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NASA Decides To Keep 2 Astronauts In Space Until February, Nixes Return On Troubled Boeing Capsule

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2 weeks ago

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SpaceX Musk NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – NASA concluded on Saturday that returning two astronauts to Earth in Boeing’s problematic new capsule is too risky, and they will have to wait until next year to go home with SpaceX. The pair’s test flight, which was supposed to last a week, will now span more than eight months.

The experienced pilots have been detained aboard the International Space Station since the beginning of June. A series of perplexing thruster failures and helium leaks in the new capsule hampered their journey to the space station, and they ended up in a holding pattern while engineers ran tests and debated what to do about the return mission.

After nearly three months, NASA’s highest officials made the decision on Saturday. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return aboard a SpaceX capsule in February. Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt a return on autopilot, landing in the New Mexico desert.

As Starliner’s test pilots, the two should have overseen this important final part of the mission.

“A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” remarked NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The decision “is the result of a commitment to safety.”

Nelson stated that learning from NASA’s two space shuttle tragedies played an impact. This time, he added, open conversation was encouraged rather than suppressed.

“This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one,” said Jim Free, NASA’s Associate Administrator.

NASA Decides To Keep 2 Astronauts In Space Until February, Nixes Return On Troubled Boeing Capsule

It was a setback to Boeing, compounding the company’s safety issues on the airplane side. Boeing had hoped that Starliner’s first crew mission would revitalize the faltering spacecraft program after years of delays and rising costs. The business asserted that Starliner was safe based on the recent thruster tests in space and on the ground.

Boeing did not attend NASA’s news conference on Saturday but said, “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and the spacecraft.” The corporation said it prepares the spacecraft “for a safe and successful return.”

Jan Osburg, a senior engineer at Rand Corp. specializing in aerospace and defense, believes NASA made the right decision. “But the U.S. is still left with egg on its face due to the Starliner design issues that should have been caught earlier.”

Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, are retired Navy captains with prior long-duration spaceflight experience. Before their June 5 launch from Cape Canaveral, Wilmore and Williams said their families had accepted the uncertainty and stress of their professional careers decades ago.

During their lone orbital news conference last month, the astronauts expressed confidence in the thruster testing being undertaken. They had no complaints, and they liked helping with space station tasks.

Wilmore’s wife, Deanna, stated via text that she and their daughters, along with relatives and friends, “were praying for a safe return on whatever spacecraft that may be.” While they are disappointed that Dad will be gone for longer, “we know that it’s the Lord’s plan,” she stated.

Flight operations director Norm Knight said he spoke with the astronauts on Saturday, and they completely support the decision to postpone their return.

There needed to be more choices.

The SpaceX spacecraft currently parked at the space station is intended for the four inhabitants who have been there since March. They will return in late September, having prolonged their usual six-month stay by one month due to the Starliner issue. NASA stated that cramming two additional people into the capsule would be dangerous unless necessary.

The docked Russian Soyuz capsule is much smaller and capable of carrying only three people, two Russians closing up a year-long mission.

So Wilmore and Williams will wait for SpaceX’s next taxi flight. It is scheduled to launch in late September, with two astronauts instead of the normal four. NASA is removing two to create a way for Wilmore and Williams on their return voyage in late February.

NASA stated that no real consideration was given to asking SpaceX for a rapid stand-alone rescue. Last year, the Russian Space Agency had to hurry up a replacement Soyuz capsule for three crew when their previous vehicle was damaged by space trash. The switch extended their six-month expedition to a little over a year.

Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield praised the decision via X, saying, “It’s Good to err on the side of caution for astronaut lives. Astronauts devote their entire careers to long missions. I would gladly take it!”

Starliner’s problems began even before its recent flight.

Bad software ruined the first test flight without a crew in 2019, necessitating a redo in 2022. Then, parachute and other concerns arose, including a helium leak in the capsule’s fuel system, which prevented a launch attempt in May. The leak was eventually determined to be isolated and tiny enough to cause no worry. However, more leaks appeared after liftoff, and five thrusters also failed.

All except one of the small thrusters resumed during flight. However, engineers were perplexed when ground testing revealed that a thruster seal had swollen and obstructed a propellant line. They hypothesized that the seals in orbit may have enlarged and returned to their regular size. Officials claimed the results signaled a tipping point as their fears intensified.

