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Firefly Aerospace and Millennium Space Systems Stand Ready for Responsive U.S. Space Force Mission

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Alpha launch provider, Firefly, and payload provider, Millennium, moved into the hot standby phase and wait for the VICTUS NOX callup

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif., Aug. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Firefly Aerospace, Inc., an end-to-end space transportation company, and Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) small satellite constellation prime, have entered the hot standby phase for VICTUS NOX, a Tactically Responsive Space mission led by Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Safari Program Office. The team stands ready for the 24-hour callup and orbit requirements to complete final operations and launch at the first available window.

 

“Challenging missions like this is where Firefly excels, and we are extremely humbled and proud to provide the U.S. Space Force and the nation with the critical capability to launch on-demand in support of national security,” said Bill Weber, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “Together with our mission partners, we’ll be setting a new standard, proving nominal launch operations can be completed in a matter of hours rather than weeks to months.”

Millennium and Firefly have entered a six-month hot standby phase and will wait for activation at an intentionally unknown time. During this phase, the U.S. Space Force will give the mission team an alert notification, kicking off a 60-hour window to transport the payload to Vandenberg Space Force Base, conduct fueling operations, and integrate it with Firefly’s Alpha payload adaptor.

Space Force officials will then issue Firefly a launch notice with the final orbit requirements. The Firefly team will have 24 hours to update the trajectory and guidance software, encapsulate the payload, transport it to the pad, mate to Alpha, and stand ready to launch at the first available window. Once the payload is deployed in low Earth orbit, Millennium will attempt to fully initialize the space vehicle in less than 48 hours and then begin operations for its Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission.

“What we’re doing with VICTUS NOX has never been done before, and I attribute our success to the dedication and teamwork of our collective team – Millennium, Firefly, and SSC’s Space Safari and Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) offices,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Millennium Space Systems. “You need to have the willingness to know that there will be changes – whether requirements or processes. That’s where the teamwork and close partnerships really came into play. It’s about what help is needed to address a challenge – on all sides – and everyone pitching in to support that.”

In preparation for the mission, Firefly manufactured and acceptance tested each critical component, engine, and vehicle stage for its Alpha rocket in addition to conducting a static fire to verify all systems operate within flight parameters. Firefly and Millennium also completed multiple rehearsals in preparation for launch, which included packing and delivering a satellite mockup to Firefly’s integration facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base to practice all launch operations within the prescribed 24 hours.

“The U.S.’s ability to rapidly respond to on-orbit needs is critical to our national defense, particularly in today’s evolving space environment,” said Lt. Col. MacKenzie Birchenough, Materiel Leader for Space Safari. “The accelerated build time the team demonstrated for VICTUS NOX, combined with the demanding launch and on-orbit goals, exemplifies our strong commitment to preserving our nation’s dominance and ability to freely operate in the space domain.”

About Firefly Aerospace
Firefly is an end-to-end space transportation company with launch, lunar, and on-orbit services. As an all-American company headquartered in central Texas, Firefly is focused on delivering responsive, reliable, and affordable space access for government and commercial customers. Firefly’s small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide the space industry with a single source for missions from low Earth orbit to the surface of the Moon and beyond. For more information, visit www.fireflyspace.com.

About Millennium Space Systems
Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a small satellite prime, delivering high-performance constellation solutions for National Security Space. Founded in 2001, the company’s active production lines and 80% vertical integration enable the rapid delivery of small satellites across missions and orbits – LEO, MEO and GEO. For more information, visit www.millennium-space.com.

About Space Systems Command
Space Systems Command (SSC) is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages a $15 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow. For more information, visit www.ssc.spaceforce.mil.

Contact
press@fireflyspace.com
dana.carroll@millennium-space.com
sscpa.media@spaceforce.mil

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SOURCE Firefly Aerospace, Inc.

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Pastor taking flat earthers to Antarctica to end the debate

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39 minutes ago

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December 4, 2024

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DENVER, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A pastor from Colorado hopes to end the debate over the shape of the Earth. Pastor Will Duffy’s plan? To bring both flat earthers and globe earthers to Antarctica! On December 14th, four flat earthers and four globe earthers will fly to Antarctica for what is being labeled The Final Experiment.

