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December 25, 2015

ORNL achieves milestone with plutonium-238 sample
Oak Ridge TN (SPX) Dec 25, 2015
With the production of 50 grams of plutonium-238, researchers at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have restored a U.S. capability dormant for nearly 30 years and set the course to provide power for NASA and other missions. Plutonium-238 produces heat as it decays and can be used in systems that power spacecraft instruments. The new sample, which is in the same oxide powder form used to manufacture heat sources for power systems, represents the first end-to-end demonstration ... read more

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ISRO's year in review 2015 The year 2015 could be termed as one of commercial launches for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), while steps have been taken to spread the usage of space technology within India. ... more		Indra will deploy navigation aid systems in 20 Chinese airports In 2015, Indra has won contracts to deploy over 60 navigation aid systems in 20 Chinese airports. The systems are being implemented across the country in airports such as Shanghai Pudong, one of the ... more		An unlikely pair of satellites Space research and exploration reaches across Earth's borders and boundaries, relying on collaboration between nations, disciplines and institutions. So it should come as no surprise that, despite a ... more
				Chinese rover analyzes moon rocks: First new 'ground truth' in 40 years In 2013, Chang'e-3, an unmanned lunar mission, touched down on the northern part of the Imbrium basin, one of the most prominent of the lava-filled impact basins visible from Earth. It was a b ... more		Astronauts Tour Future White Room, Crew Access Tower The Crew Access Arm and White Room that astronauts will use in 2017 to board Boeing's CST-100 Starliner saw some of their first visitors Dec. 10 during a tour of the structures by the first four ast ... more

First Modernized Progress MS Cargo Vessel Launched to ISS The first modernized Progress MS cargo vessel has been launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station, a Roscosmos spokesman said Monday. Initially, the ... more		15 in '15: NASA's Commercial Crew Program Moves Closer to Flight NASA and its partners are on track to launch astronauts from Florida's Space Coast to the International Space Station as soon as 2017, thanks to critical progress made in 2015. Through partnerships ... more		Trump, Putin agree to meet next week in Alaska Iran will not allow Trump-backed corridor linking Azerbaijan to exclave; Russia cautious Trump says Armenia, Azerbaijan commit to end fighting 'forever'		Celebrity chefs create gourmet delights for astronauts Michelin-starred chefs are vying to create Christmas delights for astronauts spending the festive season 400 kilometres away from Earth and their families. ... more
				SpaceX landing is a 'feat', but not a game-changer A day after SpaceX pulled off an upright landing of its powerful Falcon 9 rocket, the head of France's space agency called it a "technological feat" but warned of more work ahead. ... more		SpaceX rocket landing opens 'new door' to space travel SpaceX successfully landed its powerful Falcon 9 rocket Monday for the first time, a major milestone in the drive to cut costs and waste by making rockets as reusable as airplanes. ... more

Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison & Memory Foam Mattress Review

Thales and Airbus to supply French military satellite communications The French defense procurement agency has contracted Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defense and Space to construct their next generation of military communication satellites. ... more		Russia delivers S-300 missile system to Kazakhstan free of charge The Russian government has completed the free delivery of its S-300 air defense system to the government of Kazakhstan, according to Russian media reports. ... more		Early Earth may have had active plate tectonics far sooner than thought Comet debris signs found in Baffin Bay sediments linked to Younger Dryas cooling Lioness present in northeast C.Africa for first time in years; New species teem in Cambodia's threatened karst		China tests rail-based long-range missile capable of hitting US China this month tested a new rail-car-mounted long-range missile capable of hitting targets in the United States, according to American intelligence agencies monitoring the test. A canister e ... more
Forensic seismology tested on 2006 munitions depot 'cook-off' in Baghdad Back in October 2006, a mortar round hit the ammunition supply depot at the U.S. Forward Operating Base Falcon south of Baghdad. The round started a smoldering fire punctuated by whizzing skyrockets ... more		Scientists produce 50 grams of plutonium-238 For the first time 30 years, federal scientists have produced plutonium-238. ... more		Russian, US Space Companies Seal Satellite Deal for First Time For the first time ever a private Russian space company, Dauria Aerospace, has struck a deal on the sale of two of its satellites to a US company, Aquila Space, the Russian company's general directo ... more		45th Space Wing launches ORBCOMM; historically lands first stage booster The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing successfully supported the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket during its mission to put ORBCOMM's OG2 communications satellites in to orbit Dec. 21 at 8:29 p.m. from Sp ... more

	Germany withdraws Patriot missiles from Turkey Germany has begun withdrawing its Patriot missile batteries from Turkey, concluding its three-year mandate to support the NATO mission in the region. ... more		Italy receives Predator-A drones The Italian Air Force has taken delivery of two Predator-A drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., the last two Predator-A systems being produced. ... more

New transmitter could make wireless devices more energy-efficient

Solar tracking panels support high quality rice yields in Japan agrivoltaics trial

U.S. increases bounty to $50M for Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro

Army unit retires Hunter unmanned aircraft systems		Czech Republic upgrading leased Gripen fighters		India donates Mi-25 helicopters to Afghanistan		Elbit upgrades tactical intelligence capabilities for Asian country		BAE Systems expands factory for F-35 component work
New NATO UAV completes flight test		Preparing for the Unexpected in Space		Turkey tests its first armed unmanned aerial vehicle		New SBIRS ground system celebrates two major milestones		Aegis Ashore missile defense system goes online in Romania

Israeli missile interceptor passes final test

Aerojet completes design milestone for AR1 Engine

Poland acquiring air defense system

Lockheed Martin meets F-35 delivery goal

New tactical radio order for Harris Corporation

Santa absent this year in typhoon-hit Philippines

Drone helps icebreaker navigate treacherous Antarctic

Shenzhen landslide an industrial accident, not geological disaster

World Bank loans Philippines $500m to fight natural disasters

One survivor found as China pledges landslide probe

'Robot locust' can traverse rocky terrain and assist in search and rescue

New hybrid electrolyte for solid-state lithium batteries

Teaching machines to see

Families of Brazil mine spill victims offered $25,600

Hong Kong apartment sells for record $76.7 mn

AIIB formally established: government

Rail line disruption set for dramatic increase as sea levels continue to rise

Malaysian bauxite rush brings wealth, and worries

China Southern Airlines to buy 10 Airbus planes worth $2.27 bn

Police probe China metals exchange: govt

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