TYB
Aquarids… Watch the water?
Don't miss the Eta Aquarid meteor shower 2026 peak tonight! Viewing times, locations and tips
May 5, 2026
Heads up, skywatchers! Don't miss the Eta Aquarid meteor shower tonight, as activity peaks in the predawn hours of May 6.
Under ideal conditions, it's possible to see up to 60 meteors per hour when viewing from the Southern Hemisphere, but viewers in the Northern Hemisphere will see significantly fewer due to the Eta Aquarid radiant (the point in the sky the meteors appear to streak from) remaining low above the southeast horizon.
But viewing conditions are not looking promising for the Eta Aquarids this year. The peak occurs not long after the full moon on May 1, meaning the moon will still be about 81% illuminated during peak activity. Its bright light will wash out fainter meteors.
However, that's not to say the shower is not worth looking for if you've got clear skies. The Eta Aquarids are known for producing dazzling "Earthgrazers" in the past, bright meteors emerging from Aquarius and skimming the atmosphere horizontally, leaving bright, colorful, long-lasting trails.
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquarids will appear low on the horizon, emanating from the constellation Aquarius.
For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the Eta Aquarids are one of the best meteor showers of the year as the radiant appears much higher in the sky.
The best time to look for the Eta Aquarids is in the early morning hours of May 6, just before dawn. By this time, Aquarius is at its highest in the sky (albeit still fairly low).
When you see an Aquarid meteor, you're watching a tiny piece of Halley's Comet burn up in Earth's atmosphere. Halley's Comet is a periodic comet that returns to Earth's vicinity once every 75 years or so.
It was last here in 1986 and is projected to return in 2061. The comet, officially called 1P/Halley, is named after English astronomer Edmond Halley.
https://www.space.com/stargazing/meteor-showers/dont-miss-the-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-2026-peak-tonight-viewing-times-locations-and-tips
https://www.space.com/stargazing/meteor-showers/watch-the-eta-aquarid-meteor-shower-online-with-these-free-livestreams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdy0AxaVYvI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g4Fh8K-MhY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqebu0z36lY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK_d1lU0Up0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcfxvaLg2eM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HZDjlfTuvQ
extra Avi Loeb
https://avi-loeb.medium.com/the-ai-friend-experience-and-seti-3d2297b06e42
https://avi-loeb.medium.com/are-interstellar-helicopters-possible-b19850dcf5f9
posts are hanging
trying a single image
https://www.nasa.gov/technology/nasa-fosters-development-of-lunar-resource-seeking-technologies/
extra NASA
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/05/04/crew-works-advanced-radio-frequency-quantum-physics-and-health-tech/
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/science-news/2026/05/04/nasa-supports-golden-eagles-on-the-move/
https://science.nasa.gov/get-involved/citizen-science/nasa-volunteers-double-known-population-of-brown-dwarfs/
https://x.com/NASAHubble/status/2051318262231663048
NASA Fosters Development of Lunar Resource-Seeking Technologies
May 04, 2026
To support long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA and industry are developing technologies that can extract resources such as hydrogen and helium-3 from lunar soil, known as regolith.
This capability, known as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), allows explorers to use what is already available on other planetary bodies, from water ice to minerals.
These resources could eventually support propulsion, energy production, life support systems, and other needs for astronauts living and working in deep space.
To advance ISRU technologies, NASA has awarded a firm‑fixed‑price contract of $6.9 million over the next year and a half to Interlune of Seattle, a company focused on developing natural resources beyond Earth.
Funded through a Phase III NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award, a contracting mechanism focused on transitioning technology into NASA missions or the private sector, the company will pursue validation of critical resource‑prospecting tools to make future lunar missions more self‑sufficient, reducing the need to transport supplies from Earth.
This effort builds on prior work with NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, in which Interlune built and tested payload prototypes on parabolic flights that replicated lunar gravity.
Under the SBIR Phase III contract, Interlune will design, build, and test engineering development units and flight hardware. The payload is designed to collect lunar regolith samples, sort particles by size, extract solar wind volatile gases, and measure their quantities.
The company’s design includes a mass spectrometer inspired by NASA’s Mass Spectrometer Observing Lunar Operations (MSOLO) technology to measure the concentration of gases released from lunar soil.
Developed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, MSOLO is a compact, rugged mass spectrometer designed to analyze gases and the chemical makeup of landing sites on the Moon.