“I created The Final Experiment to end the debate over the shape of the Earth…once and for all.” –Will Duffy

On the globe, Antarctica is an island continent at the southernmost part of the world. But on a flat earth, Antarctica is an ice wall that encircles all the other continents and holds in all the world’s oceans. For years, flat earthers have said that Antarctica holds the key to proving the Earth is flat. But not a single flat earther has ever been to Antarctica. The-Final-Experiment.com Why not? They said the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 prevented them from going. And one of the reasons they believe the Antarctic Treaty was put in place was to specifically prevent people from visiting Antarctica during the summer, which is right now in the southern hemisphere. Visiting Antarctica in the summer is important because on the globe, the sun should not set in much of Antarctica during the summer due to the tilt of the Earth. But on a flat earth, since Antarctica is an ice wall encircling the rest of the world, the sun must rise and set each day. It could never circle in the sky all 24 hours, like it does in Antarctica.

A little over three years ago, Pastor Will Duffy was made aware that people still believe the Earth is flat when a longtime friend of his posted about it on Facebook. And he decided to take matters into his own hands. Since flat earthers said for years that Antarctica will show the world the truth about the shape of the Earth, Duffy decided the easiest solution would be to just go to Antarctica. Will Duffy added, “I created The Final Experiment to end this debate, once and for all. After we go to Antarctica, no one has to waste any more time debating the shape of the Earth.” https://www.youtube.com/@The-Final-Experiment

On December 14th, Duffy and the other eight participants of The Final Experiment (four flat earthers and four globe earthers) will fly with Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions to Union Glacier, Antarctica. As soon as they get off the plane and onto the ice, the clock will start. For the next 24 hours, they will monitor and film the sun. If it stays in the sky for 24 hours, the globe is confirmed. The real question is: will the flat earthers change their mind?

MEDIA CONTACT:

Will Duffy
720-432-9455
thefinalexperiment2024@gmail.com
The-Final-Experiment.com

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SOURCE The Final Experiment

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Targus Expands Its Collection Of EcoSmart Laptop Bags And Tech Accessories Equipping People To Do More With Their Technology While Helping To Protect The Planet

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39 minutes ago

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December 4, 2024

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Demonstrates company’s continued commitment to creating a more sustainable future while delivering solutions designed to make the complex, simple

ANAHEIM, Calif., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Targus®, the number one third-party docking station and laptop case brand in the US1 and a leader in mobile computing accessories, today announced that it has expanded its EcoSmart laptop bags and tech accessories, further demonstrating its commitment to making sustainable, long-lasting products that help people and businesses do more with their technology.

The company’s latest additions include new laptop cases and tech accessories bundles designed for sustainability, including a new GeoLite™ EcoSmart® Collection, which includes a sleek, slim backpack and briefcase, an ultra-durable and versatile 15-16″ Terra EcoSmart® Backpack, and EcoSmart™ mice/keyboard bundles designed for sustainability and superior ergonomics.

“At Targus, we continually strive to reduce our impact on the planet, which includes incorporating the use of sustainable materials and technologies in our products, from our laptop bags to tech accessories,” says Jonny Yuan, Vice President, Design at Targus. “These latest EcoSmart products exemplify how Targus is doing more to impact less while delivering innovative, purpose-built solutions to our customers.”

The 12-16″ GeoLite EcoSmart Advanced Backpack and 15-16″ GeoLite EcoSmart Slim Brief are designed for busy professionals to protect their laptops while staying organized and looking sleek. Each of these EcoSmart bags features a dedicated laptop compartment to keep their tech safe, along with handy zippered pockets to keep everything in their place. Both laptop bags are water-resistant on the outside and eco-friendly on the inside. The interior lining of the backpack is made using GRS-certified recycled materials equivalent to six recycled bottles and the Slim Brief’s interior from the equivalent of two recycled bottles.

In addition, Targus has introduced a 15-16″ Terra EcoSmart Backpack that can be effortlessly transitioned from a work and commuting backpack to weekend adventure pack. Available in black and grey, this durable, exceptionally versatile backpack delivers all-day comfort in a sustainable design, whether transitioning from work to the trails or traveling through crowded city streets during the daily commute. Its protection features include integrated anti-theft fasteners on primary pockets, a rain cover, and secure front helmet harnessing to handle the elements and prepare for new adventures. With an interior lining made from recycled materials, repurposing eight plastic bottles, this bag not only protects your essentials, but the environment, too.

In 2023, Targus first introduced EcoSmart tech accessories that are made from 85% certified post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic, operate on ultra-low-power Bluetooth® which is four times more energy efficient than standard Bluetooth, and come in recycled packaging. Now, Targus has expanded these offerings by offering them as a complete, bundled solution. They include an EcoSmart Ergonomic Keyboard & ErgoFlip™ Mouse Combo and Antimicrobial Full-Size Wireless EcoSmart Keyboard & Midsize Comfort Mouse Combo arriving this month and an EcoSmart Full-Size Wired Keyboard & Ambidextrous Wired Mouse Combo which will be available in Q1 2025.

