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CDC Discreetly Scales Back Food Poisoning Surveillance Program

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The federal-state collaboration that oversees foodborne illness monitoring discreetly diminished its operations nearly two months ago.

As of July 1st, the Food Surveillance for Active Foodborne Diseases (FoodNet) program has slashed its surveillance efforts to just two pathogens: Salmonella and Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC), according to a spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as reported by NBC News.

Prior to this, the program was monitoring infections from six additional pathogens: Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia. Some of these pathogens can trigger particularly severe or life-threatening diseases, especially in vulnerable populations such as newborns, pregnant individuals, or those with compromised immune systems.

While states involved in the program are no longer obligated to track the six pathogens, they are still allowed to conduct their own surveillance.

Food safety experts express concern that this underreported decision may hinder public health officials from recognizing trends in foodborne diseases.

FoodNet operates as a partnership between the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, the Department of Agriculture, and ten state health departments, covering a surveillance area that includes about 54 million people, or 16% of the U.S. population.

A CDC representative commented, “FoodNet’s primary focus will remain on Salmonella and we will uphold both the infrastructure and the quality of our representation.”

A document shared with Connecticut’s Department of Public Health, as reported by NBC News, indicates that “funding does not align with the resources necessary to sustain comprehensive FoodNet surveillance for all eight pathogens.”

On Monday, a CDC spokesperson mentioned that other systems continue to perform national surveillance for the six pathogens removed from FoodNet. For instance, state health departments can still report cases through the National Notification Disease Surveillance System. Additionally, the CDC’s Listeria Initiative gathers laboratory-confirmed cases of listeriosis, a serious infection caused by consuming Listeria-contaminated food.

Nonetheless, food safety experts stress that FoodNet is the only active federal surveillance system monitoring multiple foodborne diseases. Other federal systems rely on passive reporting, meaning that the CDC depends on state health departments to notify them of cases.

Experts fear that without proactive monitoring of all eight pathogens, public health officials might struggle to accurately compare trends over time or to detect increases in specific diseases. There are also concerns that a reduction in FoodNet operations could hinder rapid responses to outbreaks.

Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University, described the decision to cut FoodNet surveillance as “very disappointing.”

“The work that I and countless others have devoted over the past two to three decades to enhance food safety is now at risk,” she stated. Kowalcyk’s advocacy for improved U.S. food safety policy arose after the death of her son from complications linked to foodborne E. coli infections in 2001.

Kowalcyk emphasized that federal food safety funding has failed to keep pace with inflation, and cuts to state health department funding likely impede the ability to sustain FoodNet surveillance. The CDC has requested $72 million for the Food Safety Budget for the fiscal years 2026 and 2024.

It remains unclear how the changes to FoodNet will impact monitoring at the state level.

The health departments of Oregon and Connecticut acknowledged awareness of the recent changes on Monday, while the Georgia Department of Public Health noted it had not yet received official updates from the CDC. Meanwhile, the New Mexico Health Department is awaiting notification from the CDC to clarify the future scope of surveillance.

The Maryland Department of Health indicated that their reporting will continue “regardless of the changes to the FoodNet network,” as state health providers and clinical laboratories must report cases for all eight pathogens monitored by FoodNet.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment warned that if funding decreases in 2026, it may have to scale back active surveillance for some pathogens.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Ex-Michigan Student Claims He Developed Cancer After Using Chemistry Program Labeled “Harmless”

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A former Michigan graduate student is taking action against the university, claiming that her thyroid cancer is linked to her time there. She stated that her exposure to pesticides was deemed “harmless,” according to her and her legal team’s claims made on Monday.

Linglong Wei was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on June 26th of last year, attributing her condition to her experiences at MSU between 2008 and 2011 in a lawsuit filed in Ingham County Circuit Court.

According to the civil suit, “In Wei’s field studies, Michigan State University required her to apply excessive amounts of harmful pesticides and herbicides.”

