Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:09 a.m. No.24153609   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3612 >>3622 >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-astronaut-suni-williams-retires/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15484031/nasa-astronaut-stuck-space-retires.html

https://x.com/NASAAdmin/status/2013786335899775318

https://x.com/Astro_Suni

 

NASA Astronaut Suni Williams Retires

Jan 20, 2026

 

After 27 years of service, NASA astronaut Suni Williams retired from the agency, effective Dec. 27, 2025. Williams completed three missions aboard the International Space Station, setting numerous human spaceflight records throughout her career.

“Suni Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration through her leadership aboard the space station and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

“Her work advancing science and technology has laid the foundation for Artemis missions to the Moon and advancing toward Mars, and her extraordinary achievements will continue to inspire generations to dream big and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, and thank you for your service to NASA and our nation.”

 

Williams logged 608 days in space — second on the list of cumulative time in space by a NASA astronaut.

She ranks sixth on the list of longest single spaceflight by an American, tied with NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, both logging 286 days during NASA’s Boeing Starliner and SpaceX Crew-9 missions.

Williams also completed nine spacewalks, totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes, ranking as the most spacewalk time by a woman and fourth-most on the all-time cumulative spacewalk duration list. She also was the first person to run a marathon in space.

“Over the course of Suni’s impressive career trajectory, she has been a pioneering leader,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

 

“From her indelible contributions and achievements to the space station, to her groundbreaking test flight role during the Boeing Starliner mission, her exceptional dedication to the mission will inspire the future generations of explorers.”

Williams launched for the first time aboard space shuttle Discovery with STS-116 in December 2006 and returned aboard space shuttle Atlantis with the STS-117 crew.

She served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 14/15 and completed a then-record-breaking four spacewalks during the mission.

 

In 2012, Williams launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a 127-day mission as a member of Expedition 32/33. She also served as space station commander for Expedition 33.

Williams performed three spacewalks during the mission to repair a leak on a station radiator and replace a component that gets power from the station’s solar arrays to its systems.

 

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Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:09 a.m. No.24153612   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

>>24153609

Most recently, Williams and Wilmore launched aboard the Starliner spacecraft in June 2024 as part of NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test mission.

She and Wilmore went on to join Expedition 71/72, and Williams again took command of the space station for Expedition 72.

 

She completed two spacewalks on the mission and returned to Earth in March 2025, as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission.

“Suni is incredibly sharp, and an all-around great friend and colleague,” said Scott Tingle, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA Johnson.

“She’s inspired so many people, including myself and other astronauts in the corps. We’re all going to miss her greatly and wish her nothing but the best.”

 

Beyond her spaceflight experience, Williams held numerous roles throughout her NASA career.

In 2002, she served as a NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environments Mission Operations) crew member, spending nine days living and working in an underwater habitat. After her first flight, she served as deputy chief of NASA’s Astronaut Office.

She later was the director of Operations in Star City, Russia, following her second mission to the space station. Most recently, she helped establish a helicopter training platform to prepare astronauts for future Moon landings.

 

The Needham, Massachusetts, native holds a bachelor’s degree in physical science from the United States Naval Academy and a master’s degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida.

A retired U.S. Navy captain, Williams is an accomplished helicopter and fixed-wing pilot, having logged more than 4,000 flight hours in 40 different aircraft.

 

“Anyone who knows me knows that space is my absolute favorite place to be,” said Williams. “It’s been an incredible honor to have served in the Astronaut Office and have had the opportunity to fly in space three times.

I had an amazing 27-year career at NASA, and that is mainly because of all the wonderful love and support I’ve received from my colleagues.

 

The International Space Station, the people, the engineering, and the science are truly awe-inspiring and have made the next steps of exploration to the Moon and Mars possible.

I hope the foundation we set has made these bold steps a little easier. I am super excited for NASA and its partner agencies as we take these next steps, and I can’t wait to watch the agency make history.”

 

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Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:18 a.m. No.24153636   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3641 >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

Fires Erupt in South-Central Chile

Jan 21, 2026

 

Wildland fires broke out amid hot and dry conditions in south-central Chile in mid-January 2026, prompting evacuations and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.

 

As of January 20, the spate of deadly fires had burned more than 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) in the country’s Biobío and Ñuble regions, according to Chile’s National Forestry Corporation.

 

The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) instrument on NASA’s Terra satellite captured this image of smoke billowing from multiple fires on January 18.

 

Dozens of active fires in the area prompted the evacuation of 50,000 people and destroyed more than 300 homes, according to a January 19 report from Chile’s U.N. Resident Coordinator’s Office.

 

Aerial and ground-based photographs showed neighborhoods in Concepción charred in the aftermath.

 

Gusty winds, along with temperatures that exceeded 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in places, fanned the flames and hampered firefighting efforts, according to news reports.

 

Chile’s president declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, allowing more resources to go toward battling the blazes and assisting affected communities.

 

Other parts of South America also faced hot and dry conditions during the 2025–2026 summer, likely priming vegetation to burn.

 

About 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of Concepción, firefighters in Argentina battled wildfires in and around Los Alerces National Park, home to rare stands of long-lived cypress trees.

 

https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/fires-erupt-in-south-central-chile/

https://www.conaf.cl/incendios/situacion-actual-y-pronostico-de-incendios/#reporteincendios

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:28 a.m. No.24153663   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

New NASA Artemis Payloads To Study Moon’s Terrain, Radiation, History

Jan 20, 2026

 

NASA announced Tuesday the selection of three new science investigations that will strengthen humanity’s understanding and exploration of the Moon.

As part of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative and Artemis campaign, American companies will deliver these research payloads to the lunar surface no earlier than 2028.

 

“With CLPS, NASA has been taking a new approach to lunar science, relying on U.S. industry innovation to travel to the surface of the Moon and enable scientific discovery,” said Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington.

“These selections continue this pipeline of lunar exploration, through research that will not only expand our knowledge about the Moon’s history and environment, but also inform future human safety and navigation on the Moon and beyond.”

 

The selected scientific payloads are:

Emission Imager for Lunar Infrared Analysis in 3D (EMILIA-3D).

The EMILIA-3D payload will create three-dimensional thermal models of the lunar terrain, using a thermal imager to measure the temperature of the landscape coupled with a stereo pair of visible-light cameras.

