FPV drone missions in simulated battlefield scenarios.
https://thedefensepost.com/2025/03/31/us-marine-attack-drone/
Italy investigates russian drone flights over research center
31 March 2025, Monday, 16:00
The anti-terrorism unit of the Milan prosecutor's office is investigating reports that suspected russian drones flew over a high-tech research center in the Italian city of Ispra five times in the past month.
This was reported by judicial sources, ANSA reports.
It is noted that Ispra is home to the facilities of the EU Joint Research Center, which has launched a research project to study the security aspects of the use of drones.
In addition, the Italian defense and aerospace group Leonardo also has factories in the area.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, in March, an object similar to a russian drone was discovered in the West Kazakhstan region of Kazakhstan.
On February 12, a drone was discovered in Moldova near the border with Ukraine.
At the same time, on the night of January 3, a russian drone had already violated Moldovan airspace from the Ukrainian side.
We will remind you that on the night of August 25-26, a russian kamikaze drone flew into Polish airspace.
https://ukranews.com/en/news/1073279-italy-investigates-russian-drone-flights-over-research-center-media
KP government announces investigate of Katlang, Pakistan drone attack
31 Mar, 2025
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a thorough investigation into the alleged civilian casualties that occurred during an anti-terror operation in Katlang, Mardan, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressing condemnation over the tragic loss of innocent lives.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr Saif issued a video statement on Monday.
He said the chief minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, had made it clear that while eliminating terrorists remains a priority, the deaths of innocent civilians are both unfortunate and unacceptable.
Dr. Saif stated that several successful operations had been conducted in the Katlang region against high-profile terrorists, including Mohsin Baqir and Abbas, who were eliminated in previous crackdowns.
He also highlighted the sacrifice of police officer Ejaz Khan, who was martyred in the same area while fighting terrorism.
He said CM Gandapur has directed a comprehensive investigation into the tragic civilian casualties, ensuring that all aspects of the incident are examined and facts are brought to light.
The provincial government has committed to sharing its findings transparently and taking appropriate action based on the investigation, said the spokesperson.
Expressing deep condolences to the families of the victims, the chief minister has assured them that they will not be left alone and that the government will provide full financial assistance to support them during this difficult time.
Dr. Saif criticized the federal government, stating that KP authorities were not informed about the operation in advance.
He revealed that local police officials, including the DPO and DIG, were completely unaware of the raid, highlighting a serious lapse in communication and coordination between the federal and provincial administrations.
“This lack of coordination is deeply concerning, as it can jeopardize anti-terror efforts and damage public trust,” said Dr. Saif, urging the federal government to ensure better communication with KP authorities in future counterterrorism operations.
He also condemned the use of civilian populations as shields by terrorists, labeling such tactics as cowardly and inhumane.
Dr. Saif expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s failure to mention the innocent women and children killed in the incident, stating that this insensitivity has deeply hurt the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“This is not the time for political theatrics but for unity and collective resolve against terrorism,” he stressed.
Moving forward, the KP government has vowed to analyze the operational shortcomings of the incident and ensure that such mistakes are not repeated.
Dr. Saif warned that no future operation will be allowed in KP without proper coordination with provincial authorities.
The KP government remains committed to eradicating terrorism but insists that civilian safety must never be compromised in the process.
https://english.aaj.tv/news/330409529/kp-government-announces-investigate-of-katlang-drone-attack
Russian drone strikes destroy office and laboratory of Ukrainian Agrivoltaics Association
Mon 31 Mar 2025
Russian drone strikes destroy office and laboratory of Ukrainian Agrivoltaics Association
In the early hours of Sunday, March 23, a Russian drone struck a building in Kyiv that housed both the office of the Agrivoltaics Association of Ukraine and the laboratory of its strategic partner, Ukraine's largest high-tech laboratory complex. The complex was integral to conducting research in the emerging field of agrivoltaics.
The association reported the destruction of the building on March 24, revealing the extent of the damage. "As a result of the attack, about 100 people were left without high-tech workspaces.
Everything was destroyed—equipment, documentation… Unfortunately, our association is now without an office," the statement read.
Agrivoltaics is a technology that combines agricultural systems with renewable energy sources, utilizing land for dual purposes.
The Agrivoltaics Association of Ukraine brings together farmers, renewable energy experts, and scientists to collaborate on innovative solutions for integrating these technologies into agriculture.
The attack on the association's facilities follows a previous strike on March 8, when a warehouse containing equipment for the research center was also destroyed.
Despite these challenges, the association remains determined to continue its work and announced plans for a conference on agrivoltaics to be held on April 8, 2025.
The destroyed research complex was set to become the largest agrivoltaic research center in Europe, with operations slated to begin in 2026.
https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9718459/russian-drone-strikes-destroy-office-and-laboratory-of-ukrainian-agrivoltaics-association/