Wei alleges exposure to several herbicides, such as dichloride, glyphosate, and oxyflufen, noting that they are linked to cancer.

The lawsuit claims Wei was not adequately trained and did not receive the necessary protective gear to handle such hazardous substances.

Looking back, Wei criticized the university for failing to implement stronger safety protocols.

“During my time as a student at MSU, I voiced my concerns, but no one listened,” Wei told reporters in Lansing.

“I felt afraid due to the department’s reactions. I didn’t strongly advocate for my safety, especially when I was told that exposure was safe.”

Wei, an international student from China, mentioned that the cancer left lasting marks on her throat, and she worries about her prospects of having children.

She speculated that MSU ignored her concerns.

“International students often feel overlooked, assuming their time here is temporary and their concerns go unheard,” Wei stated.

Maya Green, a former student lawyer, highlighted her client’s inadequate training and safety equipment provided by MSU.

“She was made to handle dangerous pesticides without proper gloves, protective equipment, breathing masks, or sufficient training,” Green said.

“Wei was placed in a position to handle these harmful substances without protection. She was a foreign student, navigating MSU’s system in a language that was not her own.”

The former Michigan student is seeking $100 million in damages.

“Wei was consistently assured that her activities posed no harm, and she relied on that assurance, only to suffer as a result,” her attorney noted.

Michigan State spokesperson Amber McCann declined to comment on the specifics of Wei’s case.

“While we cannot discuss ongoing litigation, we want to stress that Michigan State prioritizes the health and safety of the campus community,” McCann stated.

“We ensure that necessary training and personal protective equipment are provided in accordance with relevant university policies and state and federal regulations.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Despite Kennedy’s Assertions, CDC’s Childhood Lead Program Faces Discontinuation

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Amidst claims regarding funding, the federal government’s initiative to prevent childhood lead poisoning is currently inactive.

In April, the program’s 26 personnel went on administrative leave, with a shutdown slated for June 2 as part of a wider restructuring within the Department of Health and Human Services.

As of now, none of the team members have returned, and layoffs are expected to occur in two weeks, according to Eric Svenden, director of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Practices at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which encompasses the Childhood Lead Program.

In recent weeks, Kennedy has faced backlash from Democratic senators regarding the reduction of the program, as state and local health departments have stepped in to conduct blood lead testing and monitoring.

At a Senate Approval Committee hearing on Tuesday, Kennedy informed Sen. Jack Reed that the program is still funded. The previous week, he reassured Sen. Tammy Baldwin that he has no intentions of discontinuing it.

However, Svendsen stated that his entire division was disbanded by HHS, making it challenging to easily reassemble.

“There’s no other expert to do what we do,” he remarked. “The public health field is so specialized that you can’t just bring in new staff overnight.”

According to two CDC scientists aware of the situation, staff from the Childhood Lead Program have not been given directives on transitioning their responsibilities.

Even minimal lead exposure poses risks to children’s developmental progress, learning capabilities, and behavior. The CDC program delivered essential expertise to assist underfunded health departments in mitigating these risks. In 2023, it played a role in addressing a national lead poisoning outbreak linked to Cinnamon Applesauce and maintained frequent communication with the Milwaukee Health Department after lead hazards were identified in public schools.

“We have a team in Milwaukee,” Kennedy asserted to Reed on Tuesday, mentioning the provision of laboratory and analytical support to the health department.

However, the Milwaukee Health Department disputed Kennedy’s claim, stating there was no federal epidemiological or analytical assistance connected to the lead crisis.

“Regrettably, this is yet another instance of the secretary failing to provide accurate information,” commented city health commissioner Mike Traitis.

Caroline Reinwald, a spokesperson for the Milwaukee Health Department, explained that the only federal involvement during the major crisis was a “brief two-week visit from one CDC staff member this month, assisting us with lab verification measures.”

“This assistance was separately requested,” Reinwald noted, highlighting that Milwaukee Public Schools sought help due to the crisis and an existing need to enhance the lab’s long-term lead testing capacity.

