Daily News

Discover the Exciting Journey: NASA to Host Briefings for Starliner Crew Flight

Join NASA’s exciting Starliner Crew Flight with briefings on April 25. Get ready for a mesmerizing journey to the International Space Station! #NASA #GalacticAdventure

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2024

Rod Washington

"NASA's Starliner Crew Flight briefing image" — NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare for their mission in the company’s Starliner spacecraft simulator at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Credits: NASA/Robert Markowitz

Are you excited about space exploration? Well, get ready, because NASA is gearing up for an extraordinary event. On Monday, May 6th at 10:34 p.m. EDT, the agency’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test to the International Space Station will take place, and NASA is inviting everyone to join in the excitement.

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, esteemed NASA astronauts, will ascend to the heavens aboard Boeing’s remarkable Starliner spacecraft. The journey will commence with a launch from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Their destination? The International Space Station, where they will reside for approximately one week. This highly anticipated mission is a significant milestone for the Starliner spacecraft, as it marks its first crewed flight. With its end-to-end capabilities being put to the ultimate test, including launch, docking, and a return to Earth in the western United States, NASA is one step closer to certifying Starliner and its systems for future crewed missions to the space station.

NASA is offering media opportunities for those who are interested in witnessing and being a part of the upcoming Starliner Crew Flight event. Two briefings will be hosted by NASA on Thursday, April 25 to provide exciting information about this groundbreaking event.

First up, at 1 p.m. EDT, is the Crew Arrival Media Event at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. We are expecting to see Janet Petro, director of NASA Kennedy, and Dana Hutcherson, deputy program manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, along with the remarkable astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The crew arrival event will be broadcasted live on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. Unfortunately, only in-person media will be able to ask questions, but don’t worry, we can still experience the thrill of this event from the comfort of our own screens. Stay updated by following Commercial Crew and Kennedy Space Center for the latest arrival news.

Later in the day, at 6 p.m. EDT, there will be a Flight Test Readiness Review Media Teleconference. This teleconference, which will commence no later than one hour after the completion of the readiness review, will feature illustrious participants such as Jim Free, NASA associate administrator, Ken Bowersox, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, Dana Weigel, manager of NASA’s International Space Station Program, and Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeing Commercial Crew Program. Although we cannot be physically present, we can still join in on the excitement by participating in the teleconference via phone. Don’t miss out! Make sure to contact the Kennedy newsroom by 4 p.m. on April 25 to obtain the dial-in number and passcode.

Although the deadline for media accreditation for in-person coverage of the launch has already passed, you can still stay informed about NASA’s media credentialing policy by visiting their website. If you have any questions regarding media accreditation, you can email them at [email protected].

The marvels of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program cannot be ignored. Through their partnership with American private industry, they have achieved the goal of safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the International Space Station. This partnership is revolutionizing human spaceflight history by offering increased accessibility to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station, leading to boundless opportunities for scientific endeavors and commercial ventures. As we look ahead, the space station remains the launching point for NASA’s upcoming space exploration, including future lunar missions and, ultimately, journeys to Mars.

So, get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with NASA. The Starliner Crew Flight is just around the corner, and the excitement is building. Stay updated on this incredible journey by following NASA’s coverage on various platforms, including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their official website. Let’s join NASA’s mission to explore the vast universe, one launch at a time.

For NASA’s launch blog and more information about the mission, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

SOURCE NASA

Tagline: Embark on a Celestial Expedition: NASA’s Starliner Crew Flight Briefings

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Related Topics:briefings Galactic Adventure International Space Station NASA Starliner Crew Flight

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Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

Urbanism

New Construction Project at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

Rod Washington

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a major transportation hub in Arizona, is set to undergo significant improvements with a new construction project at Terminal 3. According to AZ Family, the work is officially commencing this month on a project that will enhance the airport’s infrastructure, making it more accommodating for travelers.