Targus began incorporating recycled plastic in its products 16 years ago, and to date, has repurposed 32.2 million bottles – saving the equivalent of 2,008,477 lbs. of CO2 compared to virgin plastic.* In 2024, Targus also introduced a new Coastline™ Collection of laptop bags made from certified ocean-bound plastic and a high percentage of recycled material.

Read the Targus 2024 Global Sustainability Report to learn more about the company’s continued environmental progress and forward-looking roadmap.

About Targus

For more than 40 years, Targus has been helping people and businesses get the most out of their tech—keeping it safe, easy to use, and always within reach. Our mission is simple yet powerful: To carry, protect, and connect your tech everywhere. We aim to make life with technology better, not harder. At Targus, we don’t just sell tech accessories — we empower you to do your best, wherever life takes you. So, whether you’re working from home, commuting across the city, or jetting off somewhere exciting, our solutions work seamlessly with your devices, unlocking possibilities, simplifying tasks, helping you work smarter, travel lighter, and get more done —today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

As a global leader in docking, Targus has deployed more than 3 million universal docking stations around the world in more than 12,000 organizations – with more than 90% of Fortune 1000 companies using Targus products and maintains the number one spot in US B2B Universal Docks (3rd party only)2.

Headquartered in Anaheim, California, Targus has global operations in more than 24 offices and distribution in more than 100 countries. Discover Targus at Targus.com and on our blog, and connect with us on social media: Podcast, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

* Targus global sales results: units + revenue, 2019-2023.

1Source: Circana, US/Canada Retail and US B2B Reseller in Unit Sales, ending June 2024 (Laptop Bag case type = Briefcase, Sleeve, Attache, Slipcase, Messenger Bag)

2Source: Circana, US B2B Reseller, Docking Stations Unit Sales, ending June 2024

Targus, EcoSmart, GeoLite, ErgoFlip, and Coastline are trademarks or registered trademarks of Targus International LLC in the US and in certain other countries. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

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SOURCE Targus

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ALLMIGHT Partners with Innovation & Technology Caucus to Establish Texas as the Crypto Capital of the U.S.

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39 minutes ago

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December 4, 2024

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AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ALLMIGHT, an organization focused on advancing U.S. leadership in cryptocurrency, is proud to announce its role as a Leadership Partner to the Innovation & Technology (IT) Caucus of the Texas House of Representatives. This partnership underscores ALLMIGHT’s commitment to fostering growth in Texas’ tech ecosystem, helping shape policy, and establishing the Lone Star State as the crypto capital of the United States.

“Engaging with partners like ALLMIGHT helps us shape informed policy.” — Spencer Ward, Exec. Director of IT Caucus

As a Leadership Partner, ALLMIGHT will help amplify the state’s efforts to advance cryptocurrency development, and provide expert insights to help inform lawmakers as they craft policies impacting the fast-growing industry. This partnership aims to grow Texas’ leadership in the field, attracting top-tier talent, businesses, and investment capital to the region.

“Our collaboration with the IT Caucus is a crucial step toward establishing Texas as a global leader in the next wave of technological innovation,” said Kevin Ricoy, Founder of ALLMIGHT. “By working hand-in-hand with lawmakers, we can help foster an environment that encourages innovation, supports founders, and drives long-term prosperity for Texas.”

A Focus on Talent and Capital Formation

ALLMIGHT’s involvement with the IT Caucus will not only focus on policy advocacy but also offering opportunities for direct engagement with founders and business professionals. This will help lawmakers better understand the needs of the crypto industry and create pathways for talent to flourish in Texas.

ALLMIGHT’s mission to grow U.S. leadership in crypto aligns perfectly with Texas’ growing prominence as a hub for technology and business. By offering the IT Caucus direct access to industry insights and the needs of entrepreneurs, ALLMIGHT will help lawmakers craft policies that foster innovation, attract investment, and sustain Texas’ status as a leader in the field.

“The IT Caucus is committed to ensuring Texas remains a leader in emerging industries like blockchain and cryptocurrency,” said Spencer Ward, Executive Director of the IT Caucus. “Engaging with partners like ALLMIGHT helps us connect with innovators and shape informed, forward-thinking policy.”

About ALLMIGHT
ALLMIGHT is on a mission to accelerate USA leadership in crypto. Taking a culture-first approach to affecting change, ALLMIGHT produces “next-generation Americana” designed to reach and inspire the masses while hosting engaging events to unite, grow, and support the US crypto community. The goal is help cultivate talent, capital, and mindshare in the United States.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allmight-partners-with-innovation–technology-caucus-to-establish-texas-as-the-crypto-capital-of-the-us-302322799.html

SOURCE ALLMIGHT

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