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NASA Decides To Keep 2 Astronauts In Space Until February, Nixes Return On Troubled Boeing Capsule
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida – NASA concluded on Saturday that returning two astronauts to Earth in Boeing’s problematic new capsule is too risky, and they will have to wait until next year to go home with SpaceX. The pair’s test flight, which was supposed to last a week, will now span more than eight months.
The experienced pilots have been detained aboard the International Space Station since the beginning of June. A series of perplexing thruster failures and helium leaks in the new capsule hampered their journey to the space station, and they ended up in a holding pattern while engineers ran tests and debated what to do about the return mission.
After nearly three months, NASA’s highest officials made the decision on Saturday. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return aboard a SpaceX capsule in February. Their empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt a return on autopilot, landing in the New Mexico desert.
As Starliner’s test pilots, the two should have overseen this important final part of the mission.
“A test flight by nature is neither safe nor routine,” remarked NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. The decision “is the result of a commitment to safety.”
Nelson stated that learning from NASA’s two space shuttle tragedies played an impact. This time, he added, open conversation was encouraged rather than suppressed.
“This has not been an easy decision, but it is absolutely the right one,” said Jim Free, NASA’s Associate Administrator.
NASA Decides To Keep 2 Astronauts In Space Until February, Nixes Return On Troubled Boeing Capsule
It was a setback to Boeing, compounding the company’s safety issues on the airplane side. Boeing had hoped that Starliner’s first crew mission would revitalize the faltering spacecraft program after years of delays and rising costs. The business asserted that Starliner was safe based on the recent thruster tests in space and on the ground.
Boeing did not attend NASA’s news conference on Saturday but said, “Boeing continues to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and the spacecraft.” The corporation said it prepares the spacecraft “for a safe and successful return.”
Jan Osburg, a senior engineer at Rand Corp. specializing in aerospace and defense, believes NASA made the right decision. “But the U.S. is still left with egg on its face due to the Starliner design issues that should have been caught earlier.”
Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, are retired Navy captains with prior long-duration spaceflight experience. Before their June 5 launch from Cape Canaveral, Wilmore and Williams said their families had accepted the uncertainty and stress of their professional careers decades ago.
During their lone orbital news conference last month, the astronauts expressed confidence in the thruster testing being undertaken. They had no complaints, and they liked helping with space station tasks.
Wilmore’s wife, Deanna, stated via text that she and their daughters, along with relatives and friends, “were praying for a safe return on whatever spacecraft that may be.” While they are disappointed that Dad will be gone for longer, “we know that it’s the Lord’s plan,” she stated.
Flight operations director Norm Knight said he spoke with the astronauts on Saturday, and they completely support the decision to postpone their return.
There needed to be more choices.
The SpaceX spacecraft currently parked at the space station is intended for the four inhabitants who have been there since March. They will return in late September, having prolonged their usual six-month stay by one month due to the Starliner issue. NASA stated that cramming two additional people into the capsule would be dangerous unless necessary.
The docked Russian Soyuz capsule is much smaller and capable of carrying only three people, two Russians closing up a year-long mission.
So Wilmore and Williams will wait for SpaceX’s next taxi flight. It is scheduled to launch in late September, with two astronauts instead of the normal four. NASA is removing two to create a way for Wilmore and Williams on their return voyage in late February.
NASA stated that no real consideration was given to asking SpaceX for a rapid stand-alone rescue. Last year, the Russian Space Agency had to hurry up a replacement Soyuz capsule for three crew when their previous vehicle was damaged by space trash. The switch extended their six-month expedition to a little over a year.
Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield praised the decision via X, saying, “It’s Good to err on the side of caution for astronaut lives. Astronauts devote their entire careers to long missions. I would gladly take it!”
Starliner’s problems began even before its recent flight.
Bad software ruined the first test flight without a crew in 2019, necessitating a redo in 2022. Then, parachute and other concerns arose, including a helium leak in the capsule’s fuel system, which prevented a launch attempt in May. The leak was eventually determined to be isolated and tiny enough to cause no worry. However, more leaks appeared after liftoff, and five thrusters also failed.
All except one of the small thrusters resumed during flight. However, engineers were perplexed when ground testing revealed that a thruster seal had swollen and obstructed a propellant line. They hypothesized that the seals in orbit may have enlarged and returned to their regular size. Officials claimed the results signaled a tipping point as their fears intensified.
With so much uncertainty about how the thrusters would function, “there was too much risk for the crew,” NASA’s commercial crew program manager, Steve Stich, told reporters.
