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Articles by James Hydzik
Prototypes Vs. Concept Cars: What's The Difference?
Concept cars and prototypes generate a lot of attention from the motoring press, but for different reasons. Neither is likely to be identical to an actual car sold by a dealer, and that is the point of both types of car. They exist to gauge ideas, in design or manufacturing, before a commitment, and investment in money, time, tooling, and training. Testing cars goes back to the early days of the automobile industry.
LEAP Revives Hope for Mainland UK Vertical Launch with Sutherland Spaceport MoU
U.S.-based LEAP and Scotland’s Highlands and Islands Enterprise signed an MoU to develop the currently-dormant Sutherland Spaceport projject on Scotlland’s … U.S.-based LEAP and Scotland's Highlands and Islands Enterprise signed an MoU to develop the currently-dormant Sutherland Spaceport projject on Scotlland's northern coast. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
What Fighter Jet Can Go The Slowest Without Falling Out Of The Sky?
Most fighter jets have what is called a stall speed – the slowest the jet can go before it falls out of the sky. However, there are two fighter jets currently in service that can get around their stall speed and go even slower. One of these is the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, with the other being versions of the Harrier jump jet still used by the USMC and others.
Washington Throttles Starlink and Starshield Over Ukraine, Renewing Calls for European Solutions
Services provided by Starlink and its military counterpart Starshield have been curtailed over Ukraine. Devices moving faster than certain speeds having service disrupted. Elon Musk took to X to claim that the cuts were ordered by the White House. Observers in Europe have pointed to the event as an impetus for new calls for increased European sovereign satellite capability. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
High-Level Mismatch Regarding Antalya Declaration on Space for Peace
James Hydzik James Hydzik comes to SpaceWatch.Global after six years of primarily covering the UK and Commonwealth of Nations space industries as Editor-in-Chief at the now-defunct Orbital Today. He has also written for FT and Institutional Investor magazines, and was a technical writer for Ericsson in Kista, Sweden. After 19 years in Kyiv, he is currently based in Ljubljana.
0W-20 Engine Oil: What Is It & Can You Use It As A Replacement For 5W-30?
In the world of automotive engine oils, 0W-20 is one of the thinnest, though oils as thin as 0W-8 are now used. The 0W stands for 0-weight in winter, and the 20 stands for 20-weight when the oil is hot. In some situations, it is preferable to use heavier oils such as 5W-30, but not all the time. In engines that support different oil weights, the motor oil you should use can be determined by several factors, especially the weather.
3 Things To Look For When Buying A Classic Car
Having a potential used car purchase checked out by a mechanic is an important step that can save you lots of money and trouble. If you're buying a classic car, though, this trip to a mechanic usually happens later in the process. The style of car you're looking for and how flexible you are willing to be regarding its condition and price are often guiding factors early on in your search. Once you find something you like, then it's time to determine whether it really deserves a place in your garage.
Why Does The B-52 Bomber Have Wrinkles On Its Skin?
The Boeing B-52 has been in service for over 60 years, and the BUFF, or Big Ugly Fat Fellow (or similar) has had its share of aging problems and unusual characteristics. The change from its original mission as a high-altitude bomber in the 1950s to low-level bombing as anti-aircraft missile technology improved was punishing for fuselages. Other changes such as changing to a wet wing (meaning that the wing carried fuel in it) put further stress on the skin of the airplane.
Pontiac 400 vs Chevrolet 400: How do the two engines compare?
When General Motors divisions started building V-8 engines for their cars in the early to mid-1950s, each division had its own line of engines. As a result, engines of the same displacement sometimes appeared in different marques. One example is that 400 cubic-inch V-8s were produced by both Pontiac and Chevrolet. These engines are so different that they're not even the same size.
What's the difference between the Pontiac 350 & Chevy 350 engine?
When Chevrolet introduced its 350 cubic-inch small block engine in 1967, it started a phenomenon that lasts even today. Pontiac's 350, introduced in 1968, never saw the same success and was phased out by 1978. The Pontiac engine block itself was very successful, though. There was only one Pontiac block size, and it continued on as a 400 cubic-inch engine through 1981. The Chevrolet 350 is a bit smaller than the Pontiac engine.
