TYB
Happy Friday!
full circle in almost every way
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
May 1, 2026
Markarian's Chain
Near the heart of the Virgo Galaxy Cluster, a string of galaxies known as Markarian's Chain stretches across this telescopic field of view. Anchored in the frame at bottom right by prominent lenticular galaxies, M84 (bottom) and M86, you can follow the chain's gentle arc up and toward the left. Near center you'll spot the pair of interacting galaxies NGC 4438 and NGC 4435, known to some as Markarian's Eyes. An estimated 50 million light-years distant, the Virgo Cluster itself is the nearest galaxy cluster. With up to about 2,000 member galaxies, it has a noticeable gravitational influence on our own Local Group of Galaxies. Within the Virgo Cluster at least seven galaxies in Markarian's Chain appear to move coherently, while others may appear to be part of the chain by chance.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58nE3nvD8O0
Crust Tearing Apart, Sunspots and Filaments | S0 News and May Day frens
May.1.2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7G-0xYe0Hw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHbRbjXl95o (S0: NASA's Dr. U-Yen - Disaster Prediction, Electric Connections)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjeF_m5c4LY (EarthMaster: Earthquake activity off Northern California Coast. Thursday Night update)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Kf3atebzw (MrMBB333: Crazy Sky Activity - Witnesses Were 'Freaking Out!")
https://avi-loeb.medium.com/shallow-earthquakes-reported-near-area-51-a97aa309260a
https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/ufo/earthquakes-area-51-avi-loeb-astrophysicist/
https://lweb.cfa.harvard.edu/~loeb/JW7.mp4
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/what-is-area-51-earthquakes-secret-testing-explained-14006470.html
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/01/2003856594
https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/series-earthquakes-rattle-reno-carson-city-nevada
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/earthquakes/article315596976.html
https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/cyclone-rains-spur-papua-new-guinea-landslides/
https://meteoagent.com/schumann-resonance-forecast
https://www.tornadohq.com/
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquakes-volcanoes/news/301128/Volcano-earthquake-report-for-Friday-1-May-2026.html
https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/
https://spaceweather.com/
nice timestamp btw
https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/04/halleys-comet-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-2/
other space objects
https://x.com/StefanBurnsGeo/status/2049754175345729934
https://x.com/Astro_ChrisW/status/2049950775736951244
https://www.travelandleisure.com/may-2026-astronomy-guide-11959821
http://www.astronomy.com/https:/sky-this-month-may-2026/
Halley’s Comet Lights Up The Sky Again Through Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Peak: Here’s When to Watch
April 30, 2026 at 13:15
The following morning, look for the Moon again, then scan 7° to its lower left (east) for Mars, shining at magnitude 1.3. By May 15, the Moon is almost gone (one day away from New), but it does rise a few minutes before Mars.
The planet is now southwest (to the right) of the Moon. Both are a similar altitude above the horizon, rising about an hour before sunrise.
Neptune may be easier to spot in late May as its elongation from the Sun increases. You’ll find it 8° west of Saturn on the 31st, standing 10° high in the eastern sky two hours before sunrise.
Uranus reaches conjunction with the Sun May 22 and although it is briefly above the western horizon on early May evenings, it isn’t readily visible this month.
A surge of fast-moving meteors tied to Halley’s Comet will reach its peak in early May, offering one of the most dynamic skywatching events of the season.
A Night Sky Event Driven By A Legendary Comet
Each year, Earth crosses a stream of ancient debris left behind by Halley’s Comet, one of the most recognized objects in astronomy.
These tiny fragments, often described as “comet crumbs,” slam into Earth’s atmosphere at tremendous speeds, igniting into bright streaks of light known as the Eta Aquarid meteor shower.
According to Space.com, this celestial event is active from April 19 through May 28, with peak activity expected overnight between May 5 and May 6. At that moment, the alignment between Earth and the debris stream becomes optimal, producing a noticeable spike in meteor activity.
The connection to Halley’s Comet gives this shower added scientific interest. The comet itself completes an orbit around the Sun roughly every 76 years and will not return to the inner solar system until 2061.
What observers see now are remnants from past passes, offering a rare opportunity to witness the long-lasting footprint of a comet across decades.
The meteors themselves are exceptionally fast, entering Earth’s atmosphere at about 41 miles (66 kilometers) per second. That velocity contributes to their brightness and the long glowing trails that sometimes linger briefly in the sky.
