News
Liftoff! NASA’s Artemis I Mega Rocket Launches Orion to Moon
Following a successful launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket in the world, the agency’s Orion spacecraft is on its way to the Moon as part of the Artemis program.
Following a successful launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket in the world, the agency’s Orion spacecraft is on its way to the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Carrying an uncrewed Orion, SLS lifted off for its flight test debut at 1:47 a.m. EST Wednesday from Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The launch is the first leg of a mission in which Orion is planned to travel approximately 40,000 miles beyond the Moon and return to Earth over the course of 25.5 days. Known as Artemis I, the mission is a critical part of NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach, in which the agency explores for the benefit of humanity. It’s an important test for the agency before flying astronauts on the Artemis II mission.
“What an incredible sight to see NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft launch together for the first time. This uncrewed flight test will push Orion to the limits in the rigors of deep space, helping us prepare for human exploration on the Moon and, ultimately, Mars,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
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After reaching its initial orbit, Orion deployed its solar arrays and engineers began performing checkouts of the spacecraft’s systems. About 1.5 hours into flight, the rocket’s upper stage engine successfully fired for approximately 18 minutes to give Orion the big push needed to send it out of Earth orbit and toward the Moon.
Orion has separated from its upper stage and is on its outbound coast to the Moon powered by its service module, which is the propulsive powerhouse provided by ESA (European Space Agency) through an international collaboration.
“It’s taken a lot to get here, but Orion is now on its way to the Moon,” said Jim Free, NASA deputy associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate. “This successful launch means NASA and our partners are on a path to explore farther in space than ever before for the benefit of humanity.”
Over the next several hours, a series of 10 small science investigations and technology demonstrations, called CubeSats, will deploy from a ring that connected the upper stage to the spacecraft. Each CubeSat has its own mission that has the potential to fill gaps in our knowledge of the solar system or demonstrate technologies that may benefit the design of future missions to explore the Moon and beyond.
Orion’s service module will also perform the first of a series of burns to keep Orion on course toward the Moon approximately eight hours after launch. In the coming days, mission controllers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will conduct additional checkouts and course corrections as needed. Orion is expected to fly by the Moon on Nov. 21, performing a close approach of the lunar surface on its way to a distant retrograde orbit, a highly stable orbit thousands of miles beyond the Moon.
“The Space Launch System rocket delivered the power and performance to send Orion on its way to the Moon,” said Mike Sarafin, Artemis I mission manager. “With the accomplishment of the first major milestone of the mission, Orion will now embark on the next phase to test its systems and prepare for future missions with astronauts.”
The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft arrived at Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39B on Nov. 4 where they rode out Hurricane Nicole. Following the storm, teams conducted thorough assessments of the rocket, spacecraft, and associated ground systems and confirmed there were no significant impacts from the severe weather.
Engineers previously rolled the rocket back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) Sept. 26 ahead of Hurricane Ian and after waving off two previous launch attempts Aug. 29 due to a faulty temperature sensor, and Sept. 4 due to a liquid hydrogen leak at an interface between the rocket and mobile launcher. Prior to rolling back to the VAB, teams successfully repaired the leak and demonstrated updated tanking procedures. While in the VAB, teams performed standard maintenance to repair minor damage to the foam and cork on the thermal protection system and recharge or replace batteries throughout the system.
Artemis I is supported by thousands of people around the world, from contractors who built Orion and SLS, and the ground infrastructure needed to launch them, to international and university partners, to small businesses supplying subsystems and components.
Through Artemis missions, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the surface of the Moon, paving the way for a long-term lunar presence and serving as a steppingstone for astronauts on the way to Mars.
View more photos of Artemis I at:
News
Thompson Thrift to Develop Luxury 276-Unit Multifamily Community in Florida’s Space Coast Community of Vero Beach
VERO BEACH, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Thompson Thrift, a full-service nationally recognized real estate company and one of the nation’s leading multifamily developers, announced today the development of Verity, a 276-unit Class A multifamily community in Vero Beach. The company intends to begin construction this month, with completion expected in summer 2026.
“Despite significant demand for housing options in the Vero Beach community, supply has not kept pace in recent years,” said Josh Purvis, managing partner for Thompson Thrift Residential. “We are pleased to be able to move forward with providing a highly desired rental living option that fits the community’s needs.”
Located off 37th Street on 11th Circle, Verity will span more than 18 acres and consist of three-story buildings offering one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes with up to nearly 1,400 square feet.