Pontiac 400 Vs Chevrolet 400: How Do The Two Engines Compare?
When General Motors divisions started building V-8 engines for their cars in the early to mid-1950s, each division had its own line of engines. As a result, engines of the same displacement sometimes appeared in different marques. One example is that 400 cubic-inch V-8s were produced by both Pontiac and Chevrolet. These engines are so different that they're not even the same size.
As BepiColombo Nears Mercury, Terma Continues Supporting the Mission
James Hydzik James Hydzik comes to SpaceWatch.Global after six years of primarily covering the UK and Commonwealth of Nations space industries as Editor-in-Chief at the now-defunct Orbital Today. He has also written for FT and Institutional Investor magazines, and was a technical writer for Ericsson in Kista, Sweden. After 19 years in Kyiv, he is currently based in Ljubljana.
What Happens To The International Space Station Every 90 Minutes?
Follow What Happens To The International Space Station Every 90 Minutes? Mon, September 7, 2026 at 4:45 PM EDT According to NASA, the International Space Station makes one complete revolution around Earth every 90 minutes. It does this by moving at five miles per second, or 17,000 mph. That's so fast that the ISS orbits Earth 16 times a day, and the crew will see 16 sunrises and sunsets.
3 of the worst GM engines ever put in a production car
General Motors has created some all-time classic engines. The small block 350 cubic inch V8 can pack a serious punch , and the powerful and reliable 427-inch LS7 is one of the best engines ever made. However, not everything built by GM is held in such high acclaim. Some of its engines were merely in the shadow of more popular engines. The small-block 307 cubic inch V8, for example, is eclipsed by its famous 283 and 327 siblings, despite being a workhorse in many applications.
Pontiac 2+2: What Were They & When Were They Made?
For car enthusiasts, 1964 is best remembered for its mid-sized and smaller cars. Pontiac introduced the GTO, Ford foaled the Mustang weeks after Plymouth released the Barracuda, and in September, Porsche began offering the 911. Full-sized car lovers had wonders, too. Mercedes-Benz began producing the W100 platform 600 " Grosser , and Pontiac obliged the performance folks with the Catalina-based 2+2 model.
What the U.S. National Space Transportation Policy Means for the Rest of the World
The U.S. government has issued a new National Space Transportation Policy, which will replace previous versions published in 2004 and … The U.S. government has issued a new National Space Transportation Policy, which will replace previous versions published in 2004 and 2013. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
LINK Spacecraft Will Not Attempt to Raise the Swift Observatory
Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, Source: NASA Ljubljana, 20 August 2026. – NASA and Katalyst Space announced on 19 August that the LINK spacecraft would not try to lift the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory into a new orbit. LINK will also not attempt to physically grab hold of the observatory. It is still slated to engage... Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
With GHOST, Rocket Lab Sounds the Death Knell for Horizontal Launch
With GHOST, Rocket Lab Sounds the Death Knell for Horizontal Launch … With GHOST, Rocket Lab Sounds the Death Knell for Horizontal Launch Membership Required You must be a member to access this content. View Membership Levels Tags: GHOSTGlobal Launch ServicesRocket LabVirgin Orbit prev post next post Subscribe now to receive the best of space insights directly in your inbox! Free of charge, finished in just 20 seconds! Voice recognitionWait...
COSPAR 2026 Ends, Pascale Ehrenfreund Re-elected President
Voice recognitionWait... Help–Display a list of available voice commands Hide help–Hide a list of available voice commands Scroll down–Scroll page down 200 px Scroll up–Scroll page down 200 px Go to top–Scroll page to top Go to bottom–Scroll page to bottom Tab–Move to next interactive element Tab back–Move to previous interactive element Show numbers–Show numbers for interactive elements Number ... –Click on element number...