Expansion at Sky Harbor

The upcoming expansion, which boasts a budget of $326 million, will introduce a new concourse on the north side of Terminal 3. This new addition is designed to increase the terminal’s capacity by adding six new passenger gates, bringing the total to 26 gates. The construction will encompass a vast 173,000 square feet, ultimately providing more flight options and enhanced facilities for travelers.

As reported by AZ Central, the expansion is much-needed, given that Terminal 3 is the oldest terminal at Sky Harbor. McCarthy Building Cos. Inc. has been entrusted with the construction, and they are committed to creating an exceptional experience for passengers. Thomas Assante, McCarthy’s senior project director, stated, “Every portion of the new Terminal 3 concourse will provide an exceptional experience for Sky Harbor passengers.” Notably, McCarthy has experience with airport projects, having recently completed a five-gate concourse at Mesa Gateway Airport, which opened in February 2024.

In addition to expanding gate capacity, the new Terminal 3 concourse plans to feature improvements beyond functionality. Travelers can look forward to new dining options, including three food and beverage spaces, as well as two retail spaces, alongside a passenger lounge. Greg Roybal, an airport spokesman, has confirmed these plans, emphasizing the project’s focus on improving the overall passenger experience.

The anticipated completion date for the new concourse is set for 2027. Once finished, this expansion will not only bolster the terminal’s capabilities but also enhance the amenities available to travelers. The airlines currently operating out of Terminal 3 include Delta, United, Frontier, and Alaska Airlines, among others.

As this construction project unfolds, we will keep readers updated with the latest developments and milestones. With these enhancements on the horizon, Sky Harbor Airport is poised to deliver an even better travel experience for passengers in the coming years. Stay tuned!

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News

Did James Webb Find Life on a Distant Planet Recently?

Recent findings from the James Webb Space Telescope suggest potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2-18b, including dimethyl sulfide, indicating possible microbial life, though further research is necessary.

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

Rod Washington

While the answer to that question is not a definitive “yes,” recent findings from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) are providing what scientists are calling the “strongest evidence yet” of potential life on an exoplanet, specifically K2-18b. This discovery opens a new frontier in our understanding of the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth.

The Discovery

A dedicated team of astronomers recently utilized the powerful capabilities of the JWST to analyze the atmosphere of K2-18b, a super-Earth exoplanet located an incredible 124 light-years away from our planet. Their findings have revealed chemical signatures in the atmosphere that warrant further investigation.

The Biosignature

Among the intriguing detections was dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and potentially dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). These compounds are significant because, on Earth, they are predominantly produced by living organisms, with marine microbes being the primary source. The presence of these chemicals in K2-18b’s atmosphere suggests the potential for biological processes at work.

The Context

DMS is primarily emitted by marine phytoplankton, a crucial element of oceanic ecosystems. The detection of DMS in the atmosphere of K2-18b is interpreted as a potential indicator of microbial life, potentially thriving in an ocean on the planet. This tantalizing prospect encourages scientists to contemplate the types of ecosystems that could flourish far beyond Earth.

Caution

However, it is essential to approach these findings with the appropriate level of caution. While the presence of these compounds is compelling, scientists emphasize that this does not serve as definitive confirmation of life. Further observations and rigorous analyses are necessary to rule out other non-biological explanations for the presence of DMS and DMDS in K2-18b’s atmosphere.

Significance

This detection represents a significant leap forward in the ongoing quest to uncover extraterrestrial life. It is the first time scientists have successfully identified potential biosignatures on an exoplanet using advanced astronomical technology. This marks a pivotal moment in astrobiology, helping to narrow the focus of future exploration.

Future Research

The JWST will continue to play a vital role in studying K2-18b, as well as other exoplanets, in the relentless pursuit of knowledge about life in the cosmos. Ongoing research will seek to deepen our understanding and potentially corroborate these exciting initial findings.

