Short Takes – 9-12-24

US tanks weren’t ready for Russian attacks. Ukraine has a fix. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““The idea of using a cage like that is to create some space so a round fired at it will hit that cage that will trigger the fuse below the main charge,” he said. “And instead of that main charge going directly into the armor, there’s that little bit of space that will kind of blunt some of the energy.””

Notice of Solicitation of Proposals for the Department of Defense University Consortium for Cybersecurity Support Center. Federal Register DOD solicitation of applications. Summary: “The Secretary of Defense has determined the need for a Support Center (Center) for the University Consortium for Cybersecurity (UC2). The Center will provide, during a two-year term, administrative support for the academic research and engagement activities of UC2. To be eligible, interested institutions must have been designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence (NCAE) in cybersecurity for at least 24 months from the date of the publication of this notice and, further, must demonstrate an understanding of cybersecurity research, be eligible for access to classified material, and demonstrate commitment to the UC2 mission of a closer collaboration between academia and the DoD.”

Minimum Standards for Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable by Federal Agencies for Official Purposes; Phased Approach for Card-Based Enforcement. Federal Register TSA notice of proposed rulemaking. Summary: “This proposed rule would ensure that Federal agencies have appropriate flexibility to implement the card-based enforcement provisions of the REAL ID regulations after the May 7, 2025, enforcement deadline by explicitly permitting agencies to implement card-based enforcement in phases. This rulemaking proposes that agencies may implement the card-based enforcement provisions through a phased enforcement plan if they determine it is appropriate upon consideration of relevant factors including security, operational feasibility, and public impact. The proposed rule would also require agencies to coordinate their plans with DHS, make the plans publicly available, and achieve full enforcement by May 5, 2027.” Comments due October 15^th, 2024.

Polaris Dawn Flight Day 3 Update. @PolarisProgram on X.com. Pull quote: “Throughout the EVA, stunning visuals were afforded by Dragon’s cameras and the spacesuits helmet cameras as the crew orbited between 184.9 x 732.2 km above Earth.”