News
Space Station Assignments Out for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 Mission
Four crew members now are assigned to launch on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission for a long-duration stay aboard the International Space Station.
NASA astronauts Commander Matthew Dominick, Pilot Michael Barratt, and Mission Specialist Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Alexander Grebenkin, will join Expedition 70 and 71 crew members aboard the station in early 2024 to conduct a wide-ranging set of operational and research activities.
This will be the first spaceflight for Dominick, who became a NASA astronaut in 2017. He is from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of San Diego, California, and a master’s in systems engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He is an active-duty U.S. Navy astronaut. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland, and then served as a test pilot specializing in testing landing on and catapult launches from U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.
This will be Barratt’s third trip to the space station. In 2009, Barratt served as a flight engineer for Expeditions 19 and 20 as the station transitioned its standard crew complement from three to six, and performed two spacewalks. He flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery in 2011 on STS-133, which delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module and fourth Express Logistics Carrier. He has spent a total of 212 days in space. Born in Vancouver, Washington, he Considers Camas, Washington, to be his hometown. Barratt earned a bachelor’s in zoology from the University of Washington, Seattle, and a doctor of medicine from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. He completed residencies in internal medicine at Northwestern and aerospace medicine along with a master’s degree at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. After nine years as a NASA flight surgeon and project physician, Barratt joined the astronaut corps in 2000.
This also will be Epps’ first trip to the space station. She is from Syracuse, New York, and earned a bachelor’s in physics from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York, and a master’s in science and a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park. Prior to joining NASA, she worked at Ford Motor Company and the Central Intelligence Agency. She was selected as an astronaut in July 2009, and has served on the Generic Joint Operation Panel working on space station crew efficiency, as a crew support astronaut for two expeditions, and as lead capsule communicator in the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Epps previously was assigned to NASA’s Boeing Starliner-1 mission. NASA reassigned Epps to allow Boeing time to complete development of Starliner while also continuing plans for astronauts to gain spaceflight experience for future mission needs.
Grebenkin, who graduated from Irkutsk High Military Aviation School, Irkutsk, Russia, majoring in engineering, maintenance, and repair of aircraft radio navigation systems, also is flying on his first mission. He graduated from Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics with a degree in radio communications, broadcasting, and television.
This is the eighth rotational mission to the space station under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which works with the American aerospace industry to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation to and from the orbital outpost on American-made rockets and spacecraft launching from American soil.
For more than 22 years, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. As a global endeavor, 244 people from 19 countries have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 3,000 research and educational investigations from researchers in 108 countries and areas.
The station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and to expand commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit. As commercial companies focus on providing human space transportation services and destinations as part of a robust low Earth orbit economy, NASA is able to more fully focus its resources on deep space missions to the Moon and Mars.
Find more information on NASA’s Commercial Crew Program at:
https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew
Source: NASA
Daily News
Pickleball in California Sees Unprecedented Growth: Investment Needed
California’s pickleball surge necessitates investment in courts to meet demand and sustain growth.
Pickleball, the popular paddle sport, is experiencing unprecedented growth in California. According to the recently released 2023 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report by Pickleheads and The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the state will need to build a staggering 3,748 courts at a cost of $131.2 million to meet the increasing demand over the next 5-7 years.
The report also reveals that California currently has only 0.67 dedicated pickleball courts per 10,000 people, which is 45% below the national average. In fact, the state ranks 41st in the nation in terms of dedicated court coverage per capita. These figures highlight the urgent need for investment in pickleball infrastructure to keep up with the sport’s meteoric rise.
Brandon Mackie, Co-founder and COO of Pickleheads, emphasizes the significance of this growth, stating, “Pickleball continues to grow at an unprecedented rate in California. Our estimates show the state will need to invest $131M in courts over the next 5-7 years. This represents an exciting challenge for both public and private enterprises in California.”
Pickleheads, the leading online platform for pickleball, has been instrumental in compiling comprehensive data on pickleball courts across the country. Their database currently includes 51,937 courts across 12,081 facilities in the U.S.
To gain further insights into the state of pickleball and its infrastructure, the 2023 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report can be purchased on pickleheads.com for $350.
As pickleball’s popularity continues to soar, the investment and expansion of pickleball facilities in California will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand and ensuring players have ample opportunities to enjoy the sport.
SOURCE Pickleheads
Daily News
Dink Ninja Paddle Review: High-Quality Performance!
“Discover the Dink Ninja Paddle’s high-quality performance in our review! Elevate your pickleball game with this top-notch equipment.
In a recent episode of Sleeves Senior Pickleball Report, renowned host Mike Sliwa took on the challenge of reviewing the Dink Ninja 🥷White Hot Edition 🔥 Carbon Paddle. Known for his expertise and insightful analysis, Mike left no stone unturned as he explored the paddle’s features and performance.
The Dink Ninja paddle boasts an 18k Carbon Fiber face that delivers an impressive combination of power, spin, and accuracy. Its dual layer PP honeycomb core, coupled with a flexible paddle surface, provides an unmatched touch, allowing players to execute precise shots with ease. With a thickness of 16mm, this paddle offers increased power for those aggressive shots on the court.
What sets the Dink Ninja apart is its proprietary textured surface, which effortlessly generates impressive ball spin. Mike Sliwa couldn’t help but be impressed with the paddle’s ability to enhance his game and take it to the next level.
If you’re looking to elevate your pickleball game, the Dink Ninja 🥷White Hot Edition 🔥 Carbon Paddle might just be the game-changer you need. Don’t miss out on this incredible paddle that slices and dices its way to high-quality performance.
Discover everything you need to know about the legendary Dink Ninja paddle by clicking the link below.
Automotive
Hyundai 2024 Santa Cruz: Best Urban Pickup by Cars.com
“Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Cruz named Best Urban Pickup by Cars.com, blending adventure with practicality.”
Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Cruz has been named the Best Urban Pickup by Cars.com in their Pickup Truck Buying Guide. The Santa Cruz impressed Cars.com’s editors with its ability to combine adventure and practicality, as well as its range of desirable features. Ricky Lao, the director of product planning at Hyundai Motor America, expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovative design, powerful drivetrains, driver convenience, and advanced safety features.
According to Aaron Bragman, Cars.com’s Detroit Bureau Chief, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the ideal truck for urban environments. Its sleek and compact design, lockable hard-top tonneau cover, and comfortable ride make it a dream for city dwellers. Additionally, its Surround View Monitor makes parallel parking on narrow city streets a breeze.
To receive a Cars.com Top Pick designation, vehicles must demonstrate solid fuel economy, capability, and value. For pickup trucks, payload and towing capacities are also considered. Moreover, practical attributes that cater to family needs are taken into account, as many pickups are used for this purpose.
Cars.com Inc. is a leading automotive marketplace platform that connects car shoppers with sellers through digital solutions. Hyundai Motor America focuses on “Progress for Humanity” and offers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles to U.S. consumers. In 2022, Hyundai’s dealers sold over 724,000 vehicles in the U.S., with a significant portion produced at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.
Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok
Source: Hyundai
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