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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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 ksc-media-accreditat@mail.nasa.gov.

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/

Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live 2024 list is out, and it’s bigger and better than ever before. With the help of ADT, the number one smart home security provider in the U.S., Money has curated a list of communities that are creating outstanding lives for their residents. These hidden gems showcase the best that America has to offer and provide models for how communities can come together to create lasting impacts.

This year’s list features five exciting new categories. First up, we have “Suburbs with a Soul.” These suburbs not only offer the comfort and convenience of traditional suburban living but also boast a vibrant community spirit, with plenty of cultural, artistic, and historical depth.

Next on the list are the “New Boomtowns.” These areas are undergoing rapid transformation, experiencing economic and population growth like never before. They are the new frontiers of innovation, offering plentiful job opportunities and making a name for themselves on the economic map.

For those seeking a rich cultural experience, the “Culture Hubs” category is sure to impress. These cities are renowned for their cultural landscapes, featuring museums, theaters, music venues, and diverse culinary scenes that attract artists and culture enthusiasts from all walks of life.

But the list doesn’t stop there. Money recognizes that college towns are not just defined by their academic institutions. The category “Not Just College Towns” highlights towns that offer a dynamic living experience beyond their universities, with cutting-edge research, thriving local economies, and vibrant social scenes.

Last but certainly not least, Money unveils the “Best Kept Secrets” category. These hidden gems may fly under the radar, but they offer an unmatched quality of life with their serene beauty, close-knit communities, and affordable living options.

To determine which towns made the list, Money assessed various factors. Economic opportunity for individuals was a key consideration, including job availability, upward mobility, and income growth potential. The health and success of small businesses were also analyzed, reflecting the community’s support for entrepreneurship and innovation. Government policies that favor growth, such as tax incentives and investment in infrastructure, played a role in determining the economic development of these communities. And of course, the safety and well-being of residents were given top priority.

ADT, the partner for this year’s list, understands the importance of safety and security in these communities. They work closely with local governments and residents to ensure that people feel safe in their homes and businesses. ADT’s analysis found that some of the safest towns in the country made it onto Money’s Best Places to Live list.

Money’s Best Places to Live franchise has been guiding people since 1987. It has not only shaped national discourse but has also featured in movies and been shared by prominent politicians. With its 50-plus-year legacy, Money continues to provide up-to-date information, education, and tools to guide people to financial victories and create richer lives for everyone.

So, whether you’re looking for a suburban community with soul, an emerging boomtown, a cultural hub, a vibrant college town, or a hidden gem, Money’s Best Places to Live 2024 list has got you covered. Explore the full list on Money’s website and discover the communities that could be the perfect place for you to call home.

About ADT:
ADT provides safe, smart and sustainable solutions for people, homes and small businesses. Through innovative offerings, unrivaled safety and a premium customer experience, all delivered by the largest networks of smart home security professionals in the U.S., we empower people to protect and connect to what matters most, every second, every day. For more information, visit adt.com.

¹ Source: Tech Insights, “Analysis – Top 10 US Interactive Security Providers – May 2023”

SOURCE Money

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/money-announces-best-places-to-live-2024-302110552.html

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/