DHS Headquarters in Washington D.C. on 13 November 2024 DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Signs ICE Pact MOU with Canada and Finland 54137987144 1024x683 1

RAND Corporation’s Analysis on New ICE Pact Icebreakers

Military & Secret Tech / memoment editorial

Naval News contacted the RAND Corporation for their analysis on the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) agreement to work with Finland and Canada on advising and potentially building new USCG icebreakers.

The Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, commonly referred to as the ICE Pact, is a trilateral partnership between the United States, Canada and Finland. The ICE Pact was formed on 11 July 2024 in Washington, D.C. The ICE Pact is a partnership in efforts to bolster shipbuilding capacities and industries, especially the enhancing of icebreaker ship production capacity in Canada and Finland, and to counter the influence of the Russian Federation and China in the Arctic region.

U.S. Coast Guard Comments

Naval News contacted the U.S. Coast Guard on April 20, 2025 for comment on the ICE Pact and on April 30, 2025, the U.S Coast Guard’s Chief of Media Relations Department spokesperson replied,

“The Coast Guard is conducting market research to determine the availability of icebreaker designs and capabilities of shipyards in the U.S. and abroad to produce a complex ship on an accelerated timeline. Pending requisite legislative authority and appropriations to acquire additional icebreakers, the Coast Guard is conducting the widest survey of the market to inform future acquisition activities. At this time, the Coast Guard is not involved in any negotiations with a foreign shipyard. The Coast Guard is committed to delivering critical assets to meet the needs in the U.S. Arctic as expeditiously as possible in compliance with federal law.

“The Coast Guard is the sole federal agency responsible for icebreaking to assure U.S. access and sovereignty in the polar regions and enable the flow of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes and America’s inland waterways. Accordingly, the Service must replace, modernize, and grow our fleet of icebreakers to safeguard our national security and economic prosperity that flows through America’s $5.4 Trillion marine transportation system. We are committed to working with the Administration and Congress to fulfill the President’s direction on icebreaker acquisition.” U.S. Coast Guard Media Relations Headquarters

Naval News then asked the U.S. Coast Guard for the status of the Polar Security Cutters (PSC) and the U.S. Coast Guard’s Media Relations Headquarters replied on May 1, 2025 with,

On December 19th, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Integrated Program Office received approval to begin building the first PSC. In this decision sixteen modules out of 85 total, were authorized by the Department. Currently, ten of those modules are in various stages of completion. On April 30, 2025, the Coast Guard received approval from the Department of Homeland Security for full production of the first Polar Security Cutter (PSC).

A Press Release on “Coast Guard to Begin Full Production Activities for Polar Security Cutter Hull 1 and Low-Rate Initial Production for the Waterways Commerce Cutter” was released that same day.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, Minister of Public Services and Procurement of Canada, Jean-Yves Duclos, and the Minister of Economic Affairs for the Republic of Finland, Wille Rydman, sign an Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact MoU at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C. (DHS photo by Tia Dufour)

RAND Corporation’s Analysis on Icebreakers

Naval News reached out to the RAND Corporation for their analysis and RAND’s Michelle Ziegler and Jeffrey Drezner, both Senior Technical Analysts and Professors of Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy replied.

Naval News: Please provide analysis and comment on the following: “On December 19th, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Integrated Program Office received approval to begin building the first PSC. In this decision sixteen modules out of 85 total, were authorized by the Department. Currently, ten of those modules are in various stages of completion. On April 30, 2025, the Coast Guard received approval from the Department of Homeland Security for full production of the first Polar Security Cutter (PSC). —USCG 5/1/2025”

RAND: We are not familiar with the specifics, but the statement indicates construction of the lead ship was approved before the initial modules were completed. GAO has identified that a best practice in the commercial shipbuilding industry is to ensure design maturity before entering the construction phase. Entering full production—in this case, maybe construction of the lead ship—too early can lead to cost, schedule and technical issues later. Government shipbuilding history holds many examples where the complexity of the process, or external influences like supply chains, hurricanes, or budget timing changes have led to not being able to follow best practices and seen resulting delays and cost overruns.

Naval News: Please provide commentary to: “The Coast Guard is conducting market research to determine the availability of icebreaker designs and capabilities of shipyards in the US and abroad to produce a complex ship on an accelerated timeline. Pending requisite legislative authority and appropriations to acquire additional icebreakers, the Coast Guard is conducting the widest survey of the market to inform future acquisition activities. At this time, the Coast Guard is not involved in any negotiations with a foreign shipyard. The Coast Guard is committed to delivering critical assets to meet the needs in the U.S. Arctic as expeditiously as possible in compliance with federal law.

The Coast Guard is the sole federal agency responsible for icebreaking to assure U.S. access and sovereignty in the polar regions and enable the flow of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes and America’s inland waterways. Accordingly, the Service must replace, modernize, and grow our fleet of icebreakers to safeguard our national security and economic prosperity that flows through America’s $5.4 Trillion marine transportation system. We are committed to working with the Administration and Congress to fulfill the President’s direction on icebreaker acquisition.” —USCG

Question: Do you believe that the U.S. Coast Guard needs help from foreign nations with building the new icebreakers, and if so, how would RAND approach this with guidance and advice?

RAND: Foreign shipyards and ship design firms do have more recent icebreaker design and construction experience than U.S. shipyards, which could be beneficial. Several foreign-based firms have facilities in the U.S. and a contracting history with the USCG and the US Navy. Doing good market research to understand your options is a best practice, so the USCG should be commended for that. Reaching out to foreign firms can and should be part of market research. There are also acquisition and contracting strategies that enable the USCG to leverage the experience of foreign firms such as partnering between US and foreign shipyards, hiring a foreign firm with requisite experience for design and engineering consulting or use of parent designs. These are all approaches the USCG can and should consider for both polar and domestic icebreaking fleets. The ICE Pact encourages these kinds of strategies. In March, MARAD [Maritime Administration] put out an RFI [Request for Information] to gather information on the US shipbuilding industry, with specific focus on the tenants of the ICE Pact. Having detailed insights into the current capability and capacity of the US shipbuilding industry can support more informed decision making and understanding where collaborations with other countries can be best leveraged for designing and building icebreakers of all types.

Naval News: What are some of the pitfalls and disadvantages of working with foreign nations and building the new USCG icebreaker overseas?

RAND: There are potential political sensitivities here, especially building a vessel overseas. A foreign firm without past US government contracting experience might not be familiar with the process, which could lead to programmatic issues. But there should not be any pitfalls that can’t be anticipated and mitigated any more than using a US-based shipyard.

Naval News: Would U.S. Union Labor and U.S. steel be an issue if the new icebreakers are built overseas?

RAND: Possibly. These are some of those political sensitivities. There is precedent with foreign steel being allowed in certain situations. It’s a somewhat complicated and nuanced area to navigate. Part of ICE Pact is to bolster workforce development as well. This could indicate that union labor details are concerns to be thoughtfully included and navigated, rather than a solid barrier.

Naval News: What are some issues and advice for the heavy and medium Polar Security Cutters to be built in the US and/or overseas?

RAND: We haven’t done the analysis to have any insight or provide advice on where to build these icebreakers. Some form of partnering with more experienced foreign firms should be considered in the decision process. The PSC is already being constructed in the US.

Naval News: What is wrong with the current process of building the Polar Security Cutters and what can be done to fix these issues?

RAND: We haven’t done the analysis to answer this question. But the issue is most likely related to how existing policies and processes are applied, as well as being affected by external factors. In government contracting, it’s not uncommon for a proposal that underestimated technical risk, cost, and schedule. Fixes can include following best practice: mature the design, understand risks, maintain stable requirements, and hold contractor accountable for performance.

Naval News: What nations would RAND pick to build the new icebreakers and why? What teams should be formed?

RAND: RAND would not pick any nations, and it’s the qualities of the shipyard not the nation that are of primary importance. However, the ICE Pact enables relationships with shipyards in Canada and Finland, and the icebreaking ship design and construction industries in those countries have the requisite experience. Denmark also has experienced firms. For commercial shipbuilding expertise generally, yards in South Korea and Japan have capabilities worth considering and learning from.

President Trump Wants to Buy Icebreakers from Finland

On June 25, 2025, President Trump at the NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, said that he wanted to buy 15 icebreakers from Finland.

“I want to buy icebreakers; you are very good at icebreakers. There is a fairly new, but it’s [a] used icebreaker, and I offered him [Finland’s President Alexander Stub] about one-third of what he asked for, but we’re negotiating. We need icebreakers in the U.S., and if we can get some inexpensively, I’d like to do that. Also, we may buy some icebreakers. You’re the `King of icebreakers;’ they [Finland] make them really good and they know what they’re doing, and so we’re negotiating with them for about 15 different icebreakers, and one of them is available now. It’s 5-6 years old, and we’re trying to buy it; we’re trying to make a good deal.”President Donald Trump, June 25, 2025 at The Hague, Netherlands,responding to a reporter’s question

Naval News has reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Public Affairs Office for comment and clarification on President Trump’s June 25, 2025 statement.

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To the Spacemobile!

Featured, Space & Science / memoment editorial

In this Nov. 1, 1964, image, three members of NASA’s Lewis Research Center’s (now NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland) Educational Services Office pose with one of the center’s Spacemobile space science demonstration units. Once the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) became NASA, public outreach became one of the agency’s core tenets. Lewis, which had previously been a closed laboratory, began hosting open houses and elaborate space fairs in the early 1960s.
In addition, the center initiated educational programs that worked with local schools and a robust speaker’s bureau that explained NASA activities to the community. One aspect of these efforts was the Spacemobile Program. These vehicles included a delegated speaker, exhibits, models, and other resources. The Spacemobiles, which made forays across the Midwest, were extremely active throughout the 1960s.
Image credit: NASA

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Discovery Alert: Flaring Star, Toasted Planet

Featured, Space & Science / memoment editorial

A giant planet some 400 light-years away, HIP 67522 b, orbits its parent star so tightly that it appears to cause frequent flares from the star’s surface, heating and inflating the planet’s atmosphere.

On planet Earth, “space weather” caused by solar flares might disrupt radio communications, or even damage satellites. But Earth’s atmosphere protects us from truly harmful effects, and we orbit the Sun at a respectable distance, out of reach of the flares themselves.

Not so for planet HIP 67522 b. A gas giant in a young star system – just 17 million years old – the planet takes only seven days to complete one orbit around its star. A “year,” in other words, lasts barely as long as a week on Earth. That places the planet perilously close to the star. Worse, the star is of a type known to flare – especially in their youth.

In this case, the proximity of the planet appears to result in fairly frequent flaring.

The star and the planet form a powerful but likely a destructive bond. In a manner not yet fully understood, the planet hooks into the star’s magnetic field, triggering flares on the star’s surface; the flares whiplash energy back to the planet. Combined with other high-energy radiation from the star, the flare-induced heating appears to have increased the already steep inflation of the planet’s atmosphere, giving HIP 67522 b a diameter comparable to our own planet Jupiter despite having just 5% of Jupiter’s mass.

This might well mean that the planet won’t stay in the Jupiter size-range for long. One effect of being continually pummeled with intense radiation could be a loss of atmosphere over time. In another 100 million years, that could shrink the planet to the status of a “hot Neptune,” or, with a more radical loss of atmosphere, even a “sub-Neptune,” a planet type smaller than Neptune that is common in our galaxy but lacking in our solar system.

Four hundred light-years is much too far away to capture images of stellar flares striking orbiting planets. So how did a science team led by Netherlands astronomer Ekaterina Ilin discover this was happening? They used space-borne telescopes, NASA’s TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) and the European Space Agency’s CHEOPS (CHaracterising ExoPlanets Telescope), to track flares on the star, and also to trace the path of the planet’s orbit.

Both telescopes use the “transit” method to determine the diameter of a planet and the time it takes to orbit its star. The transit is a kind of mini-eclipse. As the planet crosses the star’s face, it causes a tiny dip in starlight reaching the telescope. But the same observation method also picks up sudden stabs of brightness from the star – the stellar flares. Combining these observations over five years’ time and applying rigorous statistical analysis, the science team revealed that the planet is zapped with six times more flares than it would be without that magnetic connection.

A team of scientists from the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, led by Ekaterina Ilin of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, published their paper on the planet-star connection, “Close-in planet induces flares on its host star,” in the journal Nature on July 2, 2025.

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Exoplanet HIP 67522 b triggers flares from its host star artist s impression pillars

Clingy planets can trigger own doom, suspect Cheops and TESS

Space & Science / memoment editorial

Science & Exploration

02/07/2025
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Astronomers using the European Space Agency’s Cheops mission have caught an exoplanet that seems to be triggering flares of radiation from the star it orbits. These tremendous explosions are blasting away the planet’s wispy atmosphere, causing it to shrink every year.This is the first-ever evidence for a ‘planet with a death wish’. Though it was theorised to be possible since the nineties, the flares seen in this research are around 100 times more energetic than expected.

This planet’s star makes our Sun look sleepy

Exoplanet HIP 67522 b orbiting close to its host star

Thanks to telescopes like the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), we already had some clues about this planet and the star it orbits.The star, named HIP 67522, was known to be just slightly larger and cooler than our own host star, the Sun. But whilst the Sun is a middle-aged 4.5-billion-year-old, HIP 67522 is a fresh-faced 17-million-year-old. It bears two planets. The closer of the two – given the catchy name HIP 67522 b – takes just seven days to whip around its host star.Because of its youth and size, scientists suspected that star HIP 67522 would churn and spin with lots of energy. This churning and spinning would turn the star into a powerful magnet.Our much-older Sun has its own smaller and more peaceful magnetic field. From studying the Sun, we already knew that flares of energy can burst from magnetic stars when ‘twisted’ magnetic field lines are suddenly released. This energy can take the form of anything from gentle radio waves to visible light to aggressive gamma rays.A la carte research with CheopsEver since the first exoplanet was discovered in the 1990s, astronomers have pondered whether some of them might be orbiting close enough to disturb their host stars’ magnetic fields. If so, they could be triggering flares.A team led by Ekaterina Ilin at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) figured that with our current space telescopes, it was time to investigate this question further.“We hadn’t seen any systems like HIP 67522 before; when the planet was found it was the youngest planet known to be orbiting its host star in less than 10 days,” says Ekaterina.The team was using TESS to do a broad sweep of stars that might be flaring because of an interaction with their planets. When TESS turned its eyes to HIP 67522, the team thought they could be on to something. To be sure, they called upon ESA’s sensitive CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite, Cheops.

Cheops

“We quickly requested observing time with Cheops, which can target individual stars on demand, ultra precisely,” says Ekaterina. “With Cheops we saw more flares, taking the total count to 15, almost all coming in our direction as the planet transited in front of the star as seen from Earth.”Because we are seeing the flares as the planet passes in front of the star, it is very likely that they are being triggered by the planet.A flaring star is nothing new. Our own Sun regularly releases bursts of energy, which we experience on Earth as ‘space weather’ that causes the auroras and can damage technology. But we’ve only ever seen this energy exchange as a one-way street from star to planet.Knowing that HIP 67522 b orbits extremely close to its host star, and assuming that the star’s magnetic field is strong, Ekaterina’s team deduced that the clingy HIP 67522 b sits close enough to exert its own magnetic influence on its host star.They think that the planet gathers energy as it orbits, then redirects that energy as waves along the star’s magnetic field lines, as if whipping a rope. When the wave meets the end of the magnetic field line at the star’s surface, it triggers a massive flare.It’s the first time we see a planet influencing its host star, overturning our previous assumption that stars behave independently.And not only is HIP 67522 b triggering flares, but it is also triggering them in its own direction. As a result, the planet experiences six times more radiation than it otherwise would.

How planets orbiting close to their host stars can cause their own downfall by triggering flares

A self-imposed downfall

The flares blast away the planet’s wispy atmosphere

Unsurprisingly, being bombarded with so much high-energy radiation does not bode well for HIP 67522 b. The planet is similar in size to Jupiter but has the density of candy floss, making it one of the wispiest exoplanets ever found.Over time, the radiation is eroding away the planet’s feathery atmosphere, meaning it is losing mass much faster than expected. In the next 100 million years, it could go from an almost Jupiter-sized planet to a much smaller Neptune-sized planet.“The planet seems to be triggering particularly energetic flares,” points out Ekaterina. “The waves it sends along the star’s magnetic field lines kick off flares at specific moments. But the energy of the flares is much higher than the energy of the waves. We think that the waves are setting off explosions that are waiting to happen.”

How to detect fake Amazon emails and avoid impersonation scams

AI & Singularity, Space & Science / memoment editorial

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A convincing fake email claiming to be from Amazon shows up in your inbox. It warns you of a sign-in from an unknown device or says your account is locked. Or maybe it thanks you for a purchase you never made. The email urges you to click a link and take action immediately. This is exactly how scammers trick people into giving up personal details, login credentials, or even payment information.Let’s break down how this scam works, what to watch for, and how Amazon is helping customers verify what’s real.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.NEW PAYPAL SCAM USES REAL EMAILS TO TRICK YOU Amazon app on a Samsung phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)What is the Amazon phishing email scam?Scammers are sending out emails that appear to be from Amazon. These messages might:Warn you about a suspicious login attempt.Ask you to verify a payment.Say your account has been locked or on hold.Offer a gift card or refund.Confirm an order you never placed.The emails usually include Amazon’s logo and familiar formatting. Some even spoof the “From” address to make it appear as if it came from @amazon.com. The goal is always the same: get you to click a link or button that leads to a fake website where you’re asked to log in or share sensitive information. Once you do, scammers can steal your Amazon credentials and gain access to your account, payment info, shipping addresses, and more. Below is an example of what one of these phishing emails might look like, so you can see how convincing they can be.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Fake Amazon Prime email (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How to check if an Amazon email is realScam emails can be convincing, but there are a few easy ways to tell if an Amazon message is real. The most foolproof method is to use Amazon’s Message Center, a secure inbox built into your account that stores every official communication sent by Amazon. If you receive an email and you’re not sure it’s real, go to your Amazon Message Center using a browser or the Amazon Shopping app. If the message isn’t listed there, it wasn’t sent by Amazon. To access your Message Center:WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?On the Amazon websiteLog in to Amazon.com.Navigate to Accounts & Lists. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon website (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Click Your Messages. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon website (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)Click Inbox. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon website (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson) On the Amazon app:Open the Amazon app on your phone.Tap the Menu icon (☰) in the bottom-right (iOS) or top-left (Android) corner.Select Account from the menu.Scroll down to Message Center and tap Your Messages.Choose All Messages to view your full message history, including order updates, buyer/seller messages, and promotions. Steps to check if an Amazon email is real on Amazon app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How to spot a fake Amazon email: 6 red flags to watch forYou can also spot fake messages by looking for these signs:Suspicious sender email: Hover over the “From” name to view the full address. Scammers often use email addresses that closely resemble Amazon’s, with slight changes that are easy to miss at a glance. Authentic emails always come from an address ending in @amazon.com.Spelling or grammar mistakes: Professional messages from Amazon are rarely sloppy. If the email contains obvious typos or unusual phrasing, it’s a red flag.Generic or vague greetings: Watch for messages that start with “Dear Customer” instead of using your name. Emails tied to your account usually address you directly.Links that look off: Hover over any links in the email before clicking. Fake messages often use domains that mimic Amazon or redirect to sketchy sites. A real link will begin with https://www.amazon.com/.IP