These models will help the U.S. better image and navigate the Moon’s surface through improved understanding of the properties of the dusty lunar soil, called regolith, and what temperature measurements convey about the lunar surface.

The principal investigator is Andrew Ryan at the University of Arizona.

 

Lunar Instrumentation for Subsurface Thermal Exploration with Rapidity (LISTER). The LISTER instrument will measure the heat flow of the Moon’s interior by drilling beneath the lunar surface, pausing at intervals to measure temperature changes and the ability of the subsurface material to conduct heat.

A previous version of LISTER flew on the Blue Ghost Mission 1 CLPS delivery to the Moon’s near side, where it took eight temperature and thermal conductivity measurements and drilled down to about three feet beneath the lunar surface.

This new LISTER investigation will study the heat flow generated by the Moon itself, giving us a better understanding of its thermal history. The principal investigator is Seiichi Nagihara at Texas Tech University.

 

Site-agnostic Energetic Lunar Ion and Neutron Environment (SELINE).

The SELINE payload will provide new insight into the Moon’s radiation environment by studying, for the first time at the lunar surface, the radiation from both primary galactic cosmic rays and their secondary particles and how this radiation interacts with the lunar regolith.

Data from SELINE will improve our understanding of the planetary processes at work on the Moon, as well as inform space weather preparation and safety for long-term human exploration of the lunar surface.

The principal investigator is Drew Turner at Johns Hopkins University.

 

These science experiments, selected through NASA’s Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon call for proposals, do not require a specific landing site on the lunar surface to gather their data, and NASA will assign them to specific CLPS delivery task orders at a later time.

NASA uses CLPS to send scientific instruments and technology demonstrations to advance capabilities for science, exploration, or commercial development of the Moon and beyond.

By supporting a steady cadence of lunar deliveries, the agency will continue to enable a growing lunar economy while leveraging the entrepreneurial innovation of the commercial space industry.

 

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/new-nasa-artemis-payloads-to-study-moons-terrain-radiation-history/

https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-lunar-payload-services/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:38 a.m. No.24153705   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

NASA’s Day of Remembrance Honors Fallen Heroes of Exploration

January 20, 2026

 

NASA will observe its annual Day of Remembrance on Thursday, Jan. 22, which includes commemorating the crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

The event is traditionally held every year on the fourth Thursday of January, as all three astronaut accidents happened around the end of the month.

 

“On NASA’s Day of Remembrance, we pause to honor the members of the NASA family who lost their lives while pushing the boundaries of exploration and discovery,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

“We remember them not to retreat from risk, but to respect it — to learn, to improve, and continue onward. Their sacrifice and the strength of their families will forever inspire us as we continue to reach for the stars and pursue the secrets of the universe.”

Isaacman will lead an observance at 1 p.m. EST at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by observances for the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia crews.

 

Several agency centers also will hold observances:

 

Johnson Space Center in Houston

NASA Johnson will hold a commemoration at 10 a.m. CST at the Astronaut Memorial Grove with remarks by Center Director Vanessa Wyche, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, and Cheryl McNair, widow of Challenger astronaut Ronald McNair.

The event will have a moment of silence, a NASA T-38 flyover, taps performed by the Texas A&M Squadron 17, and a procession placing flowers at Apollo I, Challenger, and Columbia memorial trees.

 

Kennedy Space Center in Florida

NASA Kennedy and the Astronauts Memorial Foundation will host a ceremony at the Space Shuttle Atlantis building at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex at 11 a.m. EST.

The event will include musical guests, a bell ringing commemoration, a moment of silence, and wreath-laying. Kelvin Manning, deputy director at NASA Kennedy, and Bob Cabana, former NASA associate administrator and Kennedy center director, will provide remarks during the ceremony, which will livestream on the center’s Facebook page.

 

Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley

NASA Ames will hold a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. PST that includes remarks from Center Director Eugene Tu, a moment of silence, and bell ringing commemoration for each astronaut lost in service.

 

Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia

NASA Langley will hold a remembrance ceremony at 1 p.m. EST with acting Center Director Trina Dyal, followed by placing flags at the Langley Workers Memorial.

 

Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama

NASA Marshall will hold a candle-lighting ceremony and wreath placement at 9:30 a.m. CST and include remarks from Rae Ann Meyer, Marshall’s acting center director, and Bill Hill, director of Safety and Mission Assurance at Marshall.

 

Stennis Space Flight Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

NASA Stennis and the NASA Shared Services Center will hold a wreath-laying ceremony and moment of silence at 10:30 a.m. CST with remarks from Center Director John Bailey and Anita Harrell, NASA Shared Services Center executive director.

 

The agency also is paying tribute to its fallen astronauts with special online content, updated on NASA’s Day of Remembrance, at:

https://www.nasa.gov/dor/

 

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-day-of-remembrance-honors-fallen-heroes-of-exploration-2/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:41 a.m. No.24153711   🗄️.is 🔗kun

Expedition 74 Spends Tuesday on Microbiology, Lab Maintenance

January 20, 2026

 

Microbiology research to protect astronaut health and spacecraft hardware topped the science schedule aboard the International Space Station on Tuesday.

Earth observations and life support maintenance rounded out the day for the Expedition 74 trio.

 

NASA Flight Engineer Chris Williams worked throughout his shift safely processing samples of a bacterial pathogen inside the Kibo laboratory module’s Life Science Glovebox.

Williams was exploring a way to prevent the formation of biofilms, or a layer of microorganisms, anywhere water is found on a spacecraft where they pose human health risks and can damage equipment.

The microbe samples are housed inside a specialized cell culture chamber, called a BioCell, and exposed to different levels of ultraviolet light to learn how to inhibit microbial growth and reduce reliance on chemical disinfectants.

Results may lead to safer life support and medical systems, more durable spacecraft materials, and healthier humans on and off the Earth.

 

Roscosmos Flight Engineer Sergei Mikaev spent his shift supporting a pair of ongoing Earth observation studies and servicing station equipment.

Mikaev first deconfigured an automated overnight photography session that captured images of Earth’s nighttime atmospheric glow in near-ultraviolet wavelengths.

The airglow is caused by atoms and molecules that are excited by solar ultraviolet radiation during the day and then release the energy as light at night. Next, he pointed a camera out a station window to photograph landmarks across Africa and the Middle East.