In conclusion, while the James Webb Space Telescope has not definitively found life on K2-18b, the detection of biosignatures in its atmosphere represents a groundbreaking step in humanity’s exploration of worlds beyond our own. As scientists push forward, we stand on the brink of potentially transformative discoveries that could change our understanding of life in the universe. Stay tuned for further updates as we journey into the stars!

Information about the James Webb Telescope

https://blogs.nasa.gov/webb

The science section of our news blog, STM Daily News, provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Consumer Corner

Zelle Shuts Down Standalone App: Transitioning Users to Bank Platforms

Zelle’s standalone app ceased money transfers on April 1, 2025, requiring users to access the service via participating banks, enhancing security amid rising digital fraud.

Published

4 days ago

April 16, 2025

Rod Washington

On April 1, 2025, Zelle, one of the most widely used digital payment services in the United States, officially shut down the money transferring services available on its standalone mobile app. While the service itself is not disappearing, many users will need to adapt to a new way of accessing this popular tool for peer-to-peer payments.

Why It Matters

Zelle has established itself as a key player in the peer-to-peer payment market. It facilitates instantaneous transfers without fees between bank accounts, making it a foundational tool for consumers and small businesses alike. The change primarily affects those who previously used the Zelle app independently of their bank’s app or website. Users will now need to re-enroll with one of the 2,200 participating banks or credit unions that offer Zelle via their digital banking platforms.

What Is Happening to the App?

Though the standalone Zelle app has closed its money transfer services, users will still be able to access it. The app now provides a directory of the over 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle. A recent press release indicates that the app will shift its focus to consumer education, particularly around scams and fraud prevention. According to an in-app alert accessed on April 4, users can continue to log into the app until August 11, 2025.

Why Is Zelle Shutting Down the App?

Zelle announced the decision to shut down its standalone app back in October 2024, noting that a significant majority of its users already access the service through their bank’s apps or websites. Since the announcement, the company has been phasing out enrollment and transaction capabilities within the standalone app. Late last year, Zelle communicated again via in-app alerts and emails, urging users to migrate to their bank or credit union’s platform to continue using the service.

In a statement regarding the shift, Zelle highlighted its remarkable growth, reporting that consumers and small businesses moved nearly half a trillion dollars on the platform in the first half of 2024, a 28% year-over-year increase. Initially launched in 2017 primarily for users whose financial institutions had not yet joined the network, Zelle has experienced widespread adoption across almost all major banks and credit unions.

Zelle’s decision may also be motivated by security concerns. With an uptick in fraud targeting digital payment apps, directing users through regulated financial institutions may afford them additional protection and oversight.

When Did the App Shut Down?

The standalone Zelle app ceased processing transactions on April 1, 2025. Users can no longer send or receive money via the app, and those who wish to continue using Zelle must re-enroll through a compatible bank or credit union’s mobile app or website.

How Will My Payments Be Affected?

Individuals who previously used the standalone Zelle app need to take action. They can no longer send or receive money via the app and must migrate to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle. Users who do not re-enroll through a partner institution should inform their senders accordingly.

To check if a specific bank supports Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. Once logged into a bank’s mobile app or website, users can usually locate Zelle in the “Payments” or “Transfers” section. The transition may require users to verify their email address or phone number associated with their former Zelle account.

Fortunately, those using Zelle through their mobile banking app will not experience any changes and do not need to take further action.

How Many People Use Zelle?

As of June 2024, Zelle boasted 143 million consumer and small business accounts, with users executing money transfers 1.7 billion times in the previous year. The integration of Zelle into nearly all major U.S. banks indicates that it will likely retain its dominance in the digital payment space, despite the changes to its standalone application.

While the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone app marks a significant transition, the underlying service remains robust and widely utilized. By directing users to bank platforms, Zelle aims to enhance security and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of digital payments. As users adapt to this change, Zelle continues to play a vital role in simplifying and securing money transfers across the country.