Short Takes – 12-30-24

After 60 years of spaceflight patches, here are some of our favorites. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “However, the spy satellite agency cleverly uses its mission patches as an effective communications tool. The patches for the launch of its satellites never give away key details, but they are often humorous, ominous, and suggestive all at the same time. The immediate response I often have to these patches is one of appreciation for the design, followed by a nervous chuckle. I suspect that's intended by the spy agency.”

Fight over spending stopgap foreshadows funding challenges in new Congress. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““Pre-15th of March, you still got to finish. You’ve got to finish ‘25 so reconciliation is going to be a piece of that on how you finish ‘25,” Amodei told The Hill, while also saying reconciliation work could have an impact on Congress’s annual funding work.”

Trump on collision course with conservatives over debt limit. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: “Only one or two GOP lawmakers may be able to derail any budget reconciliation package that includes language to raise the debt ceiling if conservatives think the spending cuts don’t go far enough — or if moderates think cuts go too far.”

These Are The Most Exciting Space Missions Coming In 2025. Inverse.com article. Pull quote: “As an aerospace engineer, I’m excited for 2025, when space agencies worldwide are gearing up for even more ambitious goals. Here’s a look at the most exciting missions planned for the coming year, which will expand humanity’s horizons even further, from the Moon and Mars to asteroids and beyond:”

China wants to restore the sea with high-tech marine ranches. TechnologyReview.com article. Pull quote: “So far China’s marine ranching program remains far from any of this, despite the isolated signs of success. But ultimately what matters most is to find a “balance point” between commerce and sustainability, says Cao. Take Genghai No. 1: “It’s very pretty!” she says with a laugh. “And it costs a lot for the initial investment.” If such ranches are going to contribute to China’s coming “ecological civilization,” they’ll have to prove they are delivering real gains and not just sinking more resources into a dying ocean.”