Researchers will use the data to understand how natural disasters affect the surrounding landscape. Mikaev ended his day cleaning fans inside the Progress 92 cargo craft and transferring water between station tanks and inspecting water valves for microbes.

 

Station Commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov assisted Mikaev during his second Earth photography session setting up and installing the hardware then downloading the imagery for analysis on the ground.

Kud-Sverchkov completed his shift with orbital plumbing transferring fluids and refilling tanks before cleaning fan filters in the Zarya module.

 

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/01/20/expedition-74-spends-tuesday-on-microbiology-lab-maintenance/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:48 a.m. No.24153740   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3760 >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

NASA PAO Sets A New Record

January 20, 2026

 

Keith’s note: NASA just issued this press release: NASA Unlocks Golden Age of Innovation, Exploration in Trump’s First Year.

 

I have read far too many NASA press releases since 1996 – actually 1986. This one really stood out but not for quality.

 

So I asked @Grok for a reality check. “Hey @Grok does this @NASA press release issued today make the most mentions of a President in any press release issued throughout the entire history of NASA?”

 

@Grok answered: “After analyzing the press release, it mentions “President Trump” or equivalent references to him 11 times.

 

Reviewing historical NASA releases (e.g., Bush’s 2004 vision, Kennedy-era announcements, Nixon’s Apollo statements), none exceeded 5-6 mentions in examples I found.

 

This appears to be the highest, though an exhaustive archive search might reveal more. Notable indeed!” — So well done NASA PAO!

 

https://nasawatch.com/trumpspace/nasa-pao-sets-a-new-record/

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-unlocks-golden-age-of-innovation-exploration-in-trumps-first-year/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 8:53 a.m. No.24153760   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3791 >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

>>24153740

NASA Unlocks Golden Age of Innovation, Exploration in Trump’s First Year

Jan 20, 2026

 

One year into President Donald J. Trump’s second term, NASA is delivering measurable progress across human spaceflight, science, aeronautics, and cutting-edge technology.

These advances mark the beginning of a new Golden Age of American space leadership driven by clear national direction and historic investment through the Working Families Tax Cut Act.

 

Since his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, NASA has sharpened its mission rooted in President Trump’s national space policy, reinforcing American superiority in space and accelerating progress across exploration, discovery, and innovation.

With a renewed focus on human spaceflight, scientific excellence, and national capability, the agency is moving with clarity and momentum.

 

President Trump’s enduring commitment to space exploration has shaped every aspect of this progress.

During his first term, the United States stood up the U.S. Space Force, commenced the Artemis campaign, established the Artemis Accords, which now have 60 signatories and are still growing, and returned American astronauts to human spaceflight from U.S. soil following the space shuttle era.

 

Now, with a clear National Space Policy and Working Family Tax Cut Act, NASA has the direction, resources, and authority to advance a bold vision for the future.

In the first year of the President’s second term, NASA has flown two human spaceflight missions, launched 15 science missions, and successfully test-flown a new X-plane, while accelerating work across lunar exploration, Earth science, planetary defense, next-generation aeronautics, and technologies to prepare for future missions to Mars.

 

Soon, NASA will launch the Artemis II mission, sending humans around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, and setting the stage for America’s return to the lunar surface, but this time, to stay.

These milestones reflect a workforce empowered to move faster, think bigger, and deliver results for the American people.

 

“In the first year of this administration, NASA has moved with clarity, purpose, and momentum, advancing President Trump’s bold vision for American leadership in space,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

“From strengthening our focus on human spaceflight and preparing for the first deep space exploration by NASA astronauts in more than half a century, to accelerating innovation across science, technology, and national capability, the President has provided the clearest executive direction for NASA since the Kennedy era.

President Trump’s National Space Policy sharpened our mission, aligned our priorities, and empowered our workforce to move faster and think bigger.

Because of that leadership, NASA is confidently delivering on a future of American space superiority for generations to come.”

 

NASA is positioned to build on this momentum. Under President Trump’s leadership, American astronauts will return to the surface of the Moon by 2028 and establish a sustained human presence with a lunar base.

The agency will continue launching missions of science and discovery, including bringing the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope into operation before the end of the year.

In line with the President’s vision, NASA is advancing nuclear power and propulsion technologies to enable deep space missions and transform what is possible for exploration.

 

With a focused mission, empowered workforce, and strong partnership with industry and international allies, NASA is entering the second year of President Trump’s second term positioned to change the world, extending American leadership in space and unlocking discoveries that will benefit humanity for decades to come.

 

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-unlocks-golden-age-of-innovation-exploration-in-trumps-first-year/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9 a.m. No.24153797   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

NASA's Isaacman to Newsmax: Trump Most Pro-Space President Since Kennedy

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 10:37 PM EST

 

President Donald Trump's commitment to space has led to an upcoming historic launch, Jared Isaacman, the administrator of NASA, told Newsmax on Tuesday.

Isaacman was appearing on "Greg Kelly Reports" ahead of the Artemis II mission, which is poised to send four astronauts around the moon and back as soon as next month.

The Artemis II mission will be the second under NASA's multibillion-dollar Artemis moon program, following an uncrewed flight in 2022, and the first to carry astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon, taking them farther than humans have ever traveled into space.

 

The mission is America's return to the lunar environment for the first time in more than 50 years.

"We're sending these astronauts farther into space than we've ever sent human beings before," Isaacman said.

"We are going to send them past the moon, so they're going to go farther into space than we've ever sent humans before," he added.

"We're going to use that as an opportunity to put the spaceship through all of its paces, to really test it out in preparation for future missions where there will be a landing," Isaacman continued.

 

Isaacman said that under Trump, America is committed to returning to the moon.

"When President Trump first created the Artemis program, he did so for us to stay," he said.

"It's very important during this test mission of Artemis II to put it through all its paces, including manual piloting capabilities, so that we can set up for what I hope to be dozens of successful missions to follow," Isaacman added.

 

The NASA administrator said he has the best job in the world.

"I get to lead the best and brightest at NASA, where our goal is to pursue the secrets of the universe, to change the world in air and space," he said.

"I have the president of the United States, who has given us a national space policy to return to the moon, to build a moon base, to invest in the capabilities for the next giant leap," Isaacman added.

"We're going to build an orbital economy. We're going to launch more missions to science and discovery."

