Short Takes – 8-21-25

Smallsat missions proposed to study asteroid Apophis. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “The concept for TERP RAPTOR involves a 12U cubesat launched into a geostationary transfer orbit, from which it would maneuver onto a head-on trajectory, passing within 10 kilometers of Apophis around the time of its closest approach to Earth while going at a relative velocity of 9.5 kilometers per second. Some alternative trajectory options exist that feature flybys before closest approach but at lower relative velocities.”

Tick-borne disease spreads, causing meat, dairy allergies. TheHill.com article. “Patients report reactions so severe that smelling burgers on a grill can cause unconsciousness. The syndrome also affects everyday items containing animal byproducts, including lip balms, lotions and some bottled water, causing hives, coughing and wheezing.”

Extension of Postponement of Effectiveness for Certain Provisions of Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Federal Register EPA notification. Summary: “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) is extending the postponement of the effectiveness of certain regulatory provisions of the final rule entitled “Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)” for an additional 90 days. Specifically, this postponement applies to the conditions imposed on the uses with TSCA exemptions.” New compliance date: November 17^th, 2025.

mRNA vaccines hold promise for many diseases. Now the tech is under fire. ScienceNews.org article. Pull quote: ““The mRNA-based drugs that are coming out are lifesaving,” Coller says. He thinks termination of these projects will have a chilling effect on anyone looking to develop mRNA-based therapeutics. HHS’ announcement “was literally a shot across the bow,” he says. “It’s a clear message to the entire industry that the United States is no longer going to support mRNA-based research and development.””

America’s fragile drug supply chain is extremely vulnerable to climate change. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “During the six-year span [2019 through 2024], 6,819 facilities (63 percent) faced at least one weather-related emergency. Per year, an average of 2,146 facilities (33 percent) experienced such an emergency.” Study did not specifically look for supply chain disruptions at those ‘affected’ facilities.

ULA making new efforts on Vulcan reusability. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: “ULA plans to recover the aft thrust structure of the Vulcan booster, which includes the engines as well as fluid management systems, avionics and other components. “As time goes forward, we’re going to move more things into the back side of the booster that can be recovered,” he said. “By the time we get done through that evolutionary path, really almost the only thing that is being discarded from the booster core will be the fuel tank itself.”” Lack of details about plan.

How to reconcile space mining with the Outer Space Treaty. SpaceNews.com commentary. Pull quote: “To facilitate public–private investment in off-world mining, we propose that the FAA first address and clarify the issue of exclusive rights on celestial bodies, citing operational safety concerns. As demonstrated during Apollo 12’s mission next to Surveyor 3, landing in close proximity to existing infrastructure can pose significant risks from exhaust plumes and high-velocity debris. Once commercial lunar access becomes international, the U.S. government should adopt the ITU’s existing approach for managing orbital slots as a model for regulating future operations on celestial bodies. This strategy minimizes the need for new regulatory frameworks and increases the likelihood of international acceptance.”

Pipeline Safety: Periodic Standards Update II. Federal Register PHMSA final rule. Summary: “This final rule incorporates by reference 19 updated voluntary, consensus industry technical standards within the pipeline safety regulations (PSR, 49 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) parts 190-199). The incorporation of these updated standards will maintain or improve public safety, prevent regulatory confusion, and reduce compliance burdens consistent with the requirements in the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA) of 1995 (15 United States Code (U.S.C.) 272 (note)).” Effective date: January 10^th, 2026

Could babies get bird flu through breast milk? Maybe, a study hints. ScienceNews.org article. Pull quote: ““That’s a very pressing question that we should be asking in this time before we’re seeing widespread transmission, or before a pandemic,” Byington says. Since September 2024, 79 people in the United States have tested positive for H5 influenza, mostly farm workers who had mild symptoms. One person died. The virus has not yet evolved the ability to spread easily from person-to-person.”

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