address-style links: Be cautious of links that start with a string of numbers, such as http://123.456.789.123/Amazon.com. This is a strong indicator of a spoofed phishing page.Unverified email visuals: Inboxes like Gmail and Yahoo may show a smile logo next to verified @amazon.com messages. If it’s missing, that alone doesn’t confirm a scam, but it’s worth a closer look if anything else feels off.Get Kurt’s picks for Best Early Prime Day deals: Cyberguy.com/AmazonPrimeDay. Amazon app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)How Amazon is helping customers spot fake emailsThat smile logo you may see next to Amazon’s name in your inbox isn’t just for show. It is part of a larger verification system designed to help customers distinguish between real emails and scams.In an interview with CyberGuy, Amazon’s VP of Worldwide Buyer Risk Prevention explained:”We’ve made it harder for bad actors to impersonate Amazon communications through implementing industry-leading tools, including the adoption of a secure email capability to make it easier for customers to identify authentic emails from Amazon and avoid phishing attempts. Customers using Gmail, Yahoo!, and other common email providers can be confident that when they receive an @amazon.com email with the smile logo in their inbox, that email is really from us.”The smile icon now appears next to verified @amazon.com emails in inboxes like Gmail, Yahoo, and Apple Mail. It is a quick visual cue that the email has passed Amazon’s security checks and can be trusted. Smile icon next to verified @amazon.com emails (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)This system helps reduce guesswork, but it is not foolproof. If you ever doubt the legitimacy of a message, go directly to your Amazon Message Center. Any real communication from Amazon will be listed there.How to protect yourself from fake emailsEven with Amazon rolling out new safeguards like verified sender logos and the Message Center, scammers are still targeting customers with sophisticated phishing emails. Here are the top ways to protect yourself:1. Know the signs of a scam: Fake Amazon emails often try to scare you or tempt you into clicking by using familiar tricks. You might see a message claiming your account has been locked, offering a gift card or refund, confirming an order you never placed, or asking you to verify payment details or login credentials. These tactics are meant to create urgency or curiosity. It’s important to remember that Amazon will never ask for your password, banking information, or gift card codes by email.2. Double-check every message: If something feels off, don’t click anything. Instead, visit Amazon.com or open the app to check your order history and account messages. If the email doesn’t appear in your Amazon Message Center, it’s not real. Also hover over the sender’s name to see the full email address. Genuine messages come from @amazon.com and may show the Amazon smile logo if your inbox supports it. Genuine email sent from @amazon.com (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)3. Avoid clicking on unknown links and use strong antivirus software: Phishing emails often contain links that appear to lead to Amazon but actually take you to fake websites designed to steal your information. Instead of clicking, it’s safer to type amazon.com directly into your browser to verify any claims. For added protection, consider using antivirus software that can detect scam links, block dangerous sites, and alert you to phishing emails or ransomware threats. This extra layer of security helps keep your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices by visiting CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP4. Reduce your exposure to scammers: Phishing emails often originate from personal information found on public databases, people-search sites, and data broker platforms. To limit how often you’re targeted, consider using a data removal service. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services by visiting here Cyberguy.com/Delete.5. Report suspicious emails: If you receive a phishing message pretending to be from Amazon, report it right away. This helps Amazon investigate the scam and improve their ability to block similar messages in the future. You can forward the suspicious email to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, or submit it through Amazon’s official reporting form. Kurt’s key takeawaysScam emails that pretend to be from Amazon are getting more realistic, but there are still clear ways to protect yourself. Use the Message Center to confirm any message tied to your account. Always double-check the sender’s address, look for the smile logo in your inbox when supported, and never click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe. A few quick habits can go a long way in keeping your personal information secure.Have you ever received a suspicious email claiming to be from Amazon or another company? How did you spot the red flags, or did it almost fool you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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NASA Stennis Engineer Takes Pride in Test Support Work