 

On the one-year anniversary of Trump's inauguration, Isaacman praised the president for his appreciation and interest in space.

"President Trump appreciated the ultimate high ground of space when he created the Space Force," he said.

"President Trump oversaw the return of American spaceflight capability to the United States after the shuttle was retired for 10 years," Isaacman added.

"For nearly a decade, we lost the ability to send American astronauts into space from the United States after the shuttle was retired. That capability resumed under President Trump."

 

Isaacman said under Trump, America has recommitted itself to the moon and preparing for the next endeavor to Mars.

"President Trump has got to be the most pro-space president since the [President John F.] Kennedy era," he said.

 

https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/jared-isaacman-nasa-donald-trump/2026/01/20/id/1242908/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:03 a.m. No.24153806   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3847 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

NASA Chase Aircraft Ensures X-59's Safety in Flight

Jan 20, 2026

 

As NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft continues a series of flight tests over the California high desert in 2026, its pilot will be flying with a buddy closely looking out for his safety.

That colleague will be another test pilot in a separate chase aircraft. His job as chase pilot: keep a careful watch on things as he tracks the X-59 through the sky, providing an extra set of eyes to help ensure the flight tests are as safe as possible.

Having a chase pilot watch to make sure operations are going smoothly is an essential task when an experimental aircraft is exercising its capabilities for the first time.

The chase pilot also takes on tasks like monitoring local weather and supplementing communications between the X-59 and air traffic control.

 

“All this helps reduce the test pilot’s workload so he can concentrate on the actual test mission,” said Jim “Clue” Less, a NASA research pilot since 2010 and 21-year veteran U.S. Air Force flyer.

Less served as chase pilot in a NASA F/A-18 research jet when NASA test pilot Nils Larson made the X-59’s first flight on Oct. 28. Going forward, Less and Larson will take turns flying as X-59 test pilot or chase pilot.

 

Staying Close

So how close does a chase aircraft fly to the X-59?

“We fly as close as we need to,” Less said. “But no closer than we need to.”

The distance depends on where the chase aircraft needs to be to best ensure the success of the test flight. Chase pilots, however, never get so close as to jeopardize safety.

For example, during the X-59’s first flight the chase aircraft moved to within a wingspan of the experimental aircraft. At that proximity, the airspeed and altitude indicators inside both aircraft could be compared, allowing the X-59 team to calibrate their instruments.

 

Generally, the chase aircraft will remain about 500 and 1,000 feet away—or about 5-10 times the length of the X-59 itself—as the two aircraft cruise together.

“Of course, the chase pilot can move in closer if I need to look over something on the aircraft,” Less said. “We would come in as close as needed, but for the most part the goal is to stay out of the way.”

 

Airborne Photo Op

The up-close-and-personal vantage point of the chase aircraft also affords the opportunity to capture photos and video of the test aircraft.

For the initial X-59 flight, a NASA photographer—fully trained and certified to fly in a high-performance jet—sat in the chase aircraft’s rear seat to record images and transmit high-definition video down to the ground.

 

“We really have the best views,” Less said. “The top focus of the test team always is a safe flight and landing. But if we get some great shots in the process, it’s an added bonus.”

Chase aircraft can also carry sensors that gather data during the flight that would be impossible to obtain from the ground.

In a future phase of X-59 flights, the chase aircraft will carry a probe to measure the X-59’s supersonic shock waves and help validate that the airplane is producing a quieter sonic “thump,” rather than a loud sonic boom to people on the ground.

 

The instrumentation was successfully tested using a pair of NASA F-15 research jets earlier this year.

As part of NASA’s Quesst mission, the data could help open the way for commercial faster-than-sound air travel over land.

 

Choice of Chase Aircraft

Chase aircraft have served as a staple of civilian and military flight tests for decades, with NASA and its predecessor—the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics—employing aircraft of all types for the job.

Today, at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, two different types of research aircraft are available to serve as chase for X-59 flights: NASA-operated F/A-18 Hornets and F-15 Eagles.

While both types are qualified as chase aircraft for the X-59, each has characteristics that make them appropriate for certain tasks.

 

The F/A-18 is a little more agile flying at lower speeds. One of NASA’s F/A-18s has a two-seat cockpit, and the optical quality and field of view of its canopy makes it the preferred aircraft for Armstrong’s in-flight photographers.

At the same time, the F-15 is more capable of keeping pace with the X-59 during supersonic test flights and carries the instrumentation that will measure the X-59’s shock waves.

“The choice for which chase aircraft we will use for any given X-59 test flight could go either way depending on other mission needs and if any scheduled maintenance requires the airplane to be grounded for a while,” Less said.

 

https://www.asdnews.com/news/aviation/2026/01/20/nasachase-aircraft-ensuresx59ssafetyin-flight

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlXrHQVrvmw

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:18 a.m. No.24153851   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>3857 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

NASA's Crew-11 astronauts to discuss medical evacuation from International Space Station today: Watch it live

January 21, 2026

 

The briefing begins at 2:15 p.m. EST today (Jan. 21).

 

Four astronauts will discuss their shorter-than-expected space mission during a press conference today (Jan. 21), and you can watch the event live.

The members of SpaceX's Crew-11 mission, the first ever to be medically evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS), will talk to reporters at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston today at 2:15 p.m. EST (1915 GMT).

You can watch it live here at Space.com courtesy of NASA, or directly via the space agency.

 

Crew-11 consisted of NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui of Japan and cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.

The quartet arrived at the ISS in early August for a planned 6.5-month stay, but they returned to Earth on Jan. 15 — about five weeks early — due to a "medical concern" experienced by one of them in orbit.

 

Their departure was the first medical evacuation in the history of the ISS, which has been continuously occupied by rotating astronaut crews since November 2000.

NASA has not revealed which astronaut was affected or given us many details about the health issue, citing privacy concerns. The agency has said, however, that the crewmembers are all stable and doing fine.

 

According to a NASA update, all four are undergoing "standard postflight reconditioning and evaluations" in Houston, where they've been since Friday (Jan. 16), (Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, splashed down off the coast of San Diego.)

Crew-11's departure leaves the ISS staffed by just three astronauts — NASA's Chris Williams and cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev.

 

The trio will have the orbiting lab to themselves until SpaceX's four-person Crew-12 mission arrives. Crew-12 is currently scheduled to launch on Feb. 15, but NASA and SpaceX are investigating the possibility of moving that up a few days.

Three was the nominal crew size on the ISS until 2009, when it doubled to six. The baseline number then increased again in 2020, to its current seven.

 

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/medically-evacuated-crew-11-astronauts-to-discuss-their-shortened-iss-mission-today-watch-it-live

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasas-spacex-crew-11-to-discuss-space-station-science-mission/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glb4RtTwL40

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:22 a.m. No.24153874   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

Webb reveals a planetary nebula with phenomenal clarity, and it is spectacular

Jan 20, 2026 3:33 PM

 

The Helix Nebula is one of the most well-known and commonly photographed planetary nebulae because it resembles the “Eye of Sauron.”

It is also one of the closest bright nebulae to Earth, located approximately 655 light-years from our Solar System.

 

You may not know what this particular nebula looks like when reading its name, but the Hubble Space Telescope has taken some iconic images of it over the years.

And almost certainly, you’ll recognize a photograph of the Helix Nebula, shown below.

 

Like many objects in astronomy, planetary nebulae have a confusing name, since they are formed not by planets but by stars like our own Sun, though a little larger.

Near the end of their lives, these stars shed large amounts of gas in an expanding shell that, however briefly in cosmological time, put on a grand show.

 

Now the James Webb Space Telescope has turned its sights on the Helix Nebula, and, oh my, does it have a story to tell. NASA released the new images of the nebula on Tuesday.

In this image, there are vibrant pillars of gas along the inner region of the nebula’s expanding shell of gas. According to the space agency, this is what we’re seeing:

 

A blazing white dwarf, the leftover core of the dying star, lies right at the heart of the nebula, out of the frame of the Webb image.

Its intense radiation lights up the surrounding gas, creating a rainbow of features: hot ionized gas closest to the white dwarf, cooler molecular hydrogen farther out, and protective pockets where more complex molecules can begin to form within dust clouds.

This interaction is vital, as it’s the raw material from which new planets may one day form in other star systems.

 

In Webb’s image of the Helix Nebula, color represents the temperature and chemistry. A touch of a blue hue marks the hottest gas in this field, energized by intense ultraviolet light from the white dwarf.

Farther out, the gas cools into the yellow regions where hydrogen atoms join into molecules. At the outer edges, the reddish tones trace the coolest material, where gas begins to thin and dust can take shape.

Together, the colors show the star’s final breath transforming into the raw ingredients for new worlds, adding to the wealth of knowledge gained from Webb about the origin of planets.

 

It is, in a word, phenomenal.

 

https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/01/webb-has-given-us-with-a-stunning-new-view-of-a-well-known-planetary-nebula/

https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/intricacies-of-helix-nebula-revealed-with-nasas-webb/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:29 a.m. No.24153896   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

China's Shenzhou-20 crew honored with space service medals and titles

Updated 21:46, 21-Jan-2026

 

The three astronauts from China's Shenzhou-20 space mission were awarded medals and titles on Wednesday, in recognition of their service and contributions to China's space program.

Chen Dong received a first-class aerospace achievement medal, while Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie were awarded a third-class aerospace achievement medal and the title of "Heroic Astronaut".

 

The Shenzhou-20 mission, which ran from April to November 2025, marked the longest continuous space stay by a single crew, spanning over six months.

Throughout the mission, the astronauts conducted four spacewalks, seven cargo airlock operations and completed more than 120 equipment installations and upgrades of the space station.

Additionally, the astronauts carried out a series of scientific experiments and technical tests in space.

 

Chen, having completed three space missions, successfully carried out six spacewalks, making him the first Chinese astronaut to remain in orbit for more than 400 days.

On November 4, 2025, Chen found small cracks – likely caused by space debris – in the viewport of the return capsule of Shenzhou-20. As a result, the return was delayed.

The crew members switched to the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft and returned safely to Earth after 10 days.

The Shenzhou-20 spaceship, which has spent 270 days in orbit, landed on Earth carrying no astronauts on January 19, 2026.

 

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-01-21/China-s-Shenzhou-20-crew-honored-with-space-service-medals-and-titles-1K7s1J3H96M/p.html

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:32 a.m. No.24153908   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

NORAD exercise and Space Force missions highlight U.S. military role at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base

January 21, 2026

 

U.S. and Canadian military aircraft are deploying to Greenland for a long-planned exercise by the North American Aerospace Defense Command at a time of heightened political attention on the Arctic territory.

Fewer than 200 U.S. Space Force Guardians and Air Force Airmen are currently stationed at Pituffik Space Base, where they carry out key missions tied to the defense of the U.S. homeland, experts told Air & Space Forces Magazine.

 

According to a NORAD post on X, the exercise is a routine activity conducted under enduring defense cooperation agreements between the United States, Canada, and Denmark, with Greenland as an autonomous territory.

The activity comes amid political sensitivity, as Donald Trump has pushed for U.S. ownership of Greenland, despite Denmark offering to expand the American military presence without transferring sovereignty.

 

NORAD emphasized the exercise’s routine nature and declined to disclose how many U.S. aircraft are involved.

“We regularly coordinate these types of activities,” a NORAD spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine, adding that the exercise had been planned for roughly a year.

 

The NORAD post stated: “This activity has been coordinated with the Kingdom of Denmark, and all supporting forces operate with the requisite diplomatic clearances.”

It added: “The Government of Greenland is also informed of planned activities.”

 

The United States has maintained long-standing security cooperation with Greenland, where U.S. forces have conducted strategic missions for decades, said Charles Galbreath of AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

He noted that the base, formerly Thule Air Base, supports missile warning and satellite command and control missions critical to detecting potential threats from adversaries.

 

“So, if China launches a satellite or a fractional orbital bombardment system that goes over the North Pole, they’re going to see it,” Galbreath said.

He added that regardless of whether oversight falls under U.S. European Command or U.S. Northern Command, “It still has the same mission. The mission has not changed.”

 

In addition to Space Force operations, Pituffik regularly hosts Air Force aircraft for Arctic exercises.

NORAD deployments in 2023 and 2025 included F-35s, F-16s, and KC-135 tankers supporting exercises such as Operation Noble Defender, demonstrating the U.S. military’s ability to operate in extreme Arctic conditions.