With so much uncertainty about how the thrusters would function, “there was too much risk for the crew,” NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, told reporters.

NASA Decides To Keep 2 Astronauts In Space Until February, Nixes Return On Troubled Boeing Capsule

These 28 thrusters are crucial. They are required for space station rendezvous and also maintain the capsule orientated in the correct direction at the end of the mission when larger engines manoeuvre the vessel out of orbit. Coming in crooked might be a disaster.

With the Columbia accident still fresh in many people’s minds (the shuttle broke apart during reentry in 2003, killing all seven aboard), NASA made an extra effort to encourage open debate over Starliner’s return potential.

Despite Saturday’s decision, NASA has not given up on Boeing. Nelson stated that he is “100%” positive that Starliner will fly again.

NASA launched its commercial crew program a decade ago to establish two competing U.S. companies to transport astronauts in the post-shuttle future. Boeing secured the larger deal, worth more than $4 billion, compared to SpaceX’s $2.6 billion.

With station supply missions now under its belt, SpaceX nailed its first of nine astronaut flights in 2020, while Boeing was mired down by design problems that cost the firm more than $1 billion. NASA officials are hopeful that the Starliner’s issues can be resolved in time for another crew journey in the next year or so.

SOURCE | AP

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Justin Timberlake Admits Guilt to Impaired Driving and Pays a $500 Fine.

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3 hours ago

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2024-09-13

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Justin Timberlake

(VOR News) – Justin Timberlake’s guilty plea to driving under the influence on Friday concluded the criminal case that originated from his detention in the Hamptons of New York in June.

The actor and former member of the boy band appeared in Sag Harbour Village Court to register a new plea.

Timberlake was also required to issue a public safety announcement by the judge, in addition to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge and 25 hours of community service at the nonprofit of his choosing.

Timberlake issued an apology for his conduct and maintained his composure throughout the event. He maintained that his childhood in a small community had enabled him to comprehend the influence of his arrest on Sag Harbour. He asserted that he had ample time to contemplate his actions.

“I failed to meet the expectations I set for myself,” said the individual.

Timberlake expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to participate and stated that he aspires to leverage his influence to help others make “better decisions.” He confessed to the magistrate, “I should have exercised more foresight.” “I recognise how serious this is.”

A judge enquired about the plea agreement.

Judge Carl Irace expressed his dissatisfaction with the plea agreement that the prosecution had proposed. He questioned the appropriateness of Justin Timberlake’s forthcoming public statement, which was scheduled to be released shortly following judicial proceedings.

He alleged that he was incorporating community service requirements into the sentence to compensate for the shortage of time he had to reflect on his actions.

The pop artist initially entered a not guilty plea to a misdemeanour allegation of driving while intoxicated during a hearing last month, which resulted in the suspension of his driving licence.

The prosecution, which is being led by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, and Justin Timberlake’s attorney, Edward Burke, declined to provide any commentary prior to the hearing.

Timberlake was apprehended in Sag Harbour, New York, shortly after midnight on June 18. According to reports, he is accused of violating a stop sign in the village centre, exiting his BMW with an alcoholic odour, and driving out of his lane.

Police characterised the 43-year-old Tennessee native’s eyes as “bloodshot and glassy” in court documents. They also noted that he had “slowed speech,” was shaky on his feet, and performed poorly on all sobriety tests. Justin Timberlake informed the officer that he was returning home with some friends after consuming a single martini, according to the police.

Sag Harbour, a former whaling village that is mentioned in Herman Melville’s renowned novel “Moby-Dick,” is situated in the Hamptons, a region of beachfront municipalities situated approximately 100 miles (160 km) east of New York City.

Justin Timberlake’s legal consequences beyond New York

A legal expert stated on Monday that Justin Timberlake’s licence suspension in New York likely affects his ability to drive in other states.

Kenneth Gober, the managing partner of Lee, Gober & Reyna, a law firm in Austin, Texas, is of the opinion that the automatic suspension of one’s license under New York state law is the consequence of denying a Breathalyser test, as Justin Timberlake did during his detention. Subsequently, this moratorium should be implemented in additional states.