HHS has announced its intention to continue efforts to eradicate childhood lead poisoning through a newly established department called the Administration for Healthy America. Nevertheless, Democratic lawmakers and environmental health organizations question the sustainability of this work without reinstating the staff.

“Although you mentioned last week that you wouldn’t cut this program, you dismissed the entire office responsible for it,” Baldwin confronted Kennedy during Tuesday’s hearing. “Your choice to terminate staff and eliminate offices endangers children, including thousands in Milwaukee.”

HHS has not responded to inquiries for comment.

At the hearing, Kennedy failed to provide updated information about his agency’s strategies, referencing a court order implemented by the Trump administration that halted federal government reductions.

The severity of Milwaukee’s crisis came to light in February when health officials identified alarming toxin levels in classrooms, corridors, and common areas, exacerbated by deteriorating lead-based paint.

Before the childhood lead program was affected, the CDC engaged with the Milwaukee Health Department weekly, collaborating on a strategy to screen tens of thousands of students for lead poisoning.

The health department reached out to the CDC for assistance on March 26, but Traitis noted that the agency dismissed the childhood lead team on April 1, subsequently denying Milwaukee’s request two days later.

“It’s quite unprecedented, as this marks the first time in at least 75 years that the CDC has rejected an EPIAID request,” he added.

To date, the Milwaukee Health Department has identified over 100 schools built before 1978, the year when federal regulations prohibited lead-based paints for consumer use. Approximately 40 of these have been tested, Traitis reported. Lead contamination has resulted in the closure of six schools since the beginning of the year, with only two reopening.

Currently, about 350 students in Milwaukee are screened for lead poisoning among a potential risk group of 44,000, as reported by Traitis. One case has been linked to the school’s environment, while two more cases stem from exposure in both school and home scenarios. The Health Department is investigating four additional cases that may involve multiple sources of exposure.

Totoraitis explained that while the department routinely investigates lead in residences and rental properties, they were counting on the CDC to aid in expanding inspection capacities for larger buildings. He noted that CDC staff were expected to assist in establishing lead screening clinics and tracing exposure sources.

The health department is managing these initiatives independently now, but Totoraitis expressed concerns about the ability to screen all cases promptly. He estimated that the department could handle approximately 1,000 to 1,200 pediatric lead poisoning cases annually. This encompasses blood lead level testing, chelation therapy for treating lead poisoning, and mitigating exposure by replacing contaminated windows and doors.

Totoraitis expressed hope for hiring two CDC employees who might return soon to clarify lingering questions about managing the crisis.

Ultimately, he remarked, “I hope to receive an email from them saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got our jobs back.’ ”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

NASA’s Budget Cuts Endanger Wildfire Combat Program

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Hinesville, Ga. — From an elevation of 9,000 feet, NASA researchers observed extensive areas of prescribed burns at Fort Stewart Army Base this month, actively monitoring the flames and engaging with the landscape.

This burn is intentional and controlled, conducted as part of “prescription burns” to clear specific regions. The study, part of NASA’s FireSense project, aids firefighters in combating actual wildfires and may even help land managers avoid unnecessary ignitions.

However, initiatives like FireSense may face challenges as reports suggest significant budget cuts for NASA and other federal agencies under the Trump administration.

Last year, the U.S. experienced nearly 9 million acres consumed by wildfires, according to the National Interagency Fire Centre. Their annual report noted that wildfires and burned acreage in 2024 were “significantly higher than the five- and ten-year averages.”

Research indicates that climate change not only increases the frequency of wildfires but also exacerbates their destructiveness.

“The situation is deteriorating,” stated Michele Steinberg, director of the Wildfire Division at the National Fire Prevention Association. “We are witnessing fires in areas previously unaffected, burning hotter than ever.”

Severe wildfires pose substantial health, financial, and environmental threats, highlighting the importance of safeguarding lives and livelihoods through research.