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When And Where Viewing Conditions Reach Their Peak
The most favorable viewing window occurs just before dawn on May 6, when the meteor shower’s radiant point in the Aquarius constellation climbs highest in the sky.
According to NASA Meteoroid Environment Office expert Bill Cooke, observers should head outside around 2:00 a.m. local time, as activity steadily increases until sunrise.
Geography plays a major role in what viewers can expect. The Southern Hemisphere offers the most impressive display, with up to 50 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions.
Near the equator, rates remain strong, making it one of the most active showers of the year in those regions.
In contrast, Northern Hemisphere observers will see fewer meteors, typically ranging from 10 to 30 per hour at peak. Even so, the speed and brightness of Eta Aquarids can still make the experience worthwhile, especially in areas with minimal light pollution.
Moonlight will be a complicating factor this year. A bright waning gibbous moon coincides with the peak, reducing visibility of fainter meteors and slightly diminishing overall viewing quality.
How To Maximize Your Chances Of Seeing Shooting Stars
Despite the presence of moonlight, careful viewing strategies can significantly improve the experience. Observers are advised not to stare directly at the Aquarius constellation, even though it marks the radiant point.
Meteors appearing farther from that area often produce longer, more dramatic trails and are easier to detect.
Instead, scanning broader sections of the sky increases the likelihood of spotting brighter streaks. A comfortable viewing position, patience, and avoiding artificial light sources remain essential for success.
No telescope or binoculars are required, as meteors move too quickly for magnified observation.
The key ingredients remain simple: darkness, time, and clear skies. With these in place, even a modest meteor rate can feel spectacular when multiple streaks cut across the sky within minutes.
A Reminder Of Halley’S Enduring Legacy
The Eta Aquarids highlight how a single comet can influence Earth’s environment long after it has passed.
Edmond Halley first identified the periodic nature of the comet in the 18th century by linking historical observations from 1531, 1607, and 1682. His prediction of its return in 1758 marked a turning point in astronomy, demonstrating that comets follow predictable orbits.
Today, every meteor from the Eta Aquarids serves as a visible reminder of that discovery. Each streak across the sky is a fragment of cosmic history, tracing a path laid down decades or even centuries ago.
For observers willing to wake before dawn, the 2026 peak offers a chance to witness that legacy in motion, even as the comet itself remains far from view.
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Artemis III Has Already Been Pushed Back To Late 2027, Just 2 Months After NASA Announced Ambitious New Moon Plan
May 1, 2026
NASA’s Moon plans are already shifting, just two months after the new Artemis strategy was unveiled. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman announced at the end of February that Artemis III was no longer destined to land on the Moon in mid-2027.
Instead, it was going to meet up with the privately built lunar landers in low-Earth orbit and test them there. This will no longer happen in the proposed timeline.
The human landing system (HLS) was assigned – after a legal battle – to Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin.
The original plan saw SpaceX’s Starship taking Artemis III in 2027, and then in 2028, taking Artemis IV to the surface of the Moon. In 2030, Artemis V would have instead used Blue Origin's Blue Moon to ferry astronauts to the lunar surface.
The plan put forward by fellow space billionaire Isaacman in February saw Artemis III focusing on a low-Earth orbit test of the landers in the middle of next year before having Artemis IV and Artemis V land on the Moon in mid- and late 2028.
This was already seen as optimistic, and now Artemis III has been postponed to at least late 2027, which could have a knock-on effect on the rest of the schedule.
On Monday, April 27, the NASA chief was on Capitol Hill for a budget hearing by the House Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations subcommittee.
While Isaacman has been defending the White House's commitment to NASA, the Trump administration plans to cut 23 percent of the space agency’s budget. Congress is ready to go against Trump's wishes and argue for a bigger budget.
During the hearing, Isaacman confirmed that both Blue Origin and SpaceX have assured him that the HSL will be ready for the test in late 2027.
While it is possible for that to happen, we need to contextualize that claim. Blue Moon has yet to be tested uncrewed in orbit. It was supposed to be delivered by 2030, so the timeline is massively accelerated. For Starship, the problem seems almost opposite.
It has been tested multiple times, and things have not been going well. There were multiple explosions of the vehicle over the last several tests, and while there were recent successes, it is still behind schedule.
Last year, Starship should have demonstrated refueling capabilities in space. It did not.
“The large-scale, Starship-to-Starship, cryogenic propellant transfer is a critical capability necessary for the Starship human landing system mission for Artemis III and Artemis IV,” a NASA spokesperson told IFLScience in 2024.