“The majority of states participate in the interstate Driver’s License Compact, an agreement to share information about license suspensions and traffic violations,” he said in an electronic communication. “A licence should be suspended in all states if it is suspended in one.”

Gober observed that it may take some time for these enhancements to be replicated across state lines. He further stated, “The pop star doesn’t need a car to drive to do his job; he has the resources to easily arrange for a driver.”

This week, emails soliciting responses from Justin Timberlake’s agent and other agents were unsuccessful.

Despite the fact that the ten-time Grammy winner has refrained from publicly discussing the incident, she appeared to address it during a Chicago performance a few days later.

During the United Centre performance on June 21, he addressed the audience and stated, “This week has been extremely challenging.” Nevertheless, both of us are present in this location. Nothing can change the present state of affairs.

Timberlake has been touring in support of his most recent album for months. He will be performing in Brooklyn and Newark, New Jersey in the coming weeks during his return to the New York City regional area.

SOURCE: NPR

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Ontario Woman Charged Criminally for Squiring Neighbor With Water Gun

Boeing Machinists Strike after Rejecting 25% Salary Increases over a 4-Year Period.

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Boeing Machinists Strike after Rejecting 25% Salary Increases over a 4-Year Period.

Published

10 hours ago

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2024-09-13

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Boeing

(VOR News) – Boeing machinists decided to strike Thursday, another setback for the huge aviation business, whose reputation and finances have suffered and now risk halting production of its best-selling commercial planes.

Per the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, 94.6% of voters rejected the plan to boost salaries 25% over four years, and 96% supported the strike, exceeding a two-thirds majority.

33,000 machinists struck Friday at 1:59 a.m.

The vote was announced by IAM District 751 President Jon Holden: About respect, the history, and battling for our future.

Boeing said, “I’m ready to go back to the table and make a new deal.”

Members rejected our IAM leadership tentative agreement. The corporation will re-establish employee-union relations. Boeing experienced multiple mishaps this year, from a panel blowing out and causing a hole in a passenger jet in January to NASA dumping two men in orbit instead of taking them home on a problematic Boeing spacecraft.

Boeing will lose crucial airline plane delivery revenue during the strike. Kelly Ortberg, the new CEO of a corporation that lost $25 billion in six years and fell behind Airbus six weeks ago, faces another challenge.

Ortberg defended a contract union negotiators unanimously supported. Wednesday he told machinists that ‘no one wins’ in a strike and that it would hurt Boeing’s recovery and exacerbate airline consumer anxieties.

He stated Boeing’s business is struggling owing to past missteps. I believe we can recover, but a strike would damage customer trust and constrain our decisions.

Workers didn’t hear.

Holden said machinists are unhappy with stagnant earnings and pension and health care cutbacks since 2008 to keep the firm from relocating employment.

“It’s hard to make up 16 years,” he stated.

The ruling also rebuked Holden and union negotiators for endorsing the contract. Holden predicted a strike and said the union would poll members to decide what to discuss when negotiations resume.

Social media union members requested higher wages every week. Several hundred marched to a union hall near Boeing’s 737 Max facility in Renton, Washington, on Thursday, blowing whistles, banging drums, and waving strike banners.

“As you can see, solidarity is here,” said quality-assurance worker Chase Sparkman. I expect my union brothers and sisters to stand together and tell our company we deserve more.”

In four years, Boeing expects machinists to earn $106,350.

It failed to meet the union’s 40% three-year salary increase request. Boeing increased 401(k) contributions without restoring pensions cut a decade ago.

Adam Vogel of Boeing termed the 25% rise “crap.” The latest rise was 16 years ago. Another quality-assurance worker, 16-year employee Broderick Conway, said Boeing can afford more.

We disappointed many members with our first offer. He hoped the second offer was right. “If not, we’ll strike and defend.” Boeing’s commercial-airplane head Stephanie Pope tried to deter blue-collar workers from striking for a better deal this week.

“We bargained in absolute good faith with the IAM team that represents you and your interests,” she stated. Let me clarify: We did not wait for a second vote.”

Union halls in Washington, Portland, and others held elections.