Apartment homes will feature many of the high-end finishes and amenities that Thompson Thrift communities have become known to include—hardwood-style flooring; full-size washers and dryers; stainless-steel appliances and built-in microwaves; smooth, glass-top ranges; side-by-side refrigerators with ice and water dispensers; detached garages; tile backsplashes, designer fixtures and finishes; large walk-in closets; private yard and patio options and ceiling fans in the living room and all bedrooms.
Residents can also choose from an array of signature collection amenities including walk-in showers with full tile and glass doors, premium lighting, smart hub to integrate all smart devices, premium appliances, and dry bar in select homes.
One tailormade community feature is a custom-angled clubhouse with a covered pavilion that connects to the 24-hour fitness center and will include a coffee bar, a 24-hour social hub, work from home suites and a resident conference room with screenshare and video conferencing technology. Other community amenities will include a resort-style swimming pool, electric firepits with seating area, community grilling areas, pickleball court, a dog run with agility equipment and pet spa. Residents will also have access to high-speed internet access, an Amazon package hub, valet trash service, an onsite service team and a user-friendly mobile app for rent payment, submitting service requests, community feed, and more.
Verity residents will be a short drive to nearby beaches and coastal attractions, as well as downtown Vero Beach and Treasure Coast Plaza, a popular dual-anchor shopping center.
Located within one of the top demographic pockets of the market, the site is surrounded by home values and income levels that exceed market averages, while Vero Beach itself continues to boast high population growth, along with impressive job growth figures, increasing by more than 6% since 2020.
Approximately 70% of Vero Beach’s workforce, highlighted by nearly 6,000 medical service jobs, is located within five miles of the Verity site. The property sits directly across the street from the area’s largest employer – the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital which is home to more than 1,500 jobs. Other major nearby employers include L3 Harris Technologies, a quickly growing aerospace manufacturing and research company, and the Indian River County school district, which supports more than 17,000 students across 27 schools.
Thompson Thrift is a full-service real estate development company focused on ground-up commercial and mixed-use development across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. The company continues to expand its footprint with eight new residential developments targeted for 2024, including new markets in Georgia, Utah and Idaho. Verity marks Thompson Thrift’s 16th multifamily community in Florida.
Since its founding nearly 40 years ago, Thompson Thrift has invested more than $5 billion into local communities and has become known as a trusted partner committed to developing high-quality, attractive commercial and multifamily communities.
About Thompson Thrift Real Estate Company
Thompson Thrift is an integrated full-service real estate company with offices in Indianapolis and Terre Haute, Indiana; Denver; Houston and Phoenix. Three business units drive Thompson Thrift’s success—Thompson Thrift Residential which is focused on upscale Class A multifamily communities and luxury leased homes, Thompson Thrift Commercial which is focused on ground-up commercial development, and Thompson Thrift Construction, a full-service construction company. Through these business units, Thompson Thrift is engaged in all aspects of development, construction, leasing, and management of quality commercial real estate projects across the country. The company earned national recognition as a winner of a 2024 Top Workplaces USA award, the latest accolade that reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence in the community and workplace. For more information, please visit www.thompsonthrift.com
SOURCE Thompson Thrift
Automotive
Nissan Dominates the Best Value New Cars List: A Closer Look at the Kicks, Frontier, and Sentra
Nissan dominates as Kicks, Frontier, and Sentra clinch spots on Cars.com® 2024 Best Value New Cars list, showcasing remarkable value and excellence.
In a resounding triumph, Nissan has once again emerged as a leader in the automotive industry by securing coveted spots on the highly esteemed Cars.com® 2024 Best Value New Cars list. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to Nissan’s unwavering commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional value across their lineup. In this blog post, we will delve into the phenomenal achievements of the 2024 Nissan Kicks, Frontier, and Sentra, as well as the notable recognition received by the Versa SV.
- 2024 Nissan Kicks S: Best Value in Subcompact SUV Category
The 2024 Nissan Kicks S has undoubtedly made its mark as the ultimate subcompact SUV that offers unbeatable value. With its stunning design, remarkable features, and impressive fuel efficiency, the Kicks S showcases a perfect blend of style and practicality. From city streets to off-road adventures, this versatile SUV is a true game-changer. - 2024 Frontier King Cab S 4×2: Best Value in Midsize Pickup Segment
Nissan’s commitment to excellence shines through with the 2024 Frontier King Cab S 4×2, which has claimed the prestigious title of Best Value in the Midsize Pickup segment. Boasting remarkable performance, durability, and an array of advanced safety features, the Frontier is built to effortlessly conquer any terrain. Whether it’s for work or play, this pickup truck exceeds expectations. - 2024 Sentra S: A Standout Compact Car
The 2024 Sentra S secures a well-deserved third place in the Compact Car category, further solidifying Nissan’s reputation for crafting outstanding vehicles. With its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional fuel efficiency, the Sentra S offers a remarkable driving experience matched with an exceptional value proposition. Embrace the joy of every journey with this impressive compact car. - Honorable Mention: 2024 Nissan Versa SV
The 2024 Nissan Versa SV receives an honorable mention, highlighting its noteworthy features and outstanding value proposition. With its spacious cabin, advanced safety technologies, and remarkable fuel efficiency, the Versa SV proves to be a reliable companion for everyday adventures.