The MSOLO technology, developed by NASA’s Game Changing Development program, demonstrated its hardware in lunar conditions during the Intuitive Machines 2 mission to the lunar South Pole in 2025.
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“A major goal of NASA is to mature transformative technologies so they can be confidently adopted by industry,” said Michael Johansen, Deputy Program Manager for NASA’s Game Changing Development Program.
“The evolution of MSOLO into a robust, flight-ready instrument is a perfect example of that success. We are thrilled to see this proven technology leveraged by an industry effort, marking a significant step forward in commercial resource prospecting.”
NASA’s MSOLO technology is available for commercial use and adaptable for ground tests and variable flight configurations.
The instrument’s internal architecture includes a hybrid computer for onboard processing and a calibration gas system that allows the device to check and adjust its readings directly on the lunar surface.
This data can benefit both commercial developers and NASA’s Artemis program. Its software has already been adapted to interface with four different CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) lander designs, reflecting its flexibility and increasing applicability to commercial lunar missions.
Investments by the agency in lunar surface technology from commercial partners represents an important step toward establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.
By advancing resource‑prospecting instruments and maturing technologies that enable the use of lunar materials, these efforts will help reduce the cost and complexity of future exploration missions.
NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program is managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
Through this program, entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with fewer than 500 employees can receive funding and non-monetary support to build, mature, and commercialize their technologies, advancing NASA missions and helping solve important challenges facing our nation.
This year, NASA’s SBIR/STTR program is adopting a Broad Agency Announcement framework to increase opportunities for small businesses while enhancing agility for the agency.
The 2026-2027 BAA appendices, outlining topics and subtopics for desired technology proposals, closes May 21. Interested businesses and institutions are encouraged to visit the information hub for helpful details on applying.
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Former NASA chief Jim Bridenstine takes over as CEO of Quantum Space
May 5, 2026
Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has a new gig.
Jim Bridenstine, who ran the space agency from April 2018 through January 2021, was announced today (May 5) as the new CEO of Quantum Space, a company developing maneuverable spacecraft for use by the U.S. military and commercial operators.
"Jim is a transformational leader and has defined the most significant partnerships and policy initiatives between government and the commercial space industry," Kam Ghaffarian, Quantum Space co-founder and executive chairman, said in a statement.
"Jim is poised to lead Quantum during this next phase of growth and as spending on space defense and exploration accelerates."
Maryland-based Quantum Space, which was founded in 2021, aims to become a major player in the commercial and military space arenas with its forthcoming Ranger spacecraft.
Ranger will be able to operate in a variety of environments, from low Earth orbit to Earth-moon space, according to Quantum Space. Its patented propulsion technology, modularity and in-space endurance will give it a leg up on competitors, the company says.
"The Theory of Competitive Endurance requires avoiding operational surprise, denying first mover advantage, and counterspace campaigning. Quantum's Ranger spacecraft is uniquely crafted to deliver on each pillar,” Bridenstine said in the same statement.
"As every domain of warfare is dependent on space, the United States must have ubiquitous space domain awareness, unpredictability for resilience and freedom of action in every orbit," he added. "Quantum's Ranger spacecraft is designed for sustained maneuver for Dynamic Space Operations. It is also modular and refuelable. Any orbit, anytime."
Ranger has not yet left Earth. The company, which raised $80 million during its "Series A" fundraising round, aims to launch the spacecraft's first mission, known as Ranger Prime, in mid-2027.
If all goes well with that test flight, Ranger will move on to operational missions. Those could feature a variety of objectives, from missile defense and space domain awareness to satellite life-extension operations, according to Quantum Space.
Before becoming NASA chief, Bridenstine was a pilot in the U.S. Navy and a member of Congress. He represented Oklahoma's 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican from January 2013 until his confirmation as NASA chief in April 2018, during President Donald Trump's first term.
Bridenstine's time at the agency was quite eventful. For example, he played a key role in the development of the Artemis program of moon exploration, which launched during his tenure.
Bridenstine also expanded public-private partnerships in space exploration, via projects such as the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, which puts NASA science gear on commercial robotic moon landers.
