Short Takes – 3-8-25

FEMA temporarily cancels all in-person NFA training. FireRescue1.com article. Pull quote: “The email stated: “For those [National Fire Academy] courses that can continue virtually, we will do so, and you will receive more information soon. For those that are unable to proceed in a virtual format we will reevaluate rescheduling of courses once the review is complete.” A follow-up email to instructors clarified that, “only virtual offerings that do not have an instructor and no funds are involved will be held. Please cancel all future travel until further notice.”

This fusion-powered rocket could halve the time it takes to get to Mars. TheNextWeb.com article. Pull quote: “Pulsar started building the engine in 2023 at a site in Milton Keynes, England. Static tests are slated to begin in 2025 followed by an “In Orbit Demonstration” (IOD) of the core technology components in 2027, the company said. When fired, the engine could temporarily become the hottest place in the solar system, creating exhaust speeds of more than 500,000mph (804,672km/h).”

Trump-backed plan to fund government raises GOP concerns on defense. TheHill.com article. Pull quotes: ““New starts [for DOD spending] are very important, but they should be new starts that either the House or the Senate has authorized in their bills,” Collins said. “What I don’t want is a big slush fund of money that a department head decides what the new starts are going to be without authorization from Congress.”

Lockheed Martin Unveils Advanced Counter-UAV System for Threat Neutralization. I-HLS.com article. Pull quote: “The system’s modular design is another key benefit, allowing for rapid adaptation to evolving threats. Operators can easily incorporate new sensors and interceptors into the system, enhancing its flexibility and scalability. Additionally, the system is designed for rapid deployment and can be integrated seamlessly with existing defense networks, ensuring optimal coordination across various platforms.”

Allocation of Spectrum for Non-Federal Space Launch Operations. Federal Register FCC final rule. Summary: “In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) implements certain provisions of the Launch Communications Act (LCA) enacted September 26, 2024, governing the authorization and facilitation of commercial space operations in the 2025-2110 MHz, 2200-2290 MHz, and 2360-2395 MHz bands (collectively, the LCA bands). To meet this statutory mandate, the Commission builds upon its action in the September 2023 Second Report and Order which, among other things, reallocated the 2025-2110 MHz and 2200-2290 MHz bands for non-Federal Space Operation on a secondary basis and adopted, for these two bands, space launch licensing framework. Specifically, the Commission reallocates the 2360-2395 MHz band on a secondary basis for Space Operation. Next, the Commission incorporates the 2360-2395 MHz band into its existing part 26 space launch regulatory framework that includes, for example, space launch licensing and frequency coordination rules.” Effective date: April 7^th, 2025.

Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the Nationwide Operation of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Federal Register notice of intent. Summary: “The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intends to prepare a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) to consider the potential environmental impacts associated with the research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), and nationwide C-UAS operational and training activities (Proposed Action). DHS is seeking public input regarding important environmental issues that should be considered in the PEA. The PEA will be used to assess at a national scale the environmental impacts that may occur from the Proposed Action and establish standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) by which DHS can reduce such impacts. DHS invites federal agencies with jurisdiction by law and/or special expertise with respect to any potential environmental impact associated with the Proposed Action to formally cooperate with DHS in the preparation of the PEA.”

SpaceX loses Starship rocket stage again, but catches giant Super Heavy booster during Flight 8 launch. Space.com article. Pull quote: “That didn't happen, however. Several of Ship's six Raptor engines conked out toward the end of its ascent burn, and the vehicle began to tumble. SpaceX lost contact with Ship about nine minutes into the flight, and it presumably detonated high in the sky shortly thereafter.”