X-60

A lot of the information surrounding hypersonic missiles is just hype, but I did want to at least note this.

Underwater spy drones

We are apparently using them.  Other countries are apparently catching them occasionally.  Glad to see the USN out there.  More please.

Mushrooms and seaweed

OK, it isn’t likely, but it is an interesting article.

China launches new heavy rocket

At the end of 2019, China launched a new heavy lift rocket.  This rocket is said to form the basis of the Chinese plans to have their own space station as well as launch missions to Mars.  The US better stop dragging its feet. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Small thinking

In this story, the plans of the ESA and NASA are discussed in regard to getting samples of Martian soil back here for study….by 2031.  This is the perfect example of the small thinking that infects NASA. By 2031, Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos will have people on Mars, while the government spaceflight agencies diddle around. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Odd space news

Story here.  There is something deeply weird in Japanese culture right now.  It is as if the men have forgotten or lost interest in pursuing a spouse in any normal fashion. A 44 year old billionaire ought to not have much trouble finding female companionship. Jeff Bezos didn’t have any problem and he was married at the time. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Now all we have to do….

is figure out a way to get there.   A nice first step might be having people on the moon and Mars!  Actually, since the planet appears to be tidally locked, it might not be there best candidate, but we ought to have a look at some point. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)

Well, this is interesting

Story here.  If this laser works as advertised, it could really change things in a number of arenas, such as air and missile defense, anti-anti-tank defense etc.  Of course, we need to wait and see.

Iran 1 Airliner 0

Looks like Iran may have shot down the Ukrainian Airlines 737.  The pentagon says an SA-15 Gauntlet was the missile involved.  It is criminally stupid to allow airliners to be flying while your air defenses are on high alert.

 

UPDATE: There now appears to be video evidence to confirm that the airliner was hit by a missile.

We’ve got to get off of this rock

As regular readers know, spaceflight and exploration is one of the areas where I frequently link to news stories.  I am adamant that we need to get the US back into manned spaceflight and we need to get humanity out into the solar system.  It is stories like this that are one of the reasons why.  Sooner or later we are going to get smacked hard.  It would be better if we weren’t all in one place when that happens. (post in memory of Mike Nofsinger)