Quantum Space Co-founder Kerry Wisnosky had served as the company's CEO and president. Wisnosky will remain as president, focusing "his leadership and engineering expertise on operations and advancing the company's spacecraft development," the company said in the same statement.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/satellites/former-nasa-chief-jim-bridenstine-takes-over-as-ceo-of-quantum-space
extra extra NASA
https://science.nasa.gov/learning-resources/science-activation/breaking-barriers-at-3rd-annual-findings-from-the-field-symposium/
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/tess/for-nasas-tess-stellar-eclipses-shed-light-on-possible-new-worlds/
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/blue-origin-moon-lander-completes-testing-at-nasa-vacuum-chamber/
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/nasa-scientist-near-death-experiences-1795164
https://asgardia.space/en/news/Whats-New-in-Space-71
extra NASA and a side of space
https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/ahuachapan-and-its-restive-neighbors/
https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/canadian-emoji-lake-vanishes-after-dramatic-landslide-like-collapse-earth-from-space
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/05/04/may-the-4th-be-with-you-california-reaches-for-the-stars-with-space-accomplishments-that-are-out-of-this-world/
https://www.army.mil/article/292172/wsmr_commander_army_astronaut_speaks_at_new_mexico_museum_of_space_history
What's New in Space?
May 05, 26
Successful rocket launches, promising scientific programmes and the latest adventures of the Voyager 1 interplanetary probe: read all about it in our regular 'What’s New in Space?' column.
The Chinese Space Station: a major transformation and global prospects
China has embarked on an ambitious project to significantly expand the size of its space station. The Chinese authorities have recently officially confirmed the plans to double the size of the Tiangong space station by 2031.
Since it became operational in 2022, the station has had a T-shaped structure. It comprises three main modules: a central module and two scientific modules.
This capacity allows for three astronauts to be stationed on board for long-term operations, or up to six people during crew rotations.
As part of the next phase of development, three more modules are planned to be docked to the station.
The first of these will be a multi-purpose module, which will connect to the Tianhe core module, changing the station’s shape to a cross-shaped configuration and laying the foundation for further expansion to six modules.
As a result, the total mass of the complex will increase to approximately 180 tonnes – more than double the current figure, although it will remain significantly less than that of the ISS (around 400 tonnes).
The expansion is primarily driven by scientific objectives.
To date, over 260 scientific studies have been conducted at the station and 26 spacewalks have been carried out, one of which set a record for duration.
However, the current living space (around 110 m³) no longer allows for the full implementation of joint projects with foreign partners.
China is actively recruiting specialists from other countries and territories to work at the station: this year, crews from Pakistan, as well as from Hong Kong and Macao, are expected to arrive.
Furthermore, the implementation of joint programmes with the UN will lead to a significant increase in the number of experiments, for which additional space will be required.
The launch of the Roman telescope will expand the scope of use for other optical observatories and telescopes
The Hubble Space Telescope, which has served astronomers for almost 40 years, remains a unique and indispensable tool for scientific discovery.
Despite the emergence of new observatories, such as the James Webb Space Telescope and the future (Nancy Grace) Roman Space Telescope, as well as funding challenges, the scientific community is actively discussing how to make the most effective use of this veteran of space exploration.
A significant development is that the launch of the Roman telescope this autumn will not lead to the end of Hubble’s operations. Moreover, there are prospects not only to maintain but also to expand its scientific programme.
Hubble is expected to remain in orbit until at least 2033 — a slightly shorter timeframe due to increased solar activity. However, there is a technical possibility of raising the telescope’s orbit, which would extend its service life by another decade.
To realise this scenario, planning and funding will need to begin as early as 2027.
NASA’s Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) has called on scientists worldwide to propose promising observation programmes for Hubble for the next 10 to 15 years, in order to develop a future strategy for the telescope’s use through the late 2030s.
Scientists can submit their proposals until 22 May 2026. Particular attention is being paid to tasks that can only be solved using this telescope, as well as opportunities for it to work in conjunction with other missions.
An important aspect is the preparation for the creation of the future Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) — the so-called super-Hubble.
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The Atlas V rocket has placed 29 Amazon satellites into orbit: the Leo constellation now comprises 270 satellites
On 27 April, United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, successfully launched an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral.
On board were 29 communications satellites intended for the Amazon Leo project. This launch marked the sixth Atlas V launch for Amazon.
As a result of this latest launch, the number of Amazon satellites placed into low-Earth orbt by ULA has reached 168. If earlier prototypes are included, the total number of satellites in the constellation is approaching 270.
The Leo 6 mission was completed in record time: it took just around 14 hours from the rocket being placed on the launch pad to liftoff.