Featured, Space & Science / memoment editorial

As a controls engineer at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Dwayne Lavigne does not just fix problems – he helps put pieces together at America’s largest rocket propulsion test site.
“There are a lot of interesting problems to solve, and they are never the same,” Lavigne said. “Sometimes, it is like solving a very cool puzzle and can be pretty satisfying.”
Lavigne programs specialized computers called programmable logic controllers. They are extremely fast and reliable for automating precisely timed operations during rocket engine tests as NASA Stennis supports the agency’s Artemis missions to explore the Moon and build the foundation for the first crewed mission to Mars.
However, the system will not act unless certain parameters are met in the proper sequence. It can be a complex relationship. Sometimes, 20 or 30 things must be in the correct configuration to perform an operation, such as making a valve open or close, or turning a motor on or off.
The Picayune, Mississippi, native is responsible for establishing new signal paths between test hardware and the specialized computers.
He also develops the human machine interface for the controls. The interface is a screen graphic that test engineers use to interact with hardware.
Lavigne has worked with NASA for more than a decade. One of his proudest work moments came when he contributed to development of an automated test sequencing routine used during all RS-25 engine tests on the Fred Haise Test Stand.
“We’ve had many successful tests over the years, and each one is a point of pride,” he said.
When Lavigne works on the test stand, he works with the test hardware and interacts with technicians and engineers who perform different tasks than he does. It provides an appreciation for the group effort it takes to support NASA’s mission.
“The group of people I work with are driven to get the job done and get it done right,” he said.
In total, Lavigne has been part of the NASA Stennis federal city for 26 years. He initially worked as a contractor with the Naval Oceanographic Office as a data entry operator and with the Naval Research Laboratory as a software developer.
September marks 55 years since NASA Stennis became a federal city. NASA, and more than 50 companies, organizations, and agencies located onsite share in operating costs, which allows tenants to direct more of their funding to individual missions. 
“Stennis has a talented workforce accomplishing many different tasks,” said Lavigne. “The three agencies I’ve worked with at NASA Stennis are all very focused on doing the job correctly and professionally. In all three agencies, people realize that lives could be at risk if mistakes are made or shortcuts are taken.”

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MTG-S1 and Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission highlights

Space & Science / memoment editorial

Two meteorological missions – Meteosat Third Generation Sounder-1 (MTG-S1) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission – have launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, US.Both are world-class Earth observation missions developed with European partners to address scientific and societal challenges. The MTG-S1 satellite will generate a completely new type of data product, especially suited to nowcasting severe weather events, with three-dimensional views of the atmosphere. It is the second in the MTG constellation to be prepared for orbit and is equipped with the first European operational Infrared Sounder instrument.Copernicus Sentinel-4 will be the first mission to monitor European air quality from geostationary orbit, providing hourly information that will transform how we predict air pollution across Europe, using its ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared light (UVN) spectrometer.

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China’s first mass-produced flying car debuts

Space & Science / memoment editorial

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China’s GAC Group, one of the country’s largest state-owned automakers, has introduced the Govy AirCab, a two-seater flying car designed to transform urban travel. While GAC might not be a household name in the United States, it’s a major player in China’s automotive industry, producing a wide range of vehicles and partnering with global brands like Toyota and Honda.The Govy AirCab, unveiled at the 2025 Hong Kong International Auto and Supply Chain Expo, is an electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle, or eVTOL, now open for pre-orders. GAC is targeting the “low-altitude economy,” which includes air taxis and short-range personal flights within busy city environments.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.FLYING CAR WITH 620-MILE RANGE SCHEDULED FOR UPCOMING LAUNCH Govy AirCab (GAC Group)What makes the Govy AirCab a game-changer in urban mobilityThe Govy AirCab stands out for its innovative use of carbon fiber, which keeps the vehicle lightweight and efficient. Its design features gull-wing doors and a top-mounted rotor, combining futuristic style with practical function. Thanks to advanced battery technology, the AirCab can fully recharge in just 25 minutes, or reach 50 percent charge in only 15 minutes. This quick turnaround is perfect for busy urban environments where time is valuable. Govy AirCab (GAC Group)Inside the Govy AirCab: Smart features and advanced technologyStep inside the Govy AirCab and you’ll find a cabin packed with smart features. Passengers can enjoy 5G connectivity, voice controls, and the ability to adjust scent, temperature, and music to their liking. The vehicle’s cloud-based system handles self-checks and flight redundancy, while a powerful intelligent driving system manages navigation and obstacle detection. Safety remains a top priority, with multiple backup systems and a separable cabin that protects passengers even if the power unit experiences issues. Govy AirCab (GAC Group)Range, pricing, and who the Govy AirCab is forThe Govy AirCab delivers a range of about 18.6 miles per charge and comes with a price tag of roughly $233,000. This positions it as a premium option for short urban trips, especially when compared to competitors like XPeng’s AeroHT, which is expected to cost more. Govy AirCab (GAC Group)The rise of low-altitude economy: China’s vision for air mobilityGAC’s launch of the Govy AirCab fits into a larger trend in China and globally, where automakers are exploring short-range air mobility as the next frontier. GAC is moving quickly to establish itself as a leader in this space, with plans for mass production and deliveries by 2026. The company wants to be recognized not just as a carmaker, but as a global mobility brand ready for the future. Govy AirCab (GAC Group)Certification and future outlook for the Govy AirCabCurrently, the Govy AirCab is undergoing certification and participating in trial runs. GAC’s commitment to bringing flying cars to urban life is clear, but the real test will be whether technology and regulations can keep up with this rapid pace of innovation. Transportation is changing fast, and the Govy AirCab is leading the way.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Govy AirCab (GAC Group)Kurt’s key takeawaysThe idea of flying around the city might have sounded far-fetched not too long ago, but with the Govy AirCab, it’s starting to feel a lot more real. GAC isn’t just dipping a toe into the future, they’re diving in headfirst. Of course, there’s still a lot to figure out, from regulations to real-world testing, but the momentum is hard to ignore. If things keep moving at this pace, this kind of air travel could become just another part of our daily routine.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMWould you trust a flying car to navigate your daily commute? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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An Update From the 2025 Mars 2020 Science Team Meeting

Space & Science / memoment editorial

A behind-the-scenes look at the annual Mars 2020 Science Team Meeting

Written by Katie Stack Morgan, Mars 2020 Acting Project Scientist

The Mars 2020 Science Team gathered for a week in June to discuss recent science results, synthesize earlier mission observations, and discuss future plans for continued exploration of Jezero’s crater rim. It was also an opportunity to celebrate what makes this mission so special: one of the most capable and sophisticated science missions ever sent to Mars, an experienced and expert Science Team, and the rover’s many science accomplishments this past year.

We kicked off the meeting, which was hosted by our colleagues on the RIMFAX team at the University of Oslo, with a focus on our most recent discoveries on the Jezero crater rim. A highlight was the team’s in-depth discussion of spherules observed at Witch Hazel Hill, features which likely provide us the best chance of determining the origin of the crater rim rock sequence.

On the second day, we heard status updates from each of the science instrument teams. We then transitioned to a session devoted to “traverse-scale” syntheses. After 4.5 years of Perseverance on Mars and more than 37 kilometers of driving (more than 23 miles), we’re now able to analyze and integrate science datasets across the entire surface mission, looking for trends through space and time within the Jezero rock record. Our team also held a poster session, which was a great opportunity for in-person and informal scientific discussion.

The team’s modern atmospheric and environmental investigations were front and center on Day 3. We then rewound the clock, hearing new and updated analyses of data acquired during Perseverance’s earlier campaigns in Jezero’s Margin unit, crater floor, and western fan. The last day of the meeting was focused entirely on future plans for the Perseverance rover, including a discussion of our exploration and sampling strategy during the Crater Rim Campaign. We also looked further afield, considering where the rover might explore over the next few years.

Following the meeting, the Science Team took a one-day field trip to visit Gardnos crater, a heavily eroded impact crater with excellent examples of impact melt breccia and post-impact sediment fill. The team’s visit to Gardnos offered a unique opportunity to see and study impact-generated rock units like those expected on the Jezero crater rim and to discuss the challenges we have recognizing similar units with the rover on Mars. Recapping our Perseverance team meetings has been one of my favorite yearly traditions (see summaries from our 2022, 2023, and 2024 meetings) and I look forward to reporting back a year from now. As the Perseverance team tackles challenges in the year to come, we can seek inspiration from one of Norway’s greatest polar explorers, Fridtjof Nansen, who said while delivering his Nobel lecture, “The difficult is that which can be done at once; the impossible is that which takes a little longer.”

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MTG-S1 and Copernicus Sentinel-4 launch highlights

Space & Science / memoment editorial

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