SpaceX did not respond to our request for comment.
“The propellant transfer test is part of a series of tests, along with detailed design reviews, that will provide NASA data and evidence to certify the lander.
Following the propellant transfer demonstration, NASA will review the test results and certify lander systems prior to the crewed demonstration missions to ensure astronaut safety and mission success.”
On top of all of this, last November a leak of internal SpaceX documents, reported by Audrey Decker at Politico, revealed that it wouldn’t be ready to land on the Moon until at least September 2028.
The Moon landing was first envisioned to happen in 2024, then in 2025, and then it was postponed to 2026. At the end of 2024, a mid-2027 date was agreed upon, but an analysis published almost two years ago by the Government Accountability Office suggested that the Moon landing mission was likely to be pushed back until 2028. If Artemis III is pushed further, even 2028 might become unlikely.
https://www.iflscience.com/artemis-iii-has-already-been-pushed-back-to-late-2027-just-2-months-after-nasa-announced-ambitious-new-moon-plan-83377
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/jared-isaacman-nasa-moon/2026/04/30/id/1254852/
other Artemis
https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/artemis-iii-moon-rocket-core-stage-on-the-move/
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/savannah-guthrie-nasa-post-mothers-disappearance-1794676
https://x.com/SusieWiles47/status/2049963009200603213
Life Science, Space Gardening Top Thursday’s Research Schedule
April 30, 2026 2:02PM
A new exercise device, artery scans, and space gardening topped the research schedule for the Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station on Thursday. The orbital residents also worked on a spacesuit and continued unpacking the Progress 95 cargo craft.
NASA flight engineer Chris Williams had a busy day inside the Columbus laboratory module trying out new workout gear and watering plants to support ongoing research.
Williams first performed rope-pull exercises on the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) while a computer monitored his pulling speed, power, and heart rate.
The E4D was delivered on April 13 inside the Cygnus XL resupply ship to test its ability to support crew workouts on long-term missions farther away from Earth.
Afterward, he watered and photographed alfalfa plants growing inside the Veggie facility to investigate how plants and microbes interact in microgravity.
Flight engineers Sophie Adnot of ESA (European Space Agency) and Jack Hathaway of NASA partnered together for blood pressure checks and neck, shoulder, and leg artery scans using the Ultrasound 3 device that was delivered on Sept. 18, 2025.
Doctors on the ground constantly monitor a crew member’s heart health to prevent and detect blood clots and other space-caused conditions.
Adenot later joined NASA flight engineer Jessica Meir inside the Quest airlock and swapped out components on a spacesuit. Meir also worked with Hathaway inside the Kibo laboratory module rearranging cargo to optimize space for research activities.
Adenot and Hathaway later split up and worked on a pair of different space botany investigations to observe how seeds germinate in microgravity. One experiment is to interest students in space and while to the other is to promote space agriculture.
Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev, station commander and flight engineer respectively, were back inside the Progress 95 continuing to unpack some of the three tons of food, fuel, and supplies it delivered on April 27.
Flight engineer Andrey Fedyaev started his shift inspecting laptop computer batteries then reconfiguring the ventilation system between the orbital outpost’s Roscosmos and U.S. segments.
Fedyaev wrapped up his day checking the operation and cable connections of the Roscosmos segment’s video recording system.
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/04/30/life-science-space-gardening-top-thursdays-research-schedule/
extra NASA
https://www.nasa.gov/organizations/oiir/artemis-accords/nasa-welcomes-morocco-as-64th-artemis-accords-signatory/
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/goddard/nasa-goddards-greenbelt-visitor-center-marks-50th-anniversary/
https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/ames/nasa-explores-prioritizing-first-response-drones-in-crowded-skies/
https://science.nasa.gov/photojournal/odyssey-team-celebrates-on-a-global-map-of-mars/
NASA engineers create ingenious way to save homes from wildfires using noise
April 30, 2026, 1:24 p.m. PT
Scientists have created a miraculous new way to stop fires from spreading through neighborhoods using nothing but sound.
Former NASA engineers with California-based Sonic Fire Tech found that using sound waves can snuff out blazes and potentially be used to stop another Pacific Palisades inferno.
In order for flames to burn it needs three things, oxygen, fuel, and heat. The technology works by targeting oxygen molecules using low-frequency sound waves that vibrate them, stopping the fire from growing.