Amazon has two more launches using the Atlas V ahead of it: the next one, named Leo 7, is scheduled for 22 May 2026. To create a global satellite internet network, Amazon will need to launch approximately 3,236 satellites into orbit.
In the near future, the Atlas V will be phased out of service. It will be replaced by new rockets – the ULA Vulcan Centaur and Blue Origin New Glenn – which will help Amazon to accelerate the deployment of its satellite constellation and close the gap with its competitors.
The new Soyuz-5 launch vehicle successfully launched from Baikonur
On 30 April 2026, at 21:00 Moscow time, the first test launch of the new Russian medium-class Soyuz-5 launch vehicle took place from Launch Pad 45 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome (previously used for Zenit rocket launches).
According to Roscosmos, both stages performed without incident, and the scale model was placed on a suborbital trajectory and splashed down in the designated area of the Pacific Ocean.
The Soyuz-5 is a two-stage rocket developed by the Progress Rocket and Space Centre in cooperation with Kazakhstan as part of the Baiterek project. It is intended to replace the obsolete Zenit rocket and has a significantly greater payload capacity compared to the Soyuz-2.
The first stage is equipped with the world’s most powerful liquid-fuelled engine, the RD-171MV, developed by NPO Energomash, which generates a thrust of approximately 806 tonnes-force in a vacuum, whilst the second stage is fitted with RD-0124MS engines.
The fuel used is an environmentally friendly mixture: liquid oxygen and naphthalene. The rocket is between 61.87 and 65.2 metres long (depending on the type of nose cone), the diameter of the stages is 4.1 metres, and the launch mass is approximately 530 to 535 tonnes.
The Soyuz-5 is capable of delivering up to 17–18 tonnes of payload to low-Earth orbit, which is approximately double the capacity of the Soyuz-2. The main advantages of the new rocket are a reduction in the unit cost of payload delivery by approximately 40% compared to previous models, high delivery accuracy, and minimal environmental impact thanks to the use of clean fuel components.
Voyager 1: a new phase of energy conservation in an interstellar journey
On 17 April 2026, NASA specialists decided to switch off one of the scientific instruments on the Voyager 1 spacecraft – the Low-Energy Charged Particles (LECP) experiment.
This step was necessary to extend the probe’s operational life, as the power of its nuclear power source is gradually declining.
The LECP instrument, which had operated virtually without failure since launch, collected unique data on the flows of ions, electrons and cosmic rays originating from both the Solar System and interstellar space.
Thanks to this data, scientists have been able to investigate the structure of the environment beyond the heliosphere, identify regions with varying particle densities and study pressure fronts.
To date, the Voyagers remain the only spacecraft capable of transmitting this type of information from such vast distances, where the Sun’s influence is minimal.
The deactivation of the LECP was part of a pre-planned strategy for the phased decommissioning of scientific instruments, designed to maximise the probes’ service life and preserve priority functions.
Seven out of ten of the instruments originally installed on each spacecraft have already been switched off. For Voyager 1, the LECP was next in line, whilst a similar instrument on Voyager 2 had been switched off earlier, in March 2025.
This approach allows key systems to be kept operational, including communications with Earth and the main measurement systems. Thanks to this decision, Voyager 1 will be able to continue its historic mission for several more years.
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New deep space radar capability employed early
May 4, 2026
To counter growing threats from the proliferation of man-made objects and potential adversary activities on orbit, the U.S. Space Force has fast-tracked the employment of the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), a system designated ST-25.
DARC is a global network of three ground-based space sensors that supports space domain awareness out to geosynchronous orbit and enables tactical timelines and multiple space control kill chains.
The capability leverages the geography of and partnership amongst the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
DARC was approved for Early Use capability for U.S. Space Command in Sept. 2025, enabling the streamlining of test and evaluation processes while proving readiness of the capability in support of joint and combined force objectives.
Early Use activities are being conducted from the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron’s Integrated Radar Operations Center (IROC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
“The Space Force is all-in on delivering capabilities as soon as they provide a warfighting advantage and then upgrading them as we learn from real-world operations,” said Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman during a recent visit to 20 SPSS.
“The work the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron and Mission Delta 2 are doing with ST-25 is a prime example of these principles in action.”
DARC provides the three countries with critical space domain awareness to address emerging threats in an increasingly congested domain.
