Sky Watchers Await Rare Celestial Event
A total solar eclipse will sweep across North America today, April 8, blocking out the sun momentarily for millions of viewers along a path stretching from northern Mexico to Maine. 2017 was the last time the US experienced a total solar eclipse, and there will not be another until 2044.
Former Pax Test Pilot to Lead Next NASA ISS Mission
LT COL Jasmin Moghbeli will lead NASA’s next space station mission. She will serve as the commander of the upcoming SpaceX Crew-7 mission, slated to launch August 17. Moghbeli is a graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School at Pax River.
Flying Taxi Maker Joins Paris Airshow
While the world’s largest air show typically focused on military and commercial planes, flying taxi maker Volocopter showed up at the Paris Airshow to show it is on track to ferry customers around Paris Olympics next year. Other 2023 newcomers to the world’s largest air show included electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
MD Won’t Send Guard to Southern Border
A growing list of Republican leaders are sending their state National Guard soldiers or other state law enforcement officers to the US border with Mexico. Gov. Wes Moore (D) said last week that “Maryland’s not doing that. Right now, what Maryland is doing — Maryland is focusing on public safety here. Maryland is focusing on our schools here. Maryland is focusing on the myriad of challenges and the myriad of opportunities that we have here in the state of Maryland … .”
Dahlgren Proposes Expanding Zone for Weapons Testing
Some boaters and watermen say they are worried about a proposed expansion of the zone for weapons testing on the Potomac River. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division filed a notice seeking public comment on expanding the middle “danger zone” that extends about 20 miles downriver from Dahlgren, VA.
US Navy Found Guilty of Piracy
A US federal court has found the US Navy guilty of pirating a software company’s copyright by using a 3D mapping software without permission. The Navy is on the hook for $154,400, plus a yet to be determined sum to be paid for damages.
At NAS Pax, Take the Pedal Off the Metal
NAS Patuxent River has lowered speed limits on base in an attempt to improve driver, pedestrian, and cyclist safety. In most areas where a change has occurred, the speed limit has been lowered to 25 mph.
DHS Asks to Extend Border Deployment
The DoD has received a request from the Dept. Homeland Security to continue the National Guard’s border deployment into the 2022 fiscal year. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) signals support citing the influx of migrants crossing from Mexico into the United States.