5 Of The Most Impressive Muscle Cars Ever Built By Chevy
Chevrolet didn't "invent" the muscle car — that honor usually goes to Pontiac — but it was already building them. Even before the introduction of the Chevelle in 1964, Chevrolet was a go-to source for go-fast cars.
Kongsberg NanoAvionics Bus Tapped for Kreios Space’s VLEO Orbital Demonstrator
Kongsberg NanoAvionics will supply a modified MP42 microsatellite bus for Kreios Space’s Very Low Earth Orbit demonstrator, the first orbital … Kongsberg NanoAvionics will supply a modified MP42 microsatellite bus for Kreios Space's Very Low Earth Orbit demonstrator, the first orbital test of an air-breathing electric propulsion system.
COSPAR 2026 Formally Kicks Off in Florence With A Focus on International Cooperation
The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly has formally opened in Florence, bringing the global space-research community together under a central theme … The 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly has formally opened in Florence, bringing the global space-research community together under a central theme of international cooperation. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.
What Is Wheel Horsepower & How Is It Different From An Engine's Standard Horsepower?
An engine's power output is a vital piece of knowledge, and a great marketing tool. Since the dawn of the steam engine, the power of internal combustion engines has been calculated in horsepower. It still is in many parts of the world, though some use metric measurements now. Obtaining that measurement might seem tricky, especially if your vision is 455 horses yoked together to try and win a tug of war with a Buick.
RFA One Prepares For Pre-Launch Testing At SaxaVord
On 21st July 2026, Rocket Factory Augsburg posted a photo of its RFA One rocket on the pad at SaxaVord Spaceport. The rocketeers will test-fire the first stage engines. RFA ONE is on the launch pad. For the first time, our rocket is standing at SaxaVord Spaceport as we continue preparations for launch. Next step: first-stage hotfire testing.
India’s Skyroot Achieves Orbit On First Launch Attempt
Hyderabad’s Skyroot Aerospace launched its first orbital rocket on 18th July. The firm’s success marks the first private initiative in India to reach orbit, and makes it one of the few worldwide to achieve orbit on the first try. ORBIT ACHIEVED. 🚀 Vikram-1 Test Flight-1 has reached orbit.
JPL Releases Psyche Images And Video Of Mars
NASA’s Psyche explorer is on its way to an asteroid in 2029. To get there, NASA sent Psyche to sling itself around Mars in order to increase its speed and change its trajectory. It also gave NASA a chance to test the craft’s instruments against a known object. The spacecraft passed the red planet on 15th May.
Metal Dunes (Not) On Mars!
The European Space Agency’s Mars Express has released new imagery capturing Kaiser Crater, a large basin on the Red Planet’s old southern highlands. The image highlights a striking mix of dune features and cratered terrain, offering a clear view of a landscape shaped by wind and past impacts. The purpose of this announcement is to share this fresh perspective from the orbiter’s High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) and to describe what the scene reveals about Mars’s history.
ESA To Open Security And Resilience Centre In Poland
On 13th July, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Republic of Poland announced that a new ESA centre focused on civil security and resilience will be located in Warsaw. The goal is to support efficient and coordinated development of European capabilities in these important fields. The announcement came at a joint press conference in Warsaw, with ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Minister of Finance and Economy Andrzej Domański participating.
NRO Nominee Calls Partnership with Space Force a ‘Lesson in Good Government’
On 14th July, the nominee for director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) described the partnership between the NRO and the United States Space Force as a “lesson in good government,” as the Space Force begins to take more ownership of key intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) programmes. L. Roger Mason Jr., testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the relationship between the two organisations is strong but fundamentally changing.
Space and Defence Gateway Opens At Harwell
On 10th July, His Majesty King Charles III visited the United Kingdom’s largest space cluster to launch a new initiative aimed at guiding the future of the space and defense economy. His visit was the highlight of the opening of the Space and Defence Gateway at the Harwell campus in Oxfordshire. The event was also attended by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, UK ESA astronauts, and other senior figures from ESA, the UK government, and the Harwell campus.
