Category Archives: Space Travel

COLLEGE STATION, TX One year ago, as the world watched the SpaceX crew Dragon Spacecraft launch to the international space station... very few knew that Texas A&M played a large role in the lead up to the launch.

In 2017, NASA came to Texas A&M and utilized the school's offshore technology research center to perform detailed testing for a specialized life raft. The life raft, which was tested right here in College Station, was specially developed to protect the spacecraft crew, in the event of an emergency, landing in the Gulf of Mexico during dangerous weather.

"When there was that impact and it was noted by NASA, all of a sudden, people got excited, but it's just that, it's just the excitement of being a part of something that is rather unusual." shared Richard Mercier, a Texas A&M civil and environmental engineering professor." It's a definite milestone and definite impact on the near future of space utilization and exploration."

The offshore technology research center provided NASA with large-scale simulations of the effects of wind, waves, and currents while conducting tests on the specially crafted raft.

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SpaceX and Texas A&M collaborate on the future of space travel equipment - KXXV News Channel 25

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) The Exploreum Science Center is featuring Cosmos 2021: Adventure into the unknown! This features a collection of artifacts, interactives, props, rocket launchers, and more showcasing the history and future of space exploration.

The Exploreum partnered with NASA to make this showcase possible. There is a total of 3 exhibits that feature NASA.

This is a walk-through interactive maze for the whole family, you can navigate and learn about the history of flight and space travel, Wayne explained. The VS-300 was the first successful US helicopter.

There is an interactive rocket launcher where you can make your own rocket, crank up the pressure and launch it!

Youre going to make the fins on it to help it fly in a more stable way, then youre going to take it over to the launcher, crank up the pressure, and you can aim it at them press the button, Wayne explained.

The other two exhibits feature both the history and future of space exploration.

Rion Capsule which will be what will be what will carry the astronauts into space, being fired by the SLS Rocket, Wayne explained.

There is no up-charge to general admission and this exhibit will be featured until Labor Day. Come out to The Exploreum Science Center and learn more about space exploration!

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NASA Exhibit features interactive rocket launcher, historical artifacts and more at the Exploreum! - WKRG News 5

When the American Queen Steamboat Co. launched its first ships on the Mississippi this month, it was among the first to sail since the pandemic under new health and safety protocols.

While the company will begin requiring all guests and crew to be vaccinated beginning in July, guests until then will only have to test negative for the virus before boarding.

To ease stress and confusion over which tests are accepted and ensure those tests are conducted as close to the sailing as possible, the company conducts PCR tests free of charge the day before the sailing at the hotel where guests stay overnight presailing as part of their normal itineraries.

That process for the American Countesschristening and preview sailing was indeed stress-free and seamless. We arrived in New Orleans Saturday afternoon, checked into the Hilton Riverside, then walked down the hall where their partners from Vikand Solutions had representatives waiting to conduct our preboarding health screenings and tests.

Onboard, most guests and crew on our sailing had already been vaccinated. Still, everyone is required to wear masks in public spaces when social distancing isn't possible, except of course when eating and drinking. And masks are required on coaches and excursions.

A year ago that might have seemed restrictive. But after a year of social distancing and mask-wearing, it hardly seemed odd to have to continue that on the ship.

In fact, the only thing that really felt different between this sailing and cruises prior to the pandemic was the luxury of space, thanks to reduced capacity.

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For Countess pax: Seamless tests, masks and the luxury of space - Travel Weekly

Scientists have identified new bacterial strains that they said could potentially support plant growth in space.

The discovery could help astronauts grow their own food in space stations, otherwise known as space farming, according to an Indian university involved in the research.

New bacterial strains were identified from different locations on the International Space Station during flights.

Scientists found the presence of genes involved in promoting plant growth in genome analysis of the new strains as part of the research, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology.

The findings may help in creating fuel which could support plants in withstanding stressful environments such as space, according to the University of Hyderabad, whose scientists worked with researchers in the US - including from Nasas Jet Propulsion Laboratory- for the study.