Boeing proposed to manufacture its next jet in Puget Sound if workers signed the contract, believing it would benefit the union. The 2030s jet would replace the 737 Max. Boeing’s Dreamliner production transfer from Seattle to South Carolina was blocked by unions.

The strike will stop Boeing’s best-selling airliner, the 737 Max, 777, and 767 cargo plane production in Renton and Everett, Washington, near Seattle. Nonunion South Carolina 787 Dreamliner workers may be unaffected.

Due to 1995 and 2008 strikes, workers’ $150 weekly strike fund contributions may seem minimal before the holidays, according to TD Cowen aerospace analyst Cai von Rumohr. Von Rumohr stated a long strike would cost $3.5 billion in cash flow because receives 60% of jet sales.

Since the union won all negotiations, Holden advised members to approve the accord “because we can’t guarantee we can achieve more in a strike.” Many workers remembered pension, health care, and wage cuts. They’re mad. Their desires are many. According to aerospace researcher Von Rumohr, Boeing recognises it and aims to appease many. Will they suffice?

Since the 2018 and 2019 737 Max crashes that killed 346, Boeing’s reputation has deteriorated. In January, a Max panel blew out during a flight, raising safety concerns.

In plane orders and delivery, strikes might push it behind Airbus.

SOURCE: AP

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Ontario Woman Charged Criminally for Squiring Neighbor With Water Gun

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Ontario Woman Charged Criminally for Squiring Neighbor With Water Gun

Published

1 day ago

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2024-09-12

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Ontario woman facing criminal charge following water gun incident
Ontario woman facing criminal charge following water gun incident - File Image

A woman in Ontario is currently facing a charge of assault with a weapon after she inadvertently sprayed her neighbour with a water gun over the Labour Day weekend. At least one legal expert has characterised the charge as a waste of legal resources.

Wendy Washik reported that she was participing in a playful water fight with one of her neighbours’ children during a neighbourhood barbecue on September 1. She said that she inadvertently sprayed a neighbour with water while pursuing the child to the front of the residence.

The neighbour (a Man) immediately began “screaming” at her, despite the fact that she promptly apologised.

She told CTV News, the neighbour contacted the police, who arrived shortly after and charged her with assault with a weapon. She said that the police conversed with the neighbour, but they did not enquire about the incident with any other individuals.

Wendy Washik was criminally charged after she said she accidentally sprayed her neighbour with a water gun

Wendy Washik was criminally charged after she said she accidentally sprayed her neighbour with a water gun

“I was shocked.” It was quite unbelievable to me. I repeatedly stated to the police officer, “It was a water gun.” I did not spray him intentionally. I was a harmless water fight Washik expressed his disbelief.

On September 3, an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) press release stated that a Norfolk County officer was summoned to the Woodway Trail residence to investigate a neighbour dispute over a physical assault. There was no indication of any injuries.

The Norfolk County police release a statement saying there was an assault with a weapon giving Washik name, age, and place of residence; however, they did not provide a description of the type of weapon used.

Washik said that due to the statement the school board were she works put her on forced leave. “I have experienced significant stress, both in terms of my mental and financial well-being.” “My family has also experienced a great deal,” she said.

Criminal Defence Lawyer Monte McGregor

Criminal Defence Lawyer Monte McGregor

In an interview with CTV News, Criminal Defence Lawyer Monte McGregor, who is not engaged in the case, stated that a water gun can be classified as a weapon under the law. An assault is the act of touching or threatening to contact an individual without their consent.

MacGregor stated that police have a certain degree of discretion in determining whether or not to file a charge and whether or not they have reasonable and probable grounds to suspect that an offence has been committed.

He expressed his astonishment at the charge being brought against the woman. He said the charges are a pointless expenditure of court resources, and I am of the opinion that this was just an unfortunate accident, not a crime.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated that the specifics of the weapon in question are deemed part of the investigation and are not “generally” disclosed to the public. They are dedicated to upholding rigorous standards in their investigative work, “regardless of the public’s perception of the allocation of resources.”

MacGregor stated that Washik’s counsel will likely have the opportunity to consult with the Crown attorney prior to her scheduled court appearance on Sept. 24. He stated that the Crown attorney may exercise their discretion and provide Washik with a resolution; however, it may necessitate that she accept culpability for the incident.

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