NASA is not the only agency focused on wildfire issues. The U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and the Bureau of Land Management are among the key federal entities engaged in wildfire response and prevention. What sets space agencies apart is their application of advanced technologies, including tools used in space, to bridge existing knowledge gaps.

“FireSense emerged from NASA’s recognition of wildfires as a significant issue. We are leveraging our expertise to assist the government in improving its wildfire management efforts.”

Project scientists will collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as academic partners, to enhance understanding of fire behavior, air quality concerns during and after wildfires, and ecosystem recovery post-ignition. Researchers are also exploring ways to manage vegetation in at-risk areas to minimize wildfire risks and curb rapid spread.

“Our objective is to adopt innovative technology, work closely with Wildland Fire Managers, and ensure this technology is accessible for wildfire situations,” explained Jacquelyn Shuman, a NASA Firesense project scientist.

The project employs equipment designed similarly to instruments used in low-Earth orbit on the International Space Station, providing detailed and accurate metrics to assist firefighters and land managers before, during, and after major fires.

At Fort Stewart, scientists monitored the prescribed burns, documenting the spread and mapping the flames with advanced infrared instruments known as Aviris-3 (short for Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer 3). The fire ultimately consumed around 700 acres.

NASA scientists are studying prescribed burns at Fort Stewart on April 14th.
Milan P. Leikono / NASA

Researchers closely monitored fire spread, its ground position, and temperature variations.

Prescription burns are intentionally ignited to manage ecosystems that rely on regular fires for health. They also help diminish dry, combustible vegetation that could ignite uncontrollably.

These burns are meticulously planned and conducted under specific weather conditions to control their spread; they also serve as scientific experiments for wildfire researchers, according to Harrison Raine, a former elite firefighter and current project coordinator for FireSense.

“We’re aiming to integrate all aspects of the fire lifecycle and utilize scientific understanding to address ongoing issues,” said Raine, who has extensive wildfire experience across multiple states.

“This is a profoundly personal issue for me,” he shared. “Coming from Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed the devastation firsthand, and I am committed to tackling this critical challenge. It requires all available tools, and science is crucial.”

NBC News correspondent Jacob Soborov (left) visits FireSense burns with Department of Defense employees.
Milan P. Leikono / NASA

Nevertheless, the future of FireSense may be uncertain due to ongoing concerns regarding funding for NASA and other federal programs.

While the budget cuts could impact project viability, the precise effects remain unclear. Signals indicate significant reductions to NASA’s Science Mission Bureau, which includes geoscience initiatives.

“Funding decisions have not yet been finalized,” stated Rachel Courley, a spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget. NASA declined to comment and referred questions about the budget to OMB.

As the administration gears up to unveil its budget proposals shortly, concerns about possible cuts intensify.

“As a former NASA leader, I take pride in the agency’s comprehensive efforts to monitor and respond to wildfires,” remarked Sen. George Whiteside (D-Calif) in a statement. “Cutting essential wildfire programs like FireSense poses a risk to rebuilding communities like mine after devastating fires in Southern California.”

Stanford University’s Wara emphasized the far-reaching consequences of NASA’s wildfire research, noting that space agencies have significantly contributed to contemporary wildfire models and fire-related data.

“There’s no doubt that FireSense has considerably enhanced our understanding of fire behavior and risk,” he commented. “Losing this initiative would be detrimental, as regaining that knowledge is exceedingly challenging.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

The White House’s Plan to Dismantle NOAA’s Research Program

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Internal documents obtained by the New York Times and several people with knowledge of the situation show Trump administration officials recommend elimination of the scientific research department in the National Maritime and Atmospheric Administration.

The proposal from the Office of Management and Budget would abolish NOAA’s Marine and Atmospheric Research Institute, one of the world’s premiere geoscience research centres.

The budget allocations of more than $170 million to about $485 million in 2024 have increased nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet over the past 40 years, as science is as diverse as the early warning systems for natural disasters, science education for kindergarten students, science education in high schools, and research in the Arctic.