 

https://defence-industry.eu/norad-exercise-and-space-force-missions-highlight-u-s-military-role-at-greenlands-pituffik-space-base/

https://interactive.satellitetoday.com/via/january-february-2026/the-arctic-space-race-heats-up

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:37 a.m. No.24153930   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

Mysterious polar weather on Jupiter and Saturn could be key to understanding their insides

January 20, 2026

 

Scientists may finally know why Jupiter and Saturn have very different weather patterns at their poles, despite having similar sizes and compositions. The discovery could help researchers probe deep into the interiors of these giant gaseous planets.

Observations of the two solar system gas giants have revealed that Jupiter's north pole hosts a central polar vortex surrounded by eight smaller vortices, while Saturn has a single, strangely hexagonal, massive atmospheric whirlpool over its north pole.

 

While performing complex simulations of these types of vortexes of gas giants, the team behind this research found that the difference between a single vortex configuration and a multi-vortex pattern depended on how "hard" the base of the vortex was, meaning how heavy the gas is in this region (the softer the gas, the lighter it is). This "hardness" is in turn related to the interior composition of the gas giant.

 

"Our study shows that, depending on the interior properties and the softness of the bottom of the vortex, this will influence the kind of fluid pattern you observe at the surface, research team member Wanying Kang, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), said in a statement.

"I don't think anyone’s made this connection between the surface fluid pattern and the interior properties of these planets. One possible scenario could be that Saturn has a harder bottom than Jupiter."

 

Softer than Saturn?

Kang and colleagues were inspired to conduct their simulations after viewing images of Jupiter captured by the Juno spacecraft, which has been orbiting the solar system's largest planet since 2016, and by images of Saturn delivered by Cassini over 13 years of observations before it was deliberately plunged into the ringed planet at the end of its mission in 2017.

 

The Juno images revealed the immense scale of Jupiter's polar storms, which are around 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) wide. For context, that is around half the width of Earth.

Cassini's observations of Saturn, meanwhile, showed its single hexagonal vortex is a staggering 18,000 miles (29,000 kilometers) wide.

 

Astronomers aren't sure why there is such a size discrepancy between the two planets' vortices. "People have spent a lot of time deciphering the differences between Jupiter and Saturn," team leader and MIT scientist Jiaru Shi said.

"The planets are about the same size and are both made mostly of hydrogen and helium. It’s unclear why their polar vortices are so different."

 

To answer this question, the team developed a 2D model of how vortices at the poles of gas giants like Saturn and Jupiter would evolve over time, applying this to a range of different scenarios.

This included changing characteristics like the planets' sizes, the speed of their rotation, their internal heating, and the hardness of rotating fluid within their vortices.

 

After ensuring the fluid in these vortices flowed in random patterns, the scientists were ready to determine how the fluid evolved under specific conditions.

This led to the discovery that a single mechanism could determine if a single vortex or multiple vortices developed;the softer the gas rotating at the bottom of the vortex is, the smaller that vortex is.

That allows for the formation of multiple vortices, just as is seen at the poles of Jupiter.

 

If the team is right, then this implies that Jupiter consists of softer, thus lighter, gas, while Saturn seems to be composed of heavier gaseous material.

"What we see from the surface, the fluid pattern on Jupiter and Saturn, may tell us something about the interior, like how soft the bottom is, and that is important because maybe beneath Saturn's surface, the interior is more metal-enriched and has more condensable material, which allows it to provide stronger stratification than Jupiter," Shi concluded.

"This would add to our understanding of these gas giants."

 

https://www.space.com/astronomy/solar-system/mysterious-polar-weather-on-jupiter-and-saturn-could-be-key-to-understanding-their-insides

https://news.mit.edu/2026/polar-weather-jupiter-saturn-hints-planets-interior-details-0119

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:43 a.m. No.24153966   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

Colorado Springs leaders to share update on Space Command litigation

Jan. 21, 2026 at 4:37 AM PST|Updated: 5 hours ago

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will meet with regional leaders on Wednesday.

 

The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m at the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC.

 

The corporation said it will join regional leaders to share an update on national security, military readiness, and federal litigation impacting U.S.Space Command.

 

https://www.kktv.com/2026/01/21/colorado-springs-leaders-share-update-space-command-litigation/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:46 a.m. No.24153988   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

STARCOM launches Captain's Leadership Course in partnership with Texas A&M

Jan. 20, 2026

 

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AFNS) – Space Training and Readiness Command held an assumption of command ceremony for Space Delta 13 Detachment 2 and officially launched its Captain’s Leadership Course at Texas A&M University, Jan. 20.

Managed by STARCOM’s Delta 13 Detachment 2, CLC is a four-week resident course held in partnership with Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service.

The course will provide captain-level Professional Military Education independent from the Air Force and unique to the space domain.

 

During the assumption of command ceremony, Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, STARCOM commander, addressed the first cohort of students and spoke on the importance of furthering space-minded education and leadership skills.

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. James E. Smith, commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, speaks during the Captain’s Leadership Course kickoff ceremony held in partnership with Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, Jan. 20, 2026.

Smith addressed the inaugural cohort on the importance of leadership development as the Space Force begins the four-week professional military education course for captains.

 

“You’re among the first cohorts of our officers being deliberately developed to lead a service that is still defining itself in real time,” Smith said. “Success in the strategic environment hinges first and foremost on leadership. That is why this course exists.”

The partnership combines military expertise with academic rigor to further develop captains into confident leaders who can think critically, communicate effectively and integrate Space Force expertise into joint operations.

The curriculum consists of Master’s-level concepts supported by practical military examples, classwork, group discussions and activities.

 

During the ceremony, Col. Alison Gonzalez, Space Delta 13 commander, discussed how vital the partnership between the Space Force and Texas A&M was to the development of Guardians.

“This is not just a partnership, this is a declaration that military education is born from space intellect, that space is indistinguishably linked to human connection and human education,” Gonzalez said.

 

An instructor cadre of approximately 20 Guardians will teach space and joint military education lessons, while university faculty will provide specialized instruction on leadership and communication.

This integrated approach provides a holistic education experience tailored to Guardian needs.

 

Glenn Hegar, chancellor of Texas A&M University Systems, addresses attendees during the Captain’s Leadership Course kickoff ceremony in College Station, Texas, Jan. 20, 2026.

University leaders emphasized Texas A&M’s role in supporting Space Training and Readiness Command’s development mission.

“Leadership is strongest when you have education operations and missions that partner together,” said Glenn Hegar, The Texas A&M University System chancellor.

“Our expectation is this [course] becomes durable, scalable, and most importantly, impactful.”

 

The service’s one-year, $1.8 million prototype contract with Texas A&M provides for the initial build-out and execution of the curriculum, with six classes planned through the end of the year.

TARCOM will reassess the program after one year to determine the best path forward for long-term execution.

 

The first cohort includes 24 students, with follow-on cohorts growing up to 60 students at the end of the summer.

Initial classes will prioritize captains nearing promotion eligibility, with leadership hoping to eventually include seats for civilian Guardians as well as joint and international partners, to strengthen interoperability as the course develops.

 

Lt. Col. Johann Pambianchi, CLC commandant, shared a message with the first cohort of students before they left to attend their first class.

“The unit stands ready, not just as a new organization on a beautiful campus, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Texas A&M partners as a testament to what professionals can accomplish when the mission matters, and great Americans roll up their sleeves,” Pambianchi said. “Together we will showcase of one-of-a-kind program ripe for connection, growth, gratitude and Texas grit.”

 

https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4383548/starcom-launches-captains-leadership-course-in-partnership-with-texas-am/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:51 a.m. No.24154016   🗄️.is 🔗kun

Putin’s special envoy praises ‘constructive’ talks with US

20 Jan, 2026 19:21

 

Kirill Dmitriev, a key special envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, described talks with US officials on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos as “constructive” on Tuesday.

He was speaking after the two sides met behind closed doors for more than two hours. Earlier in the day, the Kremlin said Moscow intended to pass “certain information” to the US regarding a possible settlement of the Ukraine conflict during the meeting.

 

Dmitriev met US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, as well as Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to TASS.

“The meeting was constructive,” Dmitriev told reporters after leaving the US venue at the forum, known as USA House. “More and more people recognize the validity of the Russian position,” he added, without elaborating.

Witkoff also described the talks as “very positive,” but did not provide details.

 

Moscow and Washington have gradually intensified contacts since Trump returned to office, last year, with both sides publicly signalling interest in exploring a negotiated solution to the conflict in Ukraine.

Under Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, relations between the two countries had fallen to their lowest level in decades.

 

Dmitriev visited the US several times last year, where he negotiated ways to restore bilateral ties and stop the fighting between Moscow and Kiev.

During his most recent trip, in December, he held two days of talks with Witkoff and Kushner. Both sides described the talks as “constructive” at the time as well.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week that the Russian authorities are looking forward to another visit by Witkoff and Kushner to Moscow. Putin met with Witkoff six times in 2025, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

 

Kiev’s top negotiator Rustem Umerov also said over the weekend that talks with the Americans on finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict will continue at the WEF this week.

Earlier on Tuesday, Axios reported that a plan for Trump to sign the so-called “prosperity plan” for Kiev with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky on the sidelines of the Davos forum has been scrapped.

The Ukrainian leader announced the same day he would not attend the event.

 

https://www.rt.com/russia/631233-russia-us-ukraine-peace-talks/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:54 a.m. No.24154026   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4044 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

Zelensky’s ex-deputy chief of staff charged with ‘green’ energy scam

21 Jan, 2026 14:27

 

Western-backed investigators in Ukraine have filed criminal charges against nine suspects in an embezzlement scheme involving ‘green’ energy subsidies, allegedly led by a former deputy head of Vladimir Zelensky’s office.

The announcement on Wednesday accused the alleged ring of accounting for electricity deliveries that never occurred from solar farms in Russian-controlled territories.

 

The Ukrainian budget covered the fake supplies under a stimulus program that guarantees renewable energy purchases at above-market rates.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), the agencies that filed the charges, estimated the scheme caused $3.3 million in losses.

 

They said the investigation, which included searches in Germany and Austria assisted by local law enforcement, began after a report by investigative outlet Bihus.

The statement did not name the suspects, but details about the alleged ringleader and the Bihus reference identify him as Rostislav Shurma.

 

He served as a deputy to then-Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak from 2021 to 2024, overseeing the energy sector, and represented the state on the independent supervisory board of energy giant Naftogaz.

The alleged ‘green’ energy scam exposed by Bihus in August 2023 involved five firms linked to Shurma’s brother Oleg. Shurma moved to Austria after leaving his posts but denied wrongdoing.

Last September, he accused NABU of misleading European investigators to obtain a search warrant for his home near Munich.

 

Ukrainian media reported he has since relocated to Austria purportedly to avoid potential extradition on corruption charges, where such requests are easier to defeat in court.

Yermak was forced to resign last year after NABU charged businessman Timur Mindich, a longtime associate of Zelensky, with running a multimillion-dollar extortion scheme at state nuclear company Ukrenergo. Y

ermak was widely suspected of being the scheme’s mastermind.

 

https://www.rt.com/russia/631263-ukraine-green-energy-corruption/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 9:57 a.m. No.24154054   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4059 >>4113 >>4170 >>4191

Zelensky eliminating opponents before elections – opposition leader

21 Jan, 2026 16:05

 

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelesnky is seeking to get rid of his political opponents ahead of potential presidential elections, Yulia Timoshenko, who leads the Batkivshchina (Fatherland) party’s faction in the parliament, has claimed.

The former prime minister called a pending criminal case against her part of this push.

 

The Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies have charged the former prime minister with organizing a vote-buying scheme.

She was accused of paying fellow MPs tens of thousands of dollars in a bid to swing votes in the parliament. Timoshenko dismissed the accusations as politically motivated.

 

Zelensky seeks to “destroy” her, she claimed during a court hearing on Monday.

Those who have “absolutely different positions ideologically” to that of the Ukrainian leader are “getting purged” ahead of a potential peace deal and elections, she maintained, claiming that the case against her is linked to her party’s popularity across the country.

 

The Ukrainian leader hit back on Monday, saying Timoshenko’s case has nothing to do with politics. “Seriously, I do not see how it is related to the elections in Ukraine,” he told journalists.

Last week, Timoshenko called the current government in Kiev a “de facto fascist regime.” The court ordered $760,000 bail and banned her from leaving Kiev or contacting several dozen MPs it deemed relevant for the case.

 

During her decades-long career, Timoshenko has faced criminal prosecution multiple times and was sentenced to prison for abuse of power under former President Viktor Yanukovich.

Although formally in opposition, her faction has largely supported Zelensky’s policies, including last year’s crackdown on the Western-backed anti-corruption authorities.

 

In October 2025, Politico reported that Zelensky launched a “stealthy albeit rough” campaign to prepare for potential elections and was silencing critics and opponents with lawfare.

His predecessor, former President Pyotr Poroshenko, was sanctioned and arraigned on corruption charges last year, potentially preventing a reelection bid.

Moscow maintains that Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, arguing that any agreements he signs could be annulled by the next government.

 

https://www.rt.com/russia/631298-zelensky-eliminate-opponents-elections/

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 10:13 a.m. No.24154131   🗄️.is 🔗kun

11 reported injured in southern Russia as separate drone strike hits oil refinery

January 21, 2026 7:20 am

 

Eleven people were injured in an overnight attack in Russia's Republic of Adygea, while a separate drone strike sparked a fire at an oil refinery in neighboring Krasnodar Krai, local authorities and media reported Jan. 21.

Adygea Governor Murat Kumpilov said a residential building in the Takhtamukaysky District was damaged after a drone was detected in the area. He said 11 people, including two children, were injured.

 

Kumpilov reported that the attack sparked a fire at an apartment building and a nearby parking lot in the village of Novaya Adygea, prompting an emergency response.

Russian state media outlets TASS and RIA Novosti claimed that the fire was caused by a Ukrainian drone strike on the residential building. Ukrainian officials have not commented on the incident.

 

However, independent Russian outlet ASTRA reported that the damage was caused by a Russian air defense missile, citing eyewitness video, accounts from residents, and open source intelligence analysis.

ASTRA said debris consistent with an air defense interceptor was visible at the site.

 

The incident occurred amid reports of drone activity and air defense operations in the area. Responsibility for the damage has not been independently confirmed.

Separately, in neighboring Krasnodar Krai, drones struck the Afipsky oil refinery overnight, sparking a fire at the facility, Russian media and local authorities reported.

Regional officials said drone fragments fell onto the refinery's grounds, igniting the blaze.

 

The regional operations headquarters said there were no casualties and no damage to critical infrastructure, adding that the fire was quickly extinguished.

The Afipsky refinery—one of the largest in southern Russia—has been targeted repeatedly in previous drone attacks, including strikes reported last September and November that caused fires at the facility.

 

While Kyiv has not commented on either attack, Ukraine routinely launches deep strikes against military and industrial facilities in Russia, primarily relying on domestically developed drones and targeting Russian oil and gas infrastructure — a key source of revenue supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

 

https://kyivindependent.com/11-injured-southern-russia-attacks/

https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/explosions-and-fire-in-novaya-adygeya-injure-11-amid-drone-threats/

 

other Russia and Ukraine

 

https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/russian-drone-attack-hits-southern-odesa-oblast-injures-one-officials-say-50577377.html

https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russia-strikes-ukraine-with-97-drones-and-1768981719.html

https://interestingengineering.com/videos/this-drone-runs-on-hydrogen-and-its-fighting-in-donbas

https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukrainian-forces-shoot-down-new-russian-drone-1769014876.html

https://news.ssbcrack.com/ukraine-to-receive-40000-interceptor-drones-in-january-amid-kill-rewards-program/

https://cepa.org/article/poland-prepares-for-drone-war-with-russia/

https://tvpworld.com/91157534/ukraine-developing-microwave-weaponry-do-counter-drones

https://www.romania-insider.com/us-anti-drone-system-merops-romania-jan-2026

Anonymous ID: e45598 Jan. 21, 2026, 10:31 a.m. No.24154188   🗄️.is 🔗kun   >>4191

Trump: Hamas will be ‘blown away very quickly’ if it doesn’t disarm very soon

January 21, 2026 5:48 pm

 

“We have peace in the Middle East,” US President Donald Trump says at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

“There are some little situations like Hamas, and Hamas has agreed to give up their weapons,” he asserts, though the terror group has publicly said it will not disarm.

“They were born with a weapon in their hand, so it’s not easy to do,” he says.

 

“That’s what they’ve agreed to, they’re going to do it,” Trump promises.

“And we’re going to know over the next two-three days, certainly the next three weeks, whether or not they’re going to do it.” “If they don’t do it, they’ll be blown away very quickly,” he warns.

Trump claims that many of the “59 countries” interested in participating in the peacekeeping force in Gaza “want to come in and take out Hamas. They want to do whatever they can.”

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/trump-hamas-will-be-blown-away-very-quickly-if-it-doesnt-disarm-very-soon/

https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2013993973941989672

 

IDF says it struck Hezbollah sites in Lebanon after warnings

January 21, 2026 5:47 pm

 

After issuing evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon, the IDF says it has launched a wave of strikes on Hezbollah sites.

Warnings were issued for several buildings in the towns of Qennarit, Kfour, and Jarjouaa.

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-it-struck-hezbollah-sites-in-lebanon-after-warnings/

https://x.com/lebanondebate/status/2013994921460453501

 

other Israel

 

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-january-21-2026/

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2026-01-21/ty-article/.premium/israels-defense-establishment-raises-alert-level-ahead-of-possible-u-s-strike-on-iran/0000019b-e1b1-d4bd-a3db-fbf3bae10000

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/palestinians-report-three-dead-several-hurt-in-strike-on-vehicle-in-central-gaza-no-comment-from-idf/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/palestinian-bomb-manufacturer-arrested-in-west-bank-idf-says/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-iran-tensions-idf-chief-says-military-ready-to-act-against-any-enemy/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-deadly-central-gaza-strike-targeted-suspects-piloting-hamas-drone/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eight-killed-six-wounded-by-idf-in-gaza-since-dawn-hamas-run-health-ministry-says/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-says-terror-operative-killed-overnight-after-crossing-gaza-ceasefire-line/

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sjok7vcbwe

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/sk0o1vahbe

https://worldisraelnews.com/ex-idf-chief-calls-for-massive-alliance-to-oust-netanyahu/

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-thwarts-attempt-to-smuggle-machine-gun-into-israel-from-egypt-via-drone/https://www.jfeed.com/news-israel/idf-friendly-fire-nablus

https://worldisraelnews.com/watch-idf-demolishes-terror-compound-in-rafah/