The recognition earned by the 2024 Nissan Kicks, Frontier, Sentra, and Versa SV on the Cars.com® 2024 Best Value New Cars list showcases Nissan’s dedication to delivering top-notch vehicles that offer exceptional value, unrivaled quality, and remarkable performance. As Nissan continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation, car enthusiasts can confidently explore these award-winning models with the assurance of a remarkable driving experience. Embrace excellence and discover the best value with Nissan’s impressive lineup of vehicles!
“For further details regarding Nissan’s products, services and their dedication to sustainable mobility, please visit their website.” nissanusa.com. “Feel free to follow Nissan on their social media channels.” Facebook, InstagramOpens, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn and “Please take a look at all of our newest videos” on YouTube.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/
About Nissan Motors
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is a multinational car manufacturer based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. The company sells vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti, and formerly Datsun brands. Nissan also offers in-house performance tuning products (including cars) under the Nismo and Autech brands. The company’s roots date back to the early 20th century with the Nissan zaibatsu, which is now known as Nissan Group.
Nissan has been a member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999, with Mitsubishi joining in 2016. This partnership is between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, along with Renault of France. As of November 2023, Renault has a 15% voting stake in Nissan, while Nissan holds the same stake in Renault. Additionally, Nissan acquired a 34% controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors in October 2016.
Nissan ranked as the sixth largest car manufacturer globally in 2017, following Toyota, Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, General Motors, and Ford. In the same year, Nissan held the title of the largest car maker in North America. With a revenue of $78 billion in 2022, Nissan secured the ninth spot among the world’s automobile makers and emerged as the leading Japanese brand in China, Russia, and Mexico. As of April 2018, Nissan became the largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer worldwide, with over 320,000 all-electric vehicles sold. The Nissan LEAF, the car-maker’s top-selling electric model, claimed the second position in global electric car sales, just behind the Tesla Model 3.
WASHINGTON /PRNewswire/ — To address a rapidly changing space operating environment and ensure its preservation for generations to come, NASA released the first part of its integrated Space Sustainability Strategy, on Tuesday advancing the agency’s role as a global leader on this crucial issue.
“The release of this strategy marks true progress for NASA on space sustainability,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “Space is busy – and only getting busier. If we want to make sure that critical parts of space are preserved so that our children and grandchildren can continue to use them for the benefit of humanity, the time to act is now. NASA is making sure that we’re aligning our resources to support sustainable activity for us and for all.”
For decades, NASA has served as a proactive leader for responsible and sustainable space operations. Entities across the agency develop best practices, analytic tools, and technologies widely adopted by operators around the world. The new strategy seeks to integrate those efforts through a whole-of-agency approach – allowing NASA to focus its resources on the most pressing issues. To facilitate that integration, NASA will appoint a new director of space sustainability to coordinate activities across the agency.
Key aspects of our approach include providing global leadership in space sustainability, supporting equitable access to space, and ensuring NASA’s missions and operations enhance space sustainability.
Space environments currently are seeing the rapid emergence of commercial capabilities, many of them championed by NASA. These capabilities include increased low Earth orbit satellite activity and plans for the use of satellite constellations, autonomous spacecraft, and commercial space destinations. However, this increased activity also has generated challenges, such as an operating environment more crowded with spacecraft and increased debris. Understanding the risks and benefits associated with this growth is crucial for space sustainability.
Developed under the leadership of a crossagency advisory board, the space sustainability strategy focuses on advancements NASA can make toward measuring and assessing space sustainability in Earth orbit, identifying cost-effective ways to meet sustainability targets, incentivizing the adoption of sustainable practices through technology and policy development, and increasing efforts to share and receive information with the rest of the global space community.
NASA’s approach to space sustainability recognizes four operational domains: Earth, Earth orbit, the orbital area near and around the Moon known as cislunar space, and deep space, including other celestial bodies. The first volume of the strategy focuses on sustainability in Earth orbit. NASA plans to produce additional volumes focusing on the other domains.
Learn more about the Space Sustainability Strategy at:
https://www.nasa.gov/spacesustainability
SOURCE NASA
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