Short Takes – 8-23-25

If This Asteroid Hits the Moon, Watch for Shooting Stars and Stricken Satellites. ScientificAmerican.com article. Pull quote: “So if the asteroid does strike the moon—and that’s still a big if—we’ll get quite the light show, but our satellites could be at risk. This shows us that while we rightly are concerned about mitigating Earth impacts from larger asteroids, even smaller ones hitting the moon are a cause for concern and may be worth trying to prevent as well. The good news is that such 2024 YR4–size lunar impacts are extremely rare, and the chance of one in 2032 is still slim. It would make for a spectacular event, but we’d be far better off if the asteroid missed.”

New Mathematical Model Aims to Prevent 5G Disruptions to Aircraft Systems. I-HLS.com article. Pull quote: “Importantly, the research goes beyond proposing a policy fix—it introduces a framework for predicting how interference might occur and how it can be managed through network design. With global aviation authorities and telecom regulators still navigating how to safely roll out 5G near airports, this work offers a data-driven basis for future infrastructure planning.”

Agency Information Collection Activities: 1670-0048: SAFECOM Nationwide Surveys Generic Clearance. Federal Register CISA 60-day ICR notice. Summary: “To perform these statutory obligations, CISA seeks renewal of its PRA Generic Clearance to maintain flexibility in implementing surveys that are relevant to the current emergency communications environment. To meet the statutory requirements of 6 U.S.C. 573, ECD conducts the SAFECOM Nationwide Survey (SNS) to assess evolving capability needs and gaps and track progress against policy initiatives, status of strategic plans, and major industry or market shifts affecting the emergency communications capability.” Comments due: October 24^th, 2025.

This month, I am offering a reduced-price subscription to my CFSN Detailed Analysis newsletter, 40% off the annual subscription rate. Sale ends on August 31^st, 2025.