“At this funding level, OARs will be eliminated as line offices,” the proposal states.

The funded program, which includes tornado warnings and marine acidification research, will be relocated to the National Weather Service and the National Marine Services Office.

An overview of the 2026 budget passback that needs to be approved by Congress suggests “significant reductions in education, grants, research and climate-related programs within NOAA,” following the removal of the demolition of other institutions, such as the Institute of International Health and the US Agency for International Development, and the removal of climate change from federal government websites.

Under the proposal, the Department of Commerce’s total budget will be nearly $7.7 billion, down more than $2.5 billion from the 2025 level. The budget will focus on activities that are in line with the Trump administration’s agenda, including implementing trade laws and collecting scientific observations such as ocean and weather data to support forecasts.

“This administration’s hostility to climate science research and rejection will result in contenting the weather forecasting capabilities that the plan claims to preserve,” Zoe Lofgren, a senior Democrat with the House Science Committee, said in an emailed statement.

NOAA, which accounts for more than half of the Department of Commerce budget, will receive a small $4.4 billion cut from 2025, cutting $1.6 billion.

“It’s not surprising, but it’s very disturbing,” said Rick Spinrad, who led NOAA under President Joseph R. Biden Jr.

This includes reducing the National Marine Fisheries Services budget by a third. The office will be split from NOAA and will be moved to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior. Funding for species recovery and habitat conservation is eliminated.

Funds for NOAA’s branch of National Ocean Service will be cut in half. Programs like the Coastal Marine Science Center, offices within marine services that study the effects of climate change and sea level rise on coral, pollution, and coastal communities will not be funded.

Environmental Information Centres, which archive climate data, will lose a quarter of their funds.

The proposal also changes NOAA’s satellite and space programs.

It will destroy the Department of Space and Commerce office and relocate the Space Weather Prediction Center to the Department of Homeland Security. A program called the Space Traffic Coordination System, set up to take over satellite traffic surveillance from the Department of Defense, a type of traffic police for space, will also lose funds. Passback suggests that such work will be carried out by the private sector.

The satellite programme that provides weather and modeling data will also be reduced. The long-standing relationship that will help NOAA acquire satellites through NASA will also end.

Dr. Spinlad said the budget proposed by the White House is unlikely to pass Congress. “I don’t think I’ll endure the scrutiny of Congress.”

According to the document, passbacks are part of balancing federal budgets, including “eliminating support for the federal awakening ideology.”

Project 2025 is a document that has been used as a blueprint for federal overhauls under the Trump administration, and included the goal of disbanding NOAA and reducing its research division.

“That raises doubts. Is the Trump administration intentionally breaking our weather capabilities as an excuse to implement the dangerous project 2025 proposal to privatize weather services?” Lofglen said in a statement.

Published by the conservative policy research institute, The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025, called NOAA research “many sources of NOAA climate warnings,” and said “the dominance of climate change research needs to be dissolved.”

“This will bring the United States back to the 1950s with technical and scientific skills,” said Craig McLean, NOAA’s chief scientist under both the first President Trump and Biden in the budget proposal.

Agents must appeal the proposal until noon on April 15th. And until April 24th, many plans for the overhaul suggested by Passback will need to be submitted, even before the proposal is addressed by Congress.

On Thursday, probation officials who were fired in February and later resurrected by judges received an email from the Department of Commerce, who fired them again after the decision was overturned by a superior court. The so-called Force Plan cuts could further reduce 20% of the workforce in the coming weeks.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Trump’s layoff negatively impacts safety program for firefighters

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WASHINGTON – Patrick Montague, a federal firefighter investigator, was unexpectedly fired by the Trump administration on Saturday night, along with thousands of other Department of Health and Human Services employees. Patrick, 46, from Kentucky, had 26 years of experience in firefighting and prevention programs, as well as academic training and technical expertise. Despite receiving repeated praise from his supervisors, he was let go before completing his two-year probationary period due to his alleged inadequate performance.

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Montague was part of a program aimed at reducing firefighters’ risks while on duty. Three out of the five members of his program were fired in a similar manner. The sudden layoffs were attributed to billionaire Elon Musk’s influence on cutting federal programs and reducing government workforce.

The termination of these employees, including Montague, has raised concerns about the impact on important public safety programs, such as the Fatal Firefighter Survey and Prevention Program. These programs were created to enhance the safety and well-being of firefighters across the country.

Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Firefighters, emphasized the importance of investing in firefighter safety programs and expressed hope that the Trump administration would prioritize such initiatives.

In addition to the firefighter safety programs, layoffs within the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health have also affected workers responsible for maintaining the national firefighters’ cancer registry. The registry, established by a law signed by Trump in July 2018, tracks and fights cancer deaths among firefighters.

The disconnect between Trump’s public praise for firefighters and the sudden layoffs of those working on critical firefighter safety programs has left many scratching their heads. Union officials and advocates for fire safety are puzzled by the contradictory actions taken by the administration.

Despite the termination notices citing performance issues, many affected employees, like Patrick Montague, believe that their performance was satisfactory and are baffled by the decision to let them go.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

$5 billion Electric Vehicle Charging Program Suspended by Trump Administration

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The Trump administration has directed US states to halt the $5 billion electric vehicle charging station program, dealing another blow to the environmental movement since the president’s return to the White House.

In a notice issued on Thursday, the Federal Highways Agency (FHWA) of the Transportation Agency ordered states not to utilize funds allocated under the Biden administration’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

Emily Biondi, assistant manager of planning, environment, and real estate at FHWA, wrote in a memo, “The new leadership of the Department of Transportation has chosen to reassess the policies guiding the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program.” Biondi added, “Therefore, the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, supersedes all previous versions of this guidance.”

Biondi further stated, “As a consequence of the withdrawal of guidance for the NEVI Formula Program, FHWA has ceased immediately the approval of all plans for electric vehicle infrastructure deployment in all states. Therefore, the updated final NEVI Formula Program is effective immediately. No new obligations will be incurred under the NEVI Formula Program until new guidance is issued and new state plans are submitted and approved.”

Biondi mentioned that existing obligations for the design and construction of charging stations will be reimbursed to prevent disruption in current financial commitments until new guidance is issued.

According to the page on the Energy Department website, the NEVI program funds states to strategically deploy EV chargers, covering up to 80% of qualified project costs.

In a report by Politico on Thursday, FHWA has removed several website pages containing information about the NEVI program.

Andrew Rogers, a former FHWA administrator under the Biden administration, stated to Politico that the memo “appears to disregard federal court rulings and multiple injunctions.”

Currently, 14 states have operational EV stations, as reported by EV Clearing House. As of November last year, there was an 83% increase in open NEVI ports from the previous quarter, with 126 public charging ports at 31 NEVI stations in nine states.

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A total of 41 states have released solicitations for EV charging stations, with over 3,560 fast charging ports at more than 890 locations.

During his campaign, Trump opposed EVs, suggesting that EV supporters should “rot in hell” and that Biden’s backing of EVs would lead to a “bloodbath” in the US automotive industry.

One of the executive orders Trump signed shortly after taking office aimed to ensure that half of all new vehicles for sale in the US between 2021 and 2030 would be revoked.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Meta announces end of DEI program just days before Trump’s inauguration | US News

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Effective immediately, the company will be discontinuing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program as of Friday, following Meta’s announcement that fact-checking would be eliminated by Mark Zuckerberg.

An internal memo from Meta acknowledged the changing legal and policy landscape surrounding DEI efforts in the United States, referencing recent Supreme Court decisions and the concept of DEI. It also highlighted the “reprehensible” views held by some individuals. Axios and Business Insider initially reported on the memo. Mehta confirmed the termination of DEI practices but did not provide further comment on how this decision aligns with the company’s overarching goals.