This enables an advantage for all three nations’ land, air and maritime forces, as well as protects critical national infrastructure and benefits domestic space industries.
The capability offers higher sensitivity, better accuracy, increased capacity, and more agile tracking.
The Early Use concept brought critical military utility online ahead of the original schedule operational acceptance, employing a phased approach to balance initial operations with ongoing contractor development.
"Getting this capability into the hands of our Guardians sooner rather than later is a significant win," said Col. Barry Croker, commander of Mission Delta 2 – Space Domain Awareness.
"The Early Use phase has already provided invaluable opportunity for system familiarization, development of initial training requirements, and early identification of potential operational gaps, all of which ultimately accelerate our readiness."
The DARC initiative, operating under a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S., U.K., and Australia, leverages the Early Use concept to deliver enhanced space domain awareness ahead of schedule while gathering critical development feedback.
By enabling the continuous tracking, identification, and characterization of space objects, DARC ensures freedom of access, supports critical space-traffic management, and holds foreign actors accountable for their actions in an increasingly congested domain.
"Coordination with our allies, as well as our U.S. Space Force teammates in Space Systems Command, has enabled our team at the 20th Space Surveillance Squadron to prove the value of the DARC initiative," said Lt. Col. Derek Haun, 20th SPSS commander.
"Operating ST-25 maximizes our ability to monitor the deep space domain in support of global operations and space domain awareness that benefits the U.S. and our allies."
To meet 21st Century security challenges, the allied nations are collaboratively developing and operating this ground-based system to seamlessly share global sensor data, leverage emerging technologies, and enhance command and control interoperability with allied nations. Ultimately, this shared SDA capability strengthens deterrence and protects critical national infrastructure.
The Early Use agreement underscores the collaborative effort to accelerate the delivery of advanced space-tracking capabilities.
The program prioritizes the final operational acceptance milestone while delivering vital preliminary capabilities to the warfighter well ahead of schedule.
https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4476794/new-deep-space-radar-capability-employed-early/
extra Space Force
https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4477283/us-space-forces-space-commander-and-vandenberg-sfb-leadership-host-civic-leader/
https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/4477225/space-systems-commands-8th-annual-cyber-expo-addresses-cyber-readiness-at-the-s
https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/space-force-lockheed-martin-sbi
https://www.dla.mil/About-DLA/News/News-Article-View/Article/4476387/dla-holds-first-space-force-integration-day/
SpaceX Starlink Mission
May 5, 2026
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 24 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the X TV app.
This will be the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, EarthCARE, NROL-186, Transporter-13, TRACERS, NROL-48, COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation FM3, and 13 Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-17-29
extra SpaceX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8qE-oyapnM (Starlink satellite captures Starlink 'train' in amazing view from space)
Russia declares Victory Day truce, warns Kiev of strike if Moscow targeted
4 May, 2026 17:27 | Updated 4 May, 2026 19:27
The Russian Defense Ministry has announced a two-day ceasefire on May 8–9 to mark the end of World War II in Europe, calling on Kiev to follow suit.
It warned that any attempt to disrupt the celebrations, including a strike on Moscow, would be met with a retaliatory strike on the Ukrainian capital.
The ministry pointed in particular to a statement made by Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan on Monday, which it said contained threats to target Moscow during the Victory Day celebrations.
The Ukrainian leader claimed that Moscow fears Ukrainian “drones may buzz over Red Square.”
The Russian military will take all the necessary measures to ensure the security of the celebrations, the ministry said, warning that if Ukraine attempts to disrupt them, “the Russian Armed Forces will launch a major retaliatory strike on the center of Kiev.”
Moscow has so far refrained from such actions for humanitarian reasons, the ministry added, urging residents of the Ukrainian capital and foreign diplomats to leave the city “in a timely manner.”
Talking to journalists earlier on Monday, Zelensky branded the two-day ceasefire “unfair” and claimed that “no one officially suggested anything” to Kiev and that Moscow only discussed a potential truce with the US.
He referred to a phone call between presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in late April, during which the Russian president informed his American counterpart about the Victory Day ceasefire plans.
Shortly after the Russian Defense Ministry’s announcement, he took to X to say that Ukraine would unilaterally declare a ceasefire starting at midnight on the night of May 5–6, adding that Kiev would “act reciprocally” from that point despite what he claimed was the lack of any “official appeal” from Russia.