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The studys lead authors said the strains could possess biotechnologically useful genetic determinants that may help growing plants in extreme places where resources are minimal.

For astronauts on the International Space Station, cargo ships transport their food to them, unlike the early days of space travel when food took the form of cubes and semi-liquids stuffed inside tubes, according to Nasa.

In a paper published in The Journal of Nutrition last year, Nasa scientists outlined the requirements and challenges of creating a food system that can support missions between low-Earth orbit and Mars - which looked at nutrition, safety and reliability.

Prepackaged foods are a great candidate because they are easy to prepare, easy to consume. They already have a safe and long history in spaceflight, but there are some challenges with themthat nutrition and quality degrade over time, Grace Douglas, a Nasa scientist, said.

So, on longer missions, it would be nice to get a fresh component.

There may be issues over the reliability of growing food on space missions, she added.

One of the big concerns with growing food is that if it doesnt grow and you were depending on it, now you have insufficient food, which can be a very, very big concern when youre going on these missions, Ms Douglas said.

Nasa astronauts said last year that the first ever space-grown lettuce was as safe to eat as one grown on earth.

The food was part of an experiment involving crowns grown in individually sealed units of ceramic soil under red LED lighting for over a month.

The year before, China successfully germinated a seed taken to the Moon, making it the first time any biological matter had grown in space.

Further research is underway to determine what the discovery of the new bacterial strains found on the ISS could mean for space farming, according to the University of Hyderabad.

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Bacterial strain identified that may support plant growth in space - The Independent

Between better weather and a population still spiritually exhausted by COVID-19, outdoor experts are hoping to keep this summers impending rush of novice hikers and trekkers out of trouble.

Mount Rainier National Park information officer Kevin Bacher foresees a gangbuster season for backcountry enthusiasts this year, just like last summer. In 2020, park staff had to adapt to a huge number of people who were using trails and outdoor spaces with little prior experience, he said, and the park saw several record-setting weekends for attendance.

I think that was the real revelation about last summer, Bacher said. Not only were a lot of people coming out, but a lot of people who usually dont recreate (were) doing so for the first time.

On one hand, Bacher was thrilled to see people discover the wonders of the wilderness for the first time, developing skills, hobbies and connections to the outdoor world that they didnt have before.

But more adventure means more misadventure: The Seattle Times reported in early March that Mount Rainier National Park rangers embarked on 60 search-and-rescue operations in 2020, the most in the past five years, according to park data.

With visitor centers closed due to the pandemic, the park had to beef up ranger and volunteer presence on the trails in order to reach hikers that were often stepping foot for the first time on the mountain, unaware of safety or etiquette on the trail, Bacher said.

Hes hoping adventurers this summer are just as eager, and a little wiser.

KNOW YOUR TRAIL

Park rangers stress the value of researching the place youre visiting before heading out. Geographical and seasonal hazards are usually detailed online or in trail guides.

Its also helpful to learn CPR and the fundamentals of first aid and wilderness survival before embarking.

Before you leave, check the weather and road conditions in the area youre visiting, Bacher said. Wheres the closest gas station? Which roads are closed in the season youre visiting? Those arent mysteries you want to be solving on-the-day.

Mount Rainier, for instance, is open, but park visitor centers, the Paradise Inn and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center are closed due to the pandemic. Most park roads are closed, and all drivers are required to carry and be ready to use tire chains in the park in the winter season (November through the end of April).

Another step rangers and search-and-rescue volunteers stress: Make an itinerary for the day and share it with someone else who isnt going hiking. That way, if you dont return on time, that person can alert searchers as to where you were heading and when you were supposed to be back.

When you do head out, get an early start so as to maximize your time before nightfall (and your chances of getting a parking space). Travel with a group, especially in rough weather, so you and your friends can get help if someone is injured.

SUIT UP

You dont need a giant backpack full of gear, but packing clothes for a variety of temperatures, as well as rain, snow and sun is a good start, King County Search and Rescue volunteer Nathan Lorance said.

You might have a really warm cotton sweatshirt, but as soon as it gets wet, its like a t-shirt, Lorance said. Theres nothing there.

First-aid kits and tools to communicate and navigate are also crucial for when mishaps strike. The most common rescue calls searchers took were for minor injuries, Lorance said, like twisted ankles from slips and falls on hiking trails.

Accidents truly happen to everyone, Lorance said. You can have all the protective gear, all the training, and still trip on a rock.

Park officials stress these items for any kind of outdoor excursion:

Navigation: A compass, map of the area (a paper map doesnt run out of batteries) and a GPS.

Light: A flashlight or lamp with extra batteries (save your phone juice for communication).

Food: Extra food and water, and a way to filter water on longer journeys .

Severe weather protection: Raingear, insulating clothes and gloves.

Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, chapstick and a hat.

Tools: A pocketknife and any other tools you foresee yourself needing.

Firestarters: Weatherproof matches and a lighter or other firestarters.

Communication: A fully-charged cell phone along with a backup battery.

First Aid Kit

Shelter: An emergency blanket for shelter on short trips, or a tent or tarp for longer trips .

If you plan to go on the water, a lifejacket or other flotation device is handy, too.

In an emergency, all these tools help you manage the one resource you cant buy: Time.

One of the things a lot of folks dont realize, is that unlike the fire department, our volunteers are coming from all over the county, Lorance said. As long as it takes you to hike in, its going to take us that long too. Having the basic essentials means you can be as comfortable as possible while waiting for additional help to survive.

WHERE AND WHEN TO START?

Spring is a great time to develop your physical and mental outdoor skills, especially if you plan to hike some of the grueling and high-elevation trails that wont be snow free until late summer.

Even in the summer, trails in the upper parts of Mount Rainier and other parks are subject to harshly cold weather and treacherous conditions. The trail that looks fantastic on Instagram might be buried in snow even when you visit it in June, Bacher said.

But maybe this is the time of year to hike places where the trails dont have the spectacular views of the mountain, but are really really beautiful, (with) forest trails through ancient trees, waterfalls that are really flowing beautifully because the snow is melting and feeding them, Bacher said.

Trail of the Shadows and Greenwater (AKA Meeker) Lakes are two such places in and around the Mt. Rainier National Park. The former provides a great beginners hike in the foothills of the mountain, while Greenwater Lakes serves up a smorgasbord of old growth forest, waterfalls, lakes and bridges. (Its even pet friendly.)

For picturesque views of the Carbon River Rainforest, consider the Rainforest Nature Loop Trail in the Carbon River area. Its a short, 0.3 mile loop that is snow-free year round.

And for those who like to see history up close, the Melmont Ghost Town can be traversed from Wilkeson/Carbonado via SR 165. No pass is needed to visit the ruins, which are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

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Hitting the hiking trail to escape pandemic-induced ennui? A bit of preparation could save your bacon | Courier-Herald - Enumclaw Courier-Herald

ELON Musk is set on getting to Mars as quickly as possible.

The billionaire claimed in a recent tweet that his company SpaceX would reach the Red Planet "well before 2030".

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It comes as the latest prototype of the US firm's huge Starship rocket prepares for lift-off from a SpaceX facility in Texas.

"SpaceX will be landing Starships on Mars well before 2030," Musk tweeted on Tuesday.

"The really hard threshold is making Mars Base Alpha self-sustaining."

Musk has previously claimed that Starship a bullet-shaped stainless steel tower standing 160ft tall could reach Mars as early as 2022.

That would take the form of an unmanned flight carrying cargo to the planet.

Starship's first flight to Earth orbit will take place this year, according to SpaceX.

SN11, the company's latest prototype, fired up its engines as part of a series of static tests early this morning ahead of its first flight.

The rocket could blast into the sky this week, weather permitted. SpaceX will use the test to collect data that will inform future flights.

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Expectations for the first flight of SN11 are high after its predecessor, SN10, met a fiery end earlier this month.

The prototype shot six miles into the air during a test flight on March 4 before touching down safely at the Starship facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

It stood upright on the ground for about 10 minutes before suddenly bursting into flames due to apossible methane leak.

Two other rockets, SN8 and SN9, met similar violent ends following flights in December and January.