NASA Decides To Keep 2 Astronauts In Space Until February, Nixes Return On Troubled Boeing Capsule
These 28 thrusters are crucial. They are required for space station rendezvous and also maintain the capsule orientated in the correct direction at the end of the mission when larger engines manoeuvre the vessel out of orbit. Coming in crooked might be a disaster.
With the Columbia accident still fresh in many people’s minds (the shuttle broke apart during reentry in 2003, killing all seven aboard), NASA made an extra effort to encourage open debate over Starliner’s return potential.
NASA launched its commercial crew program a decade ago to establish two competing U.S. companies to transport astronauts in the post-shuttle future. Boeing secured the larger deal, worth more than $4 billion, compared to SpaceX’s $2.6 billion.
With station supply missions now under its belt, SpaceX nailed its first of nine astronaut flights in 2020, while Boeing was mired down by design problems that cost the firm more than $1 billion. NASA officials are hopeful that the Starliner’s issues can be resolved in time for another crew journey in the next year or so.
SOURCE | AP
News
‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor
Los Angeles — Anna Sorokin, a convicted con artist, appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” with a featherweight — and extremely glittery — ankle monitor.
The so-called ‘fake heiress,’ who was convicted of swindling banks, hotels, and friends in 2019 after fraudulently claiming to be a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, debuted the ballroom-worthy ankle monitor during the launch of “Dancing With the Stars'” new season Tuesday night.
“It’s not a huge deal at all. It’s quite light, and I asked them to tighten it so it doesn’t droop. So it’s not too horrible,” she told The Associated Press following the premiere. She and professional dancer Ezra Sosa performed a routine to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”
‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor
“It’s the real star of the show, let’s be honest here,” Sosa said of Sorokin’s glittering ankle monitor.
“I think it’s kind of funny how people like — it’s not like an ankle weight,” Sosa told reporters. “It’s not like twenty pounds. It’s literally less than a pound, so it’s no big issue.”
Sorokin recognized that her debut did not go as expected.
“I feel relieved that it’s over,” she stated. “I feel like my dance could have been a little bit better, but I’m happy I’ve done this and it was a great experience all over.”
Sorokin expressed optimism that viewers will be forgiving despite her criminal history.
“Hopefully, people will give me a chance to demonstrate what I can do. “And I served my sentence and paid my restitution,” she claimed.
‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor
Early fan reactions were negative, with the phrase “Anna Delvey’s Lacklustre DWTS Debut” trending on social media site X.
She was released from prison in February 2021, but immigration authorities apprehended her immediately after, stating she had overstayed her visa and needed to be repatriated to her native Germany. The “Inventing Anna” inspiration was in ICE custody for more than a year before a judge paved the way for her to be transferred to house confinement in October 2022 while fighting deportation.
SOURCE | AP
News
Wojnarowski, ’91, Steps Down as ESPN General Manager to Join Bonnie’s Basketball Program
(VOR News) – Adrian Wojnarowski is leaving journalism to become St. Bonaventure men’s basketball general manager.
“I am delighted and honoured to be back at St. Bonaventure University, and the chance to contribute to Coach Mark Schmidt and our prestigious Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said.
“During these dynamic eras of collegiate athletics, I am excited about becoming part of a championship program that integrates elite basketball, widespread television visibility, professional training, and future-oriented learning opportunities inside a close-knit and nurturing educational setting.”
Wojnarowski will help the coaching staff recruit, engage with families and alumni players, raise money for professional player programs, coordinate collective efforts, run the transfer portal, and capitalise on NIL opportunities as general manager.
Since 2022, some mid-major and power conference schools have hired general managers, especially for men’s basketball and football, to keep up with the fast-changing collegiate sports market.
The director of basketball operations wanted to share NBA success stories and new ideas with the community. The director also stressed the importance of global possibilities for our players in athletics and in life.
Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bob Beretta called Wojnarowski’s selection a “incredible opportunity” for the university, men’s basketball, and athletics.
“Amidst significant upheaval in the intercollegiate athletics industry, we are conclusively demonstrating that St. Bonaventure remains at the vanguard of transformation,” he said. “This is an audacious decision that is in line with our institutional objectives to sustain and thrive.”
Beretta believes Wojnarowski’s global basketball network will aid the endeavour.
Woj understands St. Bonaventure and Franciscan ideals, the president stated, in addition to his extensive professional and intercollegiate basketball network.
“The willingness of the most accomplished journalist in his profession to relinquish a lucrative media career in order to provide support to his alma mater is a clear indication of his deep affection and great enthusiasm for Bonaventure.”
Schmidt called Wojnarowski’s hire a “home run.”
“Recruiting and retention in the new NIL college basketball landscape are crucial,” said Schmidt, the school’s most successful men’s basketball coach. “Woj is as connected as anyone in the basketball world and his decades-long network of relationships can only help our program remain among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 going forward.”
Wojnarowski plans to leave his lucrative ESPN position in 2022 to support the university that changed his life. The Jandoli School of Communication and Basketball has received funding from him and his 92-year-old wife Amy.
“I express my gratitude to President (Jeff) Gingerich, Bob Beretta, Coach Schmidt, and the collective St. Bonaventure community for extending a warm reception to my wife, Amy, and myself as we reintegrate into the campus community in a new capacity,” he stated. “The university’s stunning campus immediately enthralled us as undergraduate students.” I’m ready to work.
Today on ESPN on X, 1991 graduate Wojnarowski retired.
“While this craft has had a profound impact on my life, I have made the decision to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” he stated. “While I acknowledge the commitment inherent in my work, my level of motivation has diminished compared to my previous state.” The objective is to optimise the use of my finite time.
Wojnarowski edited Yahoo Sports’ Vertical for two years before joining ESPN in 2017. In nearly ten years at The Record of New Jersey, he won two APSE Columnist of the Year awards. He worked for the Waterbury Republican-American and the Fresno Bee for years.
The National Sports Media Association awarded Wojnarowski the Peer Recognition Award for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Red Smith, Jim Murray, Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Bob Ryan, and Tom Verducci have won this competition three years running.
Wojnarowski wrote “The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty,” a New York Times bestseller.
Wojnarowski received an honorary degree in 2022, spoke at the university’s graduation ceremony, and was named Jandoli School Alumnus of the Year for 2019. His name was also on the school’s Wall of Distinguished Graduates.
Amy and Adrian’s return to Bonaventure will be commemorated with a news conference on Wednesday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the Quick Centre for the Arts theatre. Residents of the university can attend.
SOURCE: BONNIES
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The Bank of England is Largely Expected to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged as Long as Inflation Exceeds its Target.
(VOR News) – The Bank of England will probably keep interest rates at the same level on Thursday after official data showed that inflation in the UK remained steady in August at an annual rate of 2.2%.
This occurs one day following the official release of the numbers. This is because the higher cost of flying was somewhat offset by decreased petrol prices as well as cheaper costs for lodging and dining.
Additionally, the Bank of England is expected to maintain interest rates.
The cost of borrowing money increased dramatically by central banks worldwide from near zero during the Coronavirus outbreak, as a result of rising supply chain concerns and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which increased Bank of England energy costs, when prices started to soar.
This action was taken in reaction to the notable rise in prices due to the rising cost of electricity. They have started lowering interest rates in response to this scenario, as inflation rates have started to decline from multi-decade highs.
The Office of National Statistics released its most recent figure on Wednesday, and it was in line with market expectations.
This leads one to conclude that, for the second consecutive month, the inflation rate has remained somewhat higher than the 2% target set by the British central bank. For the first time in more than three years, inflation inched closer to the target in June.
The central bank has been progressively lowering its main interest rate by a quarter point since the start of the outbreak, bringing it down to 5% below its starting point.
This was the first decline that has happened since the start of the pandemic. Even though the Bank of England vote was quite close, four out of the nine members decided against changing the original proposal.
The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday for the first time in the previous four years. Interest rates would be reduced for the first time with this.
The great majority of economists believe that the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee will be on holiday on Thursday. This is due to the fact that several committee members have continuously expressed their concerns about price increases in the vital services industry, which accounts for almost 80% of the UK economy.
The statistical data released on Wednesday indicates that the services sector experienced an increase in inflation in August, from 5.2% in July to 5.6% in August.
Bank of England increased this due to rising airfares across Europe.
Nonetheless, they believe that after the government’s budget was made public on October 30, the bank would probably reduce its deposits once more in November.
Claiming that it is imperative to close a projected 29 billion dollar deficit in the public budget—or 22 billion pounds less than the previous administration estimated—the incoming Labour government has taken office.
Additionally, they have said that they might have to increase taxes and cut spending, which would probably be bad news for the British economy’s short-term outlook and drive down inflation. It is anticipated that this event will have a detrimental effect on the British economy.
According to Suren Thiru, the director of economics at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales, “an interest rate cut on Thursday is looking unlikely with the majority of the Monetary Policy Committee likely to want to assess the impact of next month’s budget before deciding when to loosen policy again.”
Suren Thiru is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales because he is the director of economics.
Suren Thiru made his statement in reaction to the decision that was made by the Monetary Policy Committee regarding when in the future to relax policy once more. On account of the fact that the majority of committee members arrived at this conclusion, this remark could be made public.
SOURCE: AP
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