SaxaVord Announces Launch Windows In August And September
On 7th July, SaxaVord Spaceport announced a set of temporary launch windows in August and early September. The spaceport emphasized that the announcement does not guarantee that a launch will be attempted, but it does allow one of its clients to attempt a test flight if preparations are complete. The window, planned with international, national, and local authorities, aims to minimize disruption to life on Unst while upholding high safety standards.
3 Underappreciated Classic Motorcycles From The Early Days Of Triumph
A Triumph Speed Twin - The_guitar_mann/Getty Images Triumph in the 20th Century is known particularly for its two cylinder Bonneville and three cylinder Trident from the 1960s and 1970s, but there's more to the brand than that. The company has a history stretching back to 1885, and is only a year younger than Enfield, the world's oldest motorcycle line still in business. Also, Triumph's revival in the 1990s culminated in the resurgence of the Bonneville and its naked bike, the Speed Triple.
NASA New Horizons Wakes Up 6.9b Miles From Earth
On June 23, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft woke up from its longest hibernation yet and is ready to send back science data from the outer reaches of the solar system. Flight controllers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland confirmed that New Horizons, operating on stored commands sent last July, had successfully roused from a 321‑day sleep that started on August 7. The spacecraft now sits about 5.9 billion miles (9.5 billion kilometers) from Earth.
NASA CAPSTONE Project Ends, But The Cis-lunar Testbed Lives On
CAPSTONE began its life in June 2022 as a first-of-its-kind U.S. commercial mission to orbit the Moon. It explored three-body orbits that blend Earth’s and the Moon’s gravity to reduce fuel use for staying on a stable path around the Moon. This approach has helped set up future exploration and science missions.
UK Space Agency Brings Dr. Alice Bunn Back Into The Fold
UK Space Agency announced that Dr. Alice Bunn OBE FIMechE FRAeS CEng will be joining the agency in mid-September. Her role this time will be “as job-share partner” with Director Rebecca Evernden. Dr. Bunn worked at UK Space Agency from 2013, starting as Head Of Earth Observation Strategy, and ending her run in 2021 as International Director and Director of Policy. Dr. Alice Bunn will be sharing leadership duties with UK Space Agency’s current head, Director Rebecca Evernden.
ESA’s CyberCUBE To Launch On 7th July To Open On-orbit Cybersecurity Testbed
ESA is launching CyberCUBE on 7th July, on the SpaceX Transporter flight. The CyberCUBE project, realized by GMV, is designed to strengthen cybersecurity for space infrastructure. The initiative centers on creating an operational in-orbit testbed that demonstrates how advanced cyber tools can protect satellites and ground systems.
New Data From The Chandra Observatory Could Reframe Our View Of Our Galaxy’s Structure
Data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory suggests that the outer spiral arms of the Milky Way may extend further than thought. NASA announced on 1st July that the findings, released in Astronomy & Astrophysics, could lead scientists to adjust how they picture our galaxy’s structure. Researchers determined the distances to the dust clouds in the Milky Way’s spiral arms by combining data from Chandra with observations from XMM-Newton, a European Space Agency mission with NASA collaboration.
NASA Needs Volunteers For Simulated Off-World Missions
NASA plans to begin recruiting volunteers for a new simulated deep-space mission that will begin no earlier than August 2027. The year-long program will place participants at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will live and work in isolated, interplanetary-like environments. The exercise aims to mimic conditions crews would face during missions to the Moon or to Mars.
ESA Taps EMXYS To Send Don Quijote To An Asteroid
On 2nd July, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced that Spain’s EMXYS would build Don Quijote, the first CubeSat designed to touch down on an asteroid. The tiny, shoebox-sized lander will be released onto the Apophis asteroid as part of ESA’s Ramses mission. The objective is to observe Apophis as it passes near Earth on 13 April 2029. “The arrival of Apophis represents a unique opportunity,” said ESA’s programme manager for Mars and Beyond, Orson Sutherland.