Russia has repeatedly declared pauses during various holidays throughout the Ukraine conflict.
Last year, it also suspended its offensive operations in early May to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.
Moscow expressed its hope at the time that the move would contribute to the “start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.” Zelensky dismissed it as “manipulation.”
In 2023, Russia observed truces both during the Orthodox Christmas holiday in January and on Easter weekend in April upon the initiative of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2025, the Easter truce was declared again.
Last month, Moscow also declared an Easter truce, which was violated by the Ukrainian military more than 6,500 times within just 32 hours, according to the Defense Ministry.
https://www.rt.com/russia/639437-moscow-declares-victory-day-ceasefire/
extra RT
https://www.rt.com/russia/639457-three-hundred-ukrainian-drones-downed/
https://www.rt.com/news/639458-colombian-mercenaries-ukraine-petro/
Russia’s Second-Largest Oil Refinery Suspends Operations After Ukrainian Drone Strikes
May 05, 2026 19:07
On May 5, Russia’s second-largest oil refinery in Kirishi, Leningrad Region, suspended operations after Ukrainian drone strikes damaged three of its four crude distillation units, according to two industry sources cited by Reuters.
The incident comes amid an intensified campaign of long-range drone attacks by Ukraine over the past two months. Targeting key segments of Russia’s oil sector, the effort is aimed at disrupting the financial foundations of Moscow’s war economy, estimated at around $3 trillion.
Ukrainian strike drones attacked Kirishi Oil Refinery in the city of Kirishi.
Satellite monitoring service NASA FIRMS detected active thermal anomalies at the site, pointing to possible fire damage in the aftermath of the strike.
Leningrad region governor Alexander Drozdenko claimed that Russian air defenses had intercepted 18 drones over the area and said emergency services were working to contain the resulting fires.
Later, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed that the attck was carried out by its Alpha unit in coordination with Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces and Unmanned Systems Forces.
According to the SBU, the strikes hit three primary crude distillation units—key installations used in the initial stage of oil refining—triggering an ongoing fire. A separate strike also reportedly hit a storage tank containing petroleum products at an adjacent pumping station.
Previous Ukrainian strikes on the same facility have already highlighted its susceptibility to drone attacks. According to Reuters, an earlier strike disrupted operations after damaging a key processing unit, temporarily reducing the refinery’s output.
The Kirishi Oil Refinery processed around 17.5 million tonnes of crude oil in 2024, accounting for roughly 6.6% of the country’s total refining capacity. Its output included about 2 million tonnes of gasoline, 7.1 million tonnes of diesel fuel, 6.1 million tonnes of fuel oil, and approximately 600,000 tonnes of bitumen.
https://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/russias-second-largest-oil-refinery-suspends-operations-after-ukrainian-drone-strikes-18501
other Russia and Ukraine
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2026-05/ukraine-russia-moscow-war-conflict-strikes.html
https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/zelenskyy-proposes-launching-drone-deal-with-1777996584.html
https://www.technology.org/2026/05/05/russians-encountered-a-zombie-drone-in-their-own-airspace/
https://kyivindependent.com/russian-fiber-optic-fpv-drones-appear-in-heart-of-ukraines-donbas-stronghold/
https://www.nknews.org/2026/05/drone-strike-near-dprk-embassy-dims-prospects-for-a-kim-jong-un-visit-to-moscow/
https://kyivindependent.com/european-commission-opens-call-for-proposals-to-join-eu-ukraine-drone-alliance/
https://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/russian-double-tap-strike-kills-rescuers-in-poltava-as-nationwide-drone-and-missile-attacks-hit-ukraine-18473
Drone Attack Targets Khartoum Airport Amid Escalating Sudan Conflict
May 5, 2026
Sudan’s air defenses intercepted drones targeting the airport in Khartoum on Monday, May 4, according to a military source, in the latest escalation of violence in the capital.
Witnesses reported explosions and rising smoke in the Safa neighborhood, east of the airport, following the attempted strike.
The incident comes two days after a drone attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) killed five civilians when it struck a vehicle in the greater Khartoum area on Saturday.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, with fighting between the national army and the RSF leaving thousands dead and millions displaced, amid a severe humanitarian crisis.
https://northafricapost.com/96807-drone-attack-targets-khartoum-airport-amid-escalating-sudan-conflict.html
https://www.rt.com/africa/639460-sudan-accuses-ethiopia-uae-drone-strike/