Blue Origin has announced an exciting lineup for its 28th New Shepard mission, NS-28, which marks yet another milestone in the company’s quest to democratize access to space. This mission features six remarkable individuals, including renowned science communicator Emily Calandrelli and two returning space travelers, Sharon and Marc Hagle. As excitement builds for this journey, let’s take a closer look at the crew who will embark on this extraordinary mission.

The Crew of NS-28

1. Emily Calandrelli (@TheSpaceGal)
Emily is not just an engineer from MIT; she’s also a vibrant advocate for women in STEM and a beloved television personality. Known for her Emmy-nominated hosting of Xploration Outer Space and her role on Netflix’s Emily’s Wonder Lab, Emily has inspired countless young minds with her engaging approach to science. Her commitment to improving policies for breastfeeding mothers and advocating for parental leave in the aerospace industry showcases her passion for making the world a better place. With nearly three million followers, she’s ready to inspire a new generation from high above the Earth.

2. Sharon Hagle
As the founder of SpaceKids Global, Sharon is dedicated to ensuring the next generation excels in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Her organization has reached over 867,000 students worldwide with initiatives like sending science projects to the International Space Station and partnering with Girl Scouts. Sharon’s first journey to space on NS-20 in March 2022, alongside her husband, Marc, made history as they became the first married couple to launch on a commercial space vehicle.

3. Marc Hagle
Marc, the president and CEO of Tricor International, is a leading figure in property development. An avid philanthropist along with his wife, Sharon, Marc shares her passion for education and the arts. His love for space exploration brought him back for a second trip aboard New Shepard. His previous flight on NS-20 was a testament to the couple’s adventurous spirit.

4. Austin Litteral
Austin’s journey to NS-28 fulfills a childhood dream of going to space—a dream sparked by NASA shuttle launches on his bedroom wall. As a risk management professional and a devoted husband and father, Austin exemplifies the spirit of adventure. His seat is sponsored by Whatnot, where he won a ticket through the “Whatnot to the Moon” giveaway, proving that sometimes, dreams do come true in the most unexpected ways!

5. James (J.D.) Russell
J.D. is a former law enforcement officer turned entrepreneur, who now leads InfoHOA, focusing on community management solutions. His journey to this flight is marked by resilience and dedication to giving back through his foundation, which supports children’s education and helps families of first responders. J.D.’s passion for making a difference reflects the ethos of this mission as well.

6. Henry (Hank) Wolfond
Hank, the CEO of Bayshore Capital and an experienced pilot, is not just a business leader; he also advocates for important causes like confronting antisemitism and supporting autism acceptance. His extensive flying experience enhances the adventure of space travel, and his commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement in numerous charitable organizations.

A Historic Mission

As New Shepard prepares for its 28th mission, this flight signifies not just individual dreams realized, but a collective effort to inspire and educate future generations. The crew for NS-28 embodies the spirit of exploration and social responsibility, each bringing unique stories, passions, and contributions to the table.

So, mark your calendars and prepare for liftoff! The journey into space represents not just a physical departure from Earth but a leap toward greater hope, curiosity, and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our atmosphere. Stay tuned as these adventurous souls launch into the great unknown!

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According to Blue Origin, the flight date will be announced soon. 

Follow Blue Origin on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube, and sign up on BlueOrigin.com to stay current on all mission details. 

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In a significant move to enhance international collaboration in space exploration, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson is set to travel to Lima, Peru, on November 14. This visit underscores NASA’s commitment to promoting the peaceful use of outer space while fostering partnerships that can lead to innovative advancements in aerospace research.

During his visit, Nelson will meet with Maj. Gen. Roberto Melgar Sheen, the director of Peru’s National Commission for Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA). This meeting marks a pivotal moment for both organizations, as they prepare to sign a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering space cooperation between the United States and Peru.

The MOU outlines several key areas of collaboration, including:

1. Safety Training: Ensuring that both nations adhere to the highest safety standards in aerospace research and development.
2. Joint Feasibility Study for Sounding Rockets: This initiative will explore the potential for a sounding rockets campaign, which is crucial for gathering atmospheric data and conducting scientific research.
3. Technical Assistance: NASA will provide technical support to CONIDA, particularly concerning sounding rocket launches, which will aid in the development of Peru’s aerospace capabilities.

Nelson’s visit also serves as an opportunity to discuss the broader significance of international partnerships in space. In an era where space exploration has become increasingly globalized, collaboration among nations is essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

One of the highlights of this visit will be the celebration of Peru’s recent signing of the Artemis Accords earlier this year. These accords are instrumental in establishing norms for the exploration and use of outer space, promoting transparency, and ensuring that space activities are conducted safely and sustainably.

As NASA continues to engage with countries around the world, this visit to Peru exemplifies the agency’s dedication to fostering a collaborative spirit in space exploration. By working together, nations can not only enhance their scientific capabilities but also contribute to a shared vision of peaceful exploration that benefits all of humanity.

Bill Nelson’s upcoming trip to Peru is more than just a diplomatic engagement; it is a testament to the power of international collaboration in the field of space exploration. Through partnerships like the one with CONIDA, NASA is paving the way for a future where space is explored responsibly and for the benefit of all nations.

For more information about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/oiir

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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/

In a remarkable demonstration of both the unpredictability of space and the extraordinary capabilities of modern astronomical detection, a small asteroid, designated 2024 UQ, recently made headlines after it struck Earth just hours after being identified. This event, which took place on October 22, 2024, marks the third “imminent impactor” recorded this year, highlighting the continual and often daunting reality of near-Earth objects (NEOs).

Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) in Hawaii, a network of four telescopes dedicated to scanning the night sky for potential collision threats, 2024 UQ was small—measuring only about 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. While news of an asteroid making contact with Earth can evoke concern, there was no cause for alarm in this instance. The diminutive size of the asteroid meant that it posed very little threat to anything on the ground. In fact, it burned up in the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean near California, leaving no trace or damage.

However, the swift timeline of events raises critical questions about the effectiveness of our current monitoring systems. The impact occurred just two hours after the initial detection, which meant that by the time data was transmitted to the impact monitoring systems operated by the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Object Coordination Center, the impact had already taken place. According to their November 2024 newsletter, the ATLAS survey had successfully obtained images identifying the asteroid on a collision trajectory, but due to its position near the edge of two adjacent observational fields, it was not recognized as a significant threat until it was too late.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in tracking and predicting the paths of NEOs. While advancements in technology have undoubtedly improved our ability to detect these celestial objects, the circumstances surrounding 2024 UQ showcase the potential for oversights in our monitoring capabilities. Despite this event being minor in scale, it emphasizes the importance of continued investment in space surveillance systems, as well as international collaboration in tracking potential hazards lurking in the vast expanse of space.

As we look forward, this close encounter reaffirms the need for vigilance in our exploration and observation of the cosmos. Each NEO presents an opportunity for learning and growth in our understanding of near-Earth dynamics. While 2024 UQ may have come and gone without incident, it certainly sparks curiosity about what lies ahead in our ongoing quest to safeguard our planet from the skies.

Reference Links:

Space.com: https://www.space.com/the-universe/asteroids/asteroid-that-hit-earth-hours-after-being-detected-was-3rd-imminent-impactor-of-2024

Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS): https://fallingstar.com/

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The Danger from Asteroid Impact: https://fallingstar.com/danger.php

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