Janelle Gale, vice president of human resources, mentioned in the memo the discontinuation of various programs targeting underrepresented groups, such as the Diverse Slate Approach and Representation Goals, which are currently facing challenges. These programs were utilized to promote diverse employment practices.

Despite Meta’s efforts to increase diversity in the workforce, the company will no longer implement certain diversity employment practices, as stated in a new announcement.

Furthermore, the company will be ending its equity and inclusion training program and permanently disbanding its DEI-focused team.

The decision to terminate diversity efforts contradicts Meta’s AI-powered Instagram and Facebook profiles, which highlighted the need for a more representative team.

The termination of DEI initiatives follows Meta’s alignment with Donald Trump and the addition of Trump ally Dana White to the company’s board of directors. Meta joins a list of companies, including McDonald’s, Walmart, Ford, and Lowe’s, that have voluntarily halted their diversity initiatives or have been targeted by far-right groups.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Astronauts stranded on ISS after Starliner failure: US space program not in jeopardy

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Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is not scheduled to return astronauts from space this year

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

It’s official: Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will remain aboard the International Space Station until at least February. While it’s a major setback for Boeing’s Starliner, the plane that carried them there, it doesn’t spell doom for the U.S. space program. Rather, it highlights the success of the transition from the government providing the sole rocket to space to a proliferation of commercial spaceflight options.

This is exactly the contingency that NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which transports astronauts to the ISS using spacecraft built by private companies, was designed to handle. “The Commercial Crew Program deliberately selected two providers for redundancy in preparation for exactly this situation,” he said. Laura Forzigan independent space industry consultant. The two NASA astronauts were originally scheduled to arrive at the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5 and return to Earth about a week later. However, issues with the spacecraft resulted in them staying for an extended mission before returning home aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft instead of the Starliner.

“If they had only picked one provider, it would have been Boeing because SpaceX was a riskier proposition at the time,” Forczyk said, “so in some sense, this is a win for the Commercial Crew program.”

The mission was Starliner’s first manned test flight, and it was rocky from the start: valve leaks and thruster failures on the journey into space forced NASA and Boeing to reconsider whether the spacecraft could safely return astronauts to Earth. Tests of the thrusters on the ground were inconclusive, and there was still a risk of the thrusters failing during the return journey.

The safest alternative would be for astronauts to remain on the ISS until SpaceX’s proven Crew Dragon spacecraft has room to return, which could happen in early 2025. In the meantime, Starliner will autonomously detach from the ISS in September and return to Earth without a crew member while Boeing engineers continue to troubleshoot.

“This was a test mission, but sometimes testing gives you answers that tell you there are things that need to be fixed,” said former NASA astronaut Michael Fossum. statement“Testing doesn’t necessarily prove that everything worked perfectly.”

At a press conference on August 24, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson Though Boeing has been adamant that Starliner will get another chance to carry crew to the ISS, some aren’t so convinced. Boeing’s contract requires that the vehicle isn’t certified for use in real missions until it completes a successful test flight, which it didn’t this time. If NASA requires Starliner to undergo another test flight, Forchik says, the first operational flight could be delayed until 2026 at the earliest. With the ISS scheduled to close around 2030, keeping Starliner ready for active duty may not be worth it.

Without redundancy in the commercial crew program, the failure of Starliner could have left the U.S. without a launch provider entirely. As it stands, SpaceX will continue to shuttle astronauts to and from the ISS. Although Wilmore and Williams will need to stay aboard the ISS for a little longer, they are veteran astronauts with the experience and equipment to quickly jump into daily life in space before returning safely to Earth.

For Wilmore and Williams, the challenges and inconveniences of a long-term stay may not outweigh the excitement of life in orbit. “I know them really well, and I think in some ways they were a little disappointed to be up there in such a short amount of time,” Fossum said. “They both have been on long-term missions aboard the space station before… and they both enjoyed it.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Non-military drones could be used to deliver medical supplies under UK travel monitoring program

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Britain’s air travel watchdog has proposed the use of drones to deliver medical supplies and inspect railways, power lines, and roads. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published a consultation paper outlining the proposals, which would allow pilots to safely fly drones out of sight.