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Starship is in the early stages of development, and trial launches have thus far taken the form of high-altitude flights of a few miles.

SpaceX plans to reach orbit with the rocket in an unmanned flight by 2022.

Billionaire Musk, who is also CEO of Tesla, hopes to send a million people to Mars in his lifetime using a 1,000-strong fleet of the powerful rockets.

The finished product will stand 165ft (50 metres) tall and boast six of SpaceX's powerful Raptor engines.

What is SpaceX?

Here's what you need to know...

SpaceX is a cash-flushed rocket company that wants to take man to Mars.

It was set up by eccentric billionaire Elon Musk in 2002 and is based in Hawthorne, California.

SpaceX's first aim was to build rockets that can autonomously land back on Earth for refurbishment and re-use.

The technology makes launching and operating space flights more efficient, and therefore cheaper.

SpaceX currently uses its reusable Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets to fly cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) for Nasa.

It also carries satellites and other space tech into orbit for various government agencies and multinational companies.

The company took astronauts to the ISS for the first time in 2020.

Other future missions involve carrying tourists to the ISS and astronauts to the Moon and Mars.

Musk has repeatedly said he believes humanity must colonise Mars to save itself from extinction.

He plans to get a SpaceX rocket to the Red Planet by 2027.

According to SpaceX, the contraption will hit speeds of 15,000mph (25,000kph), making it the world's most powerful spacecraft.

In a series of tweets last year, Musk outlined how his Starlink plans would open up space travel to anyone, regardless of their income.

"Needs to be such that anyone can go if they want, with loans available for those who don't have money," he wrote.

Musk's plan involves building an expansive fleet of Starship vehicles, which comprise a huge rocket topped by a bullet-shaped spacecraft.

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SpaceX says reusable rockets that can land and take off again make space travel more cost effective, accessible and sustainable.

However, the team has a long way to go before they can conduct Starship's first manned flight.

Musk is targeting a Mars cargo mission by 2022 and a manned flight to the Red Planet by 2024.

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STAR ATTRACTIONStar just exploded in the sky and YOU can see the supernova tonight

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In other news, the worlds firstreality show filmed in spacewill follow a contestant on a 10-day trip to the ISS in 2023.

Acids may have destroyed any evidence ofancient life on Mars, according to a new study.

And, a Nasa has unveileda new lunar landerthat could put astronauts back on the Moon in 2024.

Would you like to go to space? Let us know in the comments...

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Elon Musk says his Starship rocket will land on Mars well before 2030 to create Base Alpha... - The Sun

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.andHOUSTON, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Redwire (or "the Company"), a leader in mission-critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space economy, and Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: GNPK) ("Genesis Park"),a publicly tradedspecial purpose acquisition company, announced today that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement that will result in Redwire becoming a publicly traded company. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2021, and at that time, Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. will change its name to Redwire and the company will trade on the NYSE.

Redwire provides critical space infrastructure technology and services and is uniquely positioned to deliver critical solutions to meet the growing needs of national security, civil, and commercialcustomers for a full spectrum of activity in space. The Company is differentiated from its peers because it offers both rich flight heritage, with more than 50 years of space flight experience and more than 150 missions flown, and unmatched innovations in space infrastructure, including over 100 patents and applications. Its infrastructure and services enable nearly every space mission, and Redwire sees increasing opportunities as decreasing launch costs continue to enable exponential growth in deployed space infrastructure.

Redwire is the leading developer of on-orbit servicing, assembly and manufacturing ("OSAM") capabilities, a transformational technology deploying 3D printing that enables customers to build satellites and other spacecraft in space, solving the size and other limitations posed by launch dynamics. Through the launch of raw materials into orbit, in-space manufacturing of component parts through 3D printing and other methods, and robotic assembly of highly functional objects, Redwire's OSAM technology enables lower cost deployment and higher power capabilities. The advantages of Redwire's in-space manufacturing will allow its customers to efficiently create more advanced products in space with greater performance characteristics than terrestrial based manufacturing methods, driving increased investment in space infrastