In a groundbreaking move towards the future of space exploration, NASA has taken a significant step in ensuring the safe and responsible transition of the International Space Station in low Earth orbit. By selecting SpaceX to develop the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle, NASA is setting the stage for continued scientific advancements and preparing for the next phase of space exploration.

The decision to develop a deorbit vehicle underscores NASA’s commitment to fostering scientific, educational, and technological developments that benefit humanity. As NASA transitions to commercially owned space destinations closer to home, the importance of preparing for the deorbit of the International Space Station after its operational life in 2030 cannot be overstated.

Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, emphasized the significance of this decision in ensuring a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit. The International Space Station has served as a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space, paving the way for future commercial destinations and the continued use of space near Earth for the benefit of all.

The close collaboration between NASA and SpaceX in developing the deorbit vehicle highlights the spirit of partnership and innovation that drives the space industry forward. While SpaceX will lead the development of the spacecraft, NASA will take ownership and operate it throughout its mission, ensuring a seamless and coordinated approach towards the safe deorbiting of the space station.

Since its inception in 1998, the International Space Station has been a symbol of international cooperation, with five space agencies working together to manage and control the hardware provided by each agency. The commitment of the United States, Japan, Canada, ESA, and Roscosmos to operate the station through 2030 underscores the shared responsibility of ensuring a safe and sustainable future in space.

As we enter the 24th year of continuously crewed operations on the space station, we are reminded of the remarkable achievements and discoveries made in microgravity across a range of scientific disciplines. The International Space Station has been a platform for groundbreaking research in Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations, paving the way for future innovations and advancements in space exploration.

The announcement of the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle contract marks a pivotal moment in NASA’s journey towards a sustainable future in space. As we look towards the next frontier of deep space exploration at the Moon and Mars, NASA’s commitment to safe and responsible practices in low Earth orbit sets a strong foundation for the future of space exploration.

The lessons learned aboard the International Space Station are invaluable in guiding the development of future commercial stations, fostering innovation, collaboration, and exploration in space. With a shared vision and commitment to exploration, we are building towards a future where the possibilities in space are limitless, and the benefits to humanity are boundless. NASA’s mission is clear: to explore, discover, and inspire the next generation of space explorers as we journey towards the stars.

Learn more about space station operations at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/space-and-tech

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MONETT, Mo. /PRNewswire/ — Jack Henry™ (Nasdaq: JKHY) has been named as one of the 2024 – 2025 Best Companies to Work For by U.S. News & World Report.  

Jack Henry was rated among top companies in professional services on factors contributing to job seekers’ decision-making when choosing a workplace that best meets their needs.

“We’re thrilled that U.S. News & World Report recognized Jack Henry’s efforts to create a great workplace,” said Jack Henry Board Chair and CEO David Foss. “It is an honor to be included on a list that focuses on qualities we aspire to every day: sense of belonging, opportunities for advancement, flexibility, and stability.”

U.S. News’ ratings reflect the evolving sentiments that factor into employee decision making when choosing the best company to work for. The ratings then analyze that sentiment against other factors, including quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, belongingness and esteem, and career opportunities and professional development.

“Choosing a company to establish yourself or take the next steps in your career is a critical decision for anyone,” said U.S. News Vice President, Careers, Carly Chase. “The 2024 – 2025 list includes companies that received high scores on multiple metrics that make up a positive work environment and everyday employee experience.”

This year, the ratings expanded to encompass 549 companies across the overall best company list, 24 industry lists, and four regional lists. To calculate the U.S. News Best Companies to Work For list, U.S. News only considered companies that were a part of the Russell 3000 index as of June 2023 and had more than 75 Glassdoor reviews written between 2020 – 2023. The methodology, developed with the support of a panel of six experts, also factors in data, including employee sentiment, gathered from U.S. News partners Revelio Labs , Good Jobs First, and QUODD.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

About Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.^®
Jack Henry^™ (Nasdaq: JKHY) is a well-rounded financial technology company that strengthens connections between financial institutions and the people and businesses they serve. We are an S&P 500 company that prioritizes openness, collaboration, and user centricity – offering banks and credit unions a vibrant ecosystem of internally developed modern capabilities as well as the ability to integrate with leading fintechs. For more than 48 years, Jack Henry has provided technology solutions to enable clients to innovate faster, strategically differentiate, and successfully compete while serving the evolving needs of their accountholders. We empower approximately 7,500 clients with people-inspired innovation, personal service, and insight-driven solutions that help reduce the barriers to financial health. Additional information is available at www.jackhenry.com.

Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company’s most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.” Any forward-looking statement made in this news release speaks only as of the date of the news release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.

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

NOAA’s newest satellite will complete the GOES-R series and provide critical weather and climate data

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — An advanced weather satellite built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched today from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 5:26 p.m. ET. Lifted to space aboard a Space X Falcon Heavy rocket, the GOES-U satellite successfully deployed its large solar array to generate electrical power and has established communications with mission operators.

GOES-U is the final satellite in NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) – R series of four satellites. After it reaches geostationary orbit, approximately two weeks after launch, GOES-U will be renamed GOES-19. Once in operations over the East Coast of North America, the satellite be known as GOES East, and will provide advanced weather imagery, atmospheric measurements and real-time mapping of lightning activity, in addition to critical space weather observations.

“The launch of GOES-U is the culmination of more than 16 years of designing, building and launching four important weather satellites for our nation,” said Jagdeep Shergill, GOES-U program manager and director of Geo Weather Programs at Lockheed Martin. “Since the launch of the first GOES-R satellite, our nation has had more accurate weather forecasts and more timely severe storm warnings, and this critical service has positively affected everyone in the U.S.”

NOAA’s GOES-R satellites, and soon GOES-U, provide crucial data for weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and climate monitoring. With their advanced instruments and rapid updates, they improve detection of atmospheric phenomena like hurricanes, wildfires and lighting. This real-time data aids the National Weather Service and meteorologist in early warnings, disaster preparedness and resource management, ultimately saving lives and mitigating economic losses.

The GOES-U spacecraft features two high-tech instruments built by Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto, California:

• Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), which is a first-of-its-kind operational lightning mapper that tracks lightning across the U.S. in real-time. GLM allows meteorologists to quickly identify intensifying storms and take appropriate action. In 2020, GLM captured a lightning megaflash nearly 500 miles long that broke the world record for longest lightning flash.
• Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI), focuses on space weather and measures the sun in extreme ultraviolet wavelength range. SUVI is essential to understanding active areas on the sun and predicting solar events that may disrupt power utilities, communication or navigation systems here on Earth.

GOES-U is the final satellite of the GOES-R series which will provide critical weather and climate date into the 2030s. Following GOES-U, Lockheed Martin was selected by NASA to develop the nation’s next generation weather satellite constellation, Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO), for NOAA. GeoXO’s new capabilities will deliver more accurate weather forecasting and address emerging environmental issues and challenges. GeoXO, the GOES-R series and the nation’s weather satellites are vital infrastructure for national resilience.

NOAA funds, manages and will operate the GOES-R series satellites. NASA oversees the acquisition and development of the GOES-R spacecraft, instruments and launch vehicles. The program is co-located at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Check out additional GOES-U imagery here and b-roll video here.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin