First Rotary Test on Mars Is Prepped
The 4-pound helicopter, Ingenuity, travels to Mars clutching the belly of the rover Perseverance. The atmosphere of Mars was just the start of the challenges that faced Ingenuity on its way to performing the first rotary wing test flight on Mars.
DoD Uses COVID Funds for Small-Drone Contracts
DoD’s innovation arm has issued $13.4 million in small-drone support contracts using COVID-19 funds, awarding contracts to five companies to help with “situational awareness, improve human-machine teaming, and provide engineering support.”
Sahara Dust Plume Due in MD on Sunday
The Sahara dust plume is was 5,000 miles long by the end of June. The swirling dust headed toward the United States off the Sahara Desert is expected to move into the southern Mid-Atlantic and sections of the Carolinas toward the end of the weekend. NASA imaging shows another dust plume now off the coast of Africa and following the same path.
Chincoteague Pony Swim Canceled by Coronavirus
Along with so much else, the coronavirus had forced the cancelling of the 95th Chincoteague Pony Swim, for the first time since World War II.
TechPort Launches ‘Hot Box’ in COVID-19 Fight
TechPort UAS Business Incubator seeks FDA approval for the Heat Sanitization Box — the “Hot Box” — that disinfects thousands of face masks within an hour. The Hot Box is the second COVID-19 tool created by SoMDLovesYou with support from TechPort.
Military Readiness Concerns Grow
As the rate of infection in the military outstrips that of the general population, deployments are being impacted, and military leaders fear a readiness crisis. The warship Coronado could be the herald.
More Restrictions, Closures Due to COVID-19 Threat
More restrictions and closures are in effect in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The number of those testing positive goes up in Maryland.
Navy Screens for Coronavirus in Pacific
Navy steps up coronavirus screenings for Pacific-deployed personnel, dependents, and visitors as South Korea, Japan, and Singapore report substantial numbers of coronavirus cases.
DoD Photos Offer Look Back at 2019
The Defense Department regularly chronicles US military members who train and conduct operations around the world. DoD offers an end-of-the-year glimpse into their duties in 2019 through the work of military photographers.
New Ford Carrier Declared Navy’s Top Priority
Facing bipartisan criticism of the $13B, most modern and most expensive carrier in history, Acting NavSec Thomas Modly declared deployment of the troubled Ford carrier to be the Navy’s top priority.