While some drones have been flying beyond visual lines in the UK for test flights, the new proposals would enable drones to operate out of sight by flying at a lower height and closer to buildings and infrastructure, reducing the risk of other aircraft traffic.

Kevin Woolsey, head of remotely piloted aircraft systems at the CAA, stated that the proposed concept would open the door to the next stage of drone flying in the UK, potentially allowing for beyond visual line of sight operations and online shopping delivery by drone.

The CAA intends to allow drones to be used on private land without a permit, as long as they do not fly higher than 15 meters. Industries involved in infrastructure inspections, such as railways, power lines, and roads, as well as farmers and field security, are expected to benefit from these proposals.

The consultation forms part of the UK’s future flight plans, which aim to enable drones to safely share more of the sky with other airspace users. The CAA will run the consultation for six weeks and provide further details on its website.

The proposals also include allowing drones to fly in “atypical air environments,” which are areas with reduced conventional aircraft traffic due to proximity to buildings and ground infrastructure. The CAA acknowledges the risks associated with operating in such airspace and will work to mitigate these risks with relevant approvals from operating companies.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Highly anticipated games from Heroes of Mavia now available on iOS and Android with exclusive Mavia Airdrop program

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Hanoi, Vietnam, January 31, 2024, Chainwire

heroes of mavia, The groundbreaking Web3 AAA mobile-based builder strategy game is now available on iOS and Android app stores. This release heralds a new era in gaming, blending the thrill of strategic gameplay with the innovative aspects of Web3 technology.

After a successful three-month private beta period that attracted more than 350,000 waitlist enthusiasts and impressive engagement statistics of 12,000 daily and 45,000 monthly active users, Heroes of Mavia is now available worldwide. will attract the gaming community. The game boasts an average daily play time of 24 minutes and an impressive 42% 7-day retention rate, demonstrating its engaging gameplay and engaging content.

Coinciding with this highly anticipated launch, Heroes of Mavia is introducing the “Mavia Pioneer Airdrop Program – Turbocharged.” This unique program offers an early adopter who downloaded the game before the $MAVIA token launch on February 6th the opportunity to participate in the $MAVIA airdrop, thereby immersing him in the world of Web3 gaming benefits. I can.

The Heroes of Mavia community is growing rapidly, with Twitter and Discord channels gaining 45,000 new followers and members in just two weeks, highlighting the game's growing popularity.

Heroes of Mavia strives to bridge the gap between traditional games (Web2) and new age Web3 games. Each player is equipped with an on-chain, non-custodial wallet that facilitates minting, purchasing, and trading unique in-game items (NFTs). This feature not only improves your gaming experience, but also opens the door to the dynamic world of Web3.

The game's recent partnership with Kick.com solidifies Heroes of Mavia's place in the world of Web2 streaming, expanding its appeal and influence within the gaming community.

Uniquely, Heroes of Mavia's innovative Web3 model is built for sustainable growth, avoiding the hyperinflation issues common to many play-to-earn projects. This approach promises a balanced and fulfilling experience for all players, whether they are long-time Web3 enthusiasts or newcomers to this exciting field.

About Heroes of Mavia

Heroes of Mavia is a AAA mobile Web3 strategy game available in iOS and Android app stores worldwide. The game is backed by prominent investors including Binance Labs, Genblock Capital, Delphi Digital, Mechanism Capital, Bitkraft, and Animoca Brands. Heroes of Mavia's native token $MAVIA is scheduled to be launched on February 6, 2024.

To download Heroes of Mavia, please visit: https://www.mavia.com/

Follow Mavia's Heroes

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contact

Nania Tran
nania@mavia.com

Source: the-blockchain.com