“Sound waves vibrate the oxygen faster than the fuel can use it, and break the chemical reaction of the flame,” Remington Hotchkis, Chief Commercialization Officer at Sonic Fire Tech told The Post.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department recently tested out the equipment using a backpack version and the results were incredible.
Video shows firefighters fighting small blazes on a shrub and a stove top fire with the technology putting it out.
“Our focus is fire. It’s the most destructive element that we’ve seen in California,” Hotchkis told KMPH. “Our former NASA engineers are rocket scientists, and they say it seems like magic, but it’s just physics.”
“They’ve been spending 15 to 20 years of their careers focused on outer-worldly problems. And it’s amazing that we get to bring those solutions to Earth.”
In the home application, the system would be alerted/activated if there was a fire, sending the sound waves through a home duct system, essentially snuffing out the blaze.
The sound waves can reach as far as 30ft from a home, the report noted. The sound is also harmless to pets and humans.
Hotchkis said it was after his former Altadena home burned down last year in the massive wildfires that swept across southern California, that he realized there needed to be a better way to fight fires.
“Just to see the devastation that occurred on that community level while transformers were exploding and hoses were running out of water pressure, in that moment I was realizing there needs to be a different way we approach this.” Hotchkis said.
He said this technology could then be applied to help stop the spread of wildfires in the future.
“We are really excited about the new tech being presented to us,” San Bernardino PIO officer Christoper Prater told The Post. “We see this could really make a difference in both wildfire safety and home fire protection.”
The CA state insurance commissioner’s office sounded hopeful about the futuristic way to battle fire too.
“Technology and innovation have an absolutely critical part to play in protecting people from wildfires,” one insurance official told the outlet.
The cost for this technology is steeper than your run of the mill kitchen fire extinguisher, running about 1-2% of the home’s value for installation.
But hard to put a value on something that could prevent you from ever losing all your precious belongings in a fire. The Post reached out to the company and the state insurance office for further comment.
https://nypost.com/2026/04/30/us-news/nasa-engineers-help-create-ingenious-way-to-save-homes-from-wildfires-using-noise/
https://twitter.com/SBCOUNTYFIRE/status/2038341220989383039
extra extra NASA
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/hubble/hubble-spots-a-starry-spiral/
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-shares-spacex-crew-13-assignments-for-space-station-mission/
https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/news/worldview-image-archive/lake-bangweulu-wetlands-zambia
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/space-out-this-summer-with-variety-of-nasa-stem-activities/
morning!
Who doesn't love an underdog AND a good comeback?
Death of NASA Engineer Joshua LeBlanc Needs Deeper Scrutiny as Probe Into Missing and Dead Scientists Widens
01 May 2026, 7:37 AM BST
A US Republican congressman has said that the death of NASA engineer Joshua LeBlanc needs to be carefully examined as investigations into possible links between cases of missing and dead scientists continue.
Representative Eric Burlison said that LeBlanc's death may be linked to a broader and troubling pattern.
Who Is Joshua LeBlanc and Why Does His Death Spark Nationwide Concern?
LeBlanc was a 29-year-old engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and was involved in advanced nuclear propulsion work. On 22 July 2025, LeBlanc was found dead following a fiery car crash in Alabama after being reported missing.
What makes the case more alarming is that his personal belongings, including his phone and wallet, were left behind, raising serious questions about the circumstances leading to his disappearance and death.
Now, his case is no longer being treated in isolation. It has become part of a broader federal review into unexplained incidents involving scientists working in sensitive and high-level research fields.
FBI Leads Expanding Probe into Deaths of US Scientists Nationwide
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has taken a central role in reviewing these cases. Under the direction of FBI leadership, a comprehensive report is being prepared to determine whether there is any credible link between the deaths and disappearances.
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the bureau will report 'in short order' after reviewing multiple state-level investigations, Fox News reported. 'Those investigations are collectively being reviewed by the FBI pursuant to the President's request from the White House,' Patel said.
The probe involves coordination across multiple federal agencies and was launched amid growing pressure from both lawmakers and the public.
While authorities have not confirmed any coordinated threat, the scope of the investigation reflects rising concern over the safety of scientists working on advanced US technologies.
'So we're reaching out. We've already done so; we're engaged. They are all state cases, but we are looking to see if there are any connections, and we're going to have a final report here in short order,' he added.
Is There a Pattern in Missing and Dead Scientists Cases in the US?
Since 2022, more than a dozen scientists and researchers connected to high-level projects have reportedly died or gone missing under unusual circumstances. These cases range from accidents and sudden deaths to unresolved disappearances.
Some policymakers warn that the pattern could suggest possible foreign targeting of American scientific talent, especially in areas tied to innovation and defence. Others caution against jumping to conclusions, noting that there is currently no verified evidence of a coordinated effort.
Patel criticised the idea that the cases were connected, saying that some are not even scientists.
'We are trying to make sure - was there a connection? Were they all working on the same thing or not? Those are the questions we are answering right now with our state and local partners, and we will produce a report shortly,' he said.
Still, the repeated nature of these incidents continues to fuel speculation and public concern.
Pressure Mounts for Transparency in Federal Scientist Deaths Probe
As the investigation unfolds, pressure is mounting on federal agencies to provide clear and transparent answers. The White House has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, while Congress is pushing for accountability and updates on the ongoing probe.
NASA has stated that there is no confirmed threat linked to these cases but is cooperating fully with federal investigators. Meanwhile, the public remains focused on one key question: are these tragedies connected, or simply a coincidence?
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/fbi-investigates-mysterious-deaths-us-scientists-1794624
extra extra extra NASA
https://www.britt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/u-s-senator-katie-britt-praises-artemis-ii-success-secures-ntp-funding-commitment-during-nasa-budget-hearing/
https://foreignaffairs.house.gov/news/press-releases/europe-subcommittee-chairman-self-delivers-opening-remarks-at-hearing-on-emerging-threats-to-us-space-security
https://payloadspace.com/house-subcommittee-approves-24-4b-nasa-budget/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uehspfv_mJU (Astronaut Q&A with Missouri Students: How Does Welding Work in Space?)
https://cordcuttersnews.com/the-fcc-approves-plans-to-speed-up-internet-from-space/
The FCC Approves Plans to Speed Up Internet From Space
April 30, 2026
The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted to update its rules governing spectrum sharing between different types of satellite systems, marking a significant regulatory shift aimed at improving satellite-based broadband services across the United States.
The Commission adopted a Report and Order that replaces an older technical framework with new performance-based criteria for protecting geostationary orbit, or GSO, satellites while allowing non-geostationary orbit, or NGSO, systems greater flexibility.
Officials described the move as a step toward delivering faster broadband speeds, reduced costs, and improved reliability for consumers, particularly in areas where traditional wired internet remains unavailable or uneconomical.
Under the previous rules, which dated back to the late 1990s, NGSO operators faced strict Equivalent Power Flux Density, or EPFD, limits designed to shield GSO satellites from potential interference.
Those limits were developed based on theoretical satellite designs from that era and did not account for advancements in modern satellite technology. The updated approach incorporates factors such as adaptive coding and modulation techniques that enable satellites to adjust operations dynamically in response to changing conditions. This change is expected to support up to seven times more capacity for space-based broadband services while generating more than $2 billion in economic benefits over time through expanded access and innovation.
The new regime maintains the Commission’s longstanding emphasis on good-faith coordination between operators.
NGSO and GSO entities will continue to negotiate voluntary private agreements to address interference concerns, allowing for tailored protections that reflect current technological realities rather than rigid, one-size-fits-all restrictions.
Proponents of the update argue that the decades-old EPFD limits had unintentionally constrained the deployment of high-performance NGSO constellations, limiting the quality of service available to American households and businesses.
Satellite broadband has become an increasingly important option for connecting rural and remote communities where fiber-optic or cable infrastructure is costly to extend.
By easing outdated power restrictions on NGSO systems, the revised rules are intended to unlock the full potential of low-Earth orbit and other advanced satellite networks.
These systems can provide lower-latency connections compared with traditional geostationary satellites, which orbit at much higher altitudes and introduce greater signal delays.
The decision comes as demand for broadband continues to grow nationwide, driven by remote work, online education, telemedicine, and other digital services.
Industry analysts have noted that improved spectrum efficiency could accelerate the rollout of next-generation satellite services, potentially benefiting millions of users who currently experience slower speeds or higher prices due to technical constraints.
Economic modeling associated with the rulemaking suggests that expanded capacity and competition in the satellite sector could contribute to lower consumer costs and broader economic activity, especially in underserved regions.
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The Report and Order, designated FCC 26-26, was approved by Chairman Carr and Commissioners Gomez and Trusty. Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty each issued separate statements outlining their perspectives on the proceeding.