Isar Aerospace and Planet Labs Germany Team Up For First German Payload On A German Rocket
On July 2, 2026, Planet Labs Germany and Isar Aerospace announced a strategic launch agreement that marks a notable step for Germany’s space capabilities. The plan calls for a German-built satellite to ride a German-built rocket, with the first launch targeted within 12 months of the agreement. This set-up emphasizes domestic production and a clear national milestone in space access.
Space Force’s Victus Haze Satellites Complete Rapid Orbital Maneuvers, Beating 72-hour Target
The two satellites involved in the US Space Force’s Victus Haze mission have completed their initial orbital maneuvers and rendezvous operations significantly sooner than required, according to the companies operating them. The Space Force launched the Victus Haze mission on 19 June from Rocket Lab’s spaceport in New Zealand, using an Electron launch vehicle.
Airbus Wins Contract For Aeolus-2 Wind Sensing Satellite
On 2nd July 2026, Airbus Defence and Space announced a new contract with the European Space Agency to design and build the Aeolus-2 wind sensing satellite. The agreement was signed at ESA’s UK headquarters, ECSAT, in Harwell. The announcement establishes the next step in Europe’s program to observe winds from space and to improve weather information. Aeolus-2 will continue the work started by the first Aeolus satellite, which launched in 2018.
How Does A Planet Survive The Death Of Its Star?
On 1st July 2026, new findings from the James Webb Space Telescope (Webb) were published. They shed light on the far future of planetary systems like our own. A Sun-like star that lived out its life became a red giant and then shed its outer layers, leaving a hot, dense core called a white dwarf.
SAR Imagery Shows Extent of Caracas Earthquake Land Displacement
On 24 June 2026, a pair of earthquakes struck near Caracas, Venezuela, They caused significant ground movement and damage. The extent of the movement of the ground can be determined using satellite imagery. By using before-and-after images of the area around Caracas, the extent of the land movement can be measured. Analysists are using data from Copernicus Sentinel-1, which carries radar instruments capable of detecting tiny shifts in ground level.
Space and the UK Defence Investment Plan
On 1st July, the UK Ministry of Defence released the Defence Investment Plan. Based on the 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR), the plan covers the directions envisioned for investment across major warfighting domains, including space.
Medicines Produced In Space Will Soon Have A Path To UK Clinics
On 29th June, the UK announced steps to support making innovative medicines in microgravity. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the UK Space Agency have published the first dedicated regulatory pathway for medicines produced in space. A joint statement from the UK Space Agency, MHRA, Regulatory Innovation Office, and the Civil Aviation Authority outlines a coordinated approach to in-orbit pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat To Fly Alongside U.S. Fighters In Valiant Shield Exercise
Boeing’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) developed for Australia, is flying alongside US manned aircraft during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 in the Pacific, the US Air Force has confirmed, marking a notable test of a platform it has not committed to buying.
Professor Robert Thomson FREng Wins Royal Academy of Engineering Award
The Royal Academy of Engineering has announced the winners of The Princess Royal Silver Medal, one of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s most prestigious individual awards. Professor Robert Thomson FREng, Professor of Photonics at Heriot-Watt University, is receiving one of three 2026 awards for inventing the integrated photonic lantern. This lantern is a tool for astronomy capture starlight to look for evidence of exoplanets.
NASA Tests New On-Orbit Cryocoupler For Deep Space Missions
On 26th June, NASA reported on progress with a new device designed to support refueling in space before deep-space missions. The goal is to enable spacecraft to connect with orbital propellant depots, effectively serving as fueling stations in orbit rather than only on Earth. This approach requires a cryocoupler that can safely transfer ultra-cold liquids in the harsh environment of space.
Satellite Images Show Damage To Russian Mil Space Comms Sites After Ukrainian Attacks
On 26th June, satellite data was published that confirmed damage to key facilities at Russia’s Vladimir Space Communications Center. The exposure and extent of the harm were documented through imagery shared by the Exilenova+ community, and appeared to confirm the Ukrainian General Staff’s report of a 22nd June strike. A central point of impact was the main antenna, a 25-meter parabolic dish, which sustained critical damage.
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