The action reflects ongoing efforts by the Commission to update legacy regulations in light of rapid technological progress in the satellite industry.
This modernization aligns with broader federal goals to close the digital divide and promote efficient use of spectrum resources.
Spectrum, the invisible radio frequencies used for wireless communications, represents a finite public asset that regulators must balance among competing users, including satellite operators, terrestrial wireless providers, and other services.
The FCC’s decision underscores a shift toward performance-oriented rules that prioritize real-world outcomes over prescriptive limits rooted in older assumptions.
Supporters of the change point to the rapid evolution of satellite constellations, which now deploy hundreds or thousands of smaller, more agile spacecraft capable of advanced signal processing.
These innovations allow for better coexistence with existing GSO systems, reducing the need for overly cautious protections that previously capped NGSO capabilities.
Critics of the prior framework had argued that it effectively granted GSO operators de facto priority, even as NGSO technology matured to minimize interference risks.
Implementation of the new rules will involve updates to licensing procedures and technical guidelines for satellite operators seeking FCC authorization. The Commission is expected to provide further details on compliance timelines and coordination processes in the coming months.
As the satellite broadband sector expands, the updated spectrum-sharing regime could influence investment decisions and service offerings for providers operating in the United States and potentially set a precedent for international coordination through bodies such as the International Telecommunication Union.
Overall, the vote represents a technical but consequential adjustment to federal communications policy.
By aligning regulations with contemporary engineering capabilities, the FCC aims to foster an environment where satellite innovation can more fully serve public needs for high-speed internet connectivity.
The long-term effects will depend on how operators adapt their systems and how effectively private coordination mechanisms function under the new framework.
Observers will monitor deployment trends and consumer outcomes in the years ahead to assess the rule’s impact on broadband availability, pricing, and performance nationwide.
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Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess nominated to be next US Space Force Chief of Space Operations
May 1, 2026
If confirmed by the Senate, Schiess will become the service’s highest-ranking officer and the third Chief of Space Operations since the Space Force was established in December 2019.
“The Space Force has made tremendous progress in a short time, and our mission has never been more important,” Schiess said. “I’m humbled by the President’s nomination.
If confirmed, I will focus on sharpening our lethality and accelerating the delivery of space capabilities to the warfighter, keeping the Space Force ahead against any adversary.
My wife Debbie and I also look forward to serving all Guardians and their families if given the opportunity.”
Schiess would succeed Gen. Chance Saltzman, who has led the Space Force since November 2022 and is expected to retire later this year.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink expressed great confidence in Schiess’ nomination. He also praised Saltzman’s leadership and the significant progress made during his nearly four years as service chief.
“I am pleased to support the nomination of Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess to be our next Chief of Space Operations,” said Meink.
“He brings the operational experience, strategic mindset and leadership we need to continue that momentum and ensure space capabilities remain a decisive advantage for our nation.
I’d also like to thank Gen. Saltzman for his leadership during his tenure as CSO. He has led the Space Force through a period of remarkable growth and transformation, positioning the service to win despite an increasingly contested domain.”
Saltzman also lauded Schiess’ nomination and called his time as Chief of Space Operations the honor of his career.
“Leading the Space Force has been the privilege of a lifetime for Jennifer and me,” Saltzman said. “Doug is the right leader at the right time.
He understands the mission, he understands the stakes, and he will continue to push the Space Force to deliver the capabilities the Joint Force and the American people rely on.”
If confirmed, Schiess will assume the role as the Space Force cements itself as a critical element of the Joint Force.
Recent operations around the globe, including in Iran and Venezuela, have underscored Guardians’ ability to deliver combat-ready, asymmetric advantages from space.
Since November 2025, Schiess has served as Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations.
In this role, he is responsible for the development and implementation of policy for all Space Force global operations, sustainment, training and readiness.
He also serves as the Operations Deputy to the Chief of Space Operations for all Joint Chiefs of Staff matters.
Schiess entered the Air Force in 1992 as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of California, Los Angeles, and transferred into the Space Force in 2022.
He has commanded at the squadron, group, wing, joint component and field command levels, and has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Resolute Support and Inherent Resolve.
https://www.safia.hq.af.mil/IA-News/Article/4475309/lt-gen-douglas-a-schiess-nominated-to-be-next-us-space-force-chief-of-space-ope/
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/trump-picks-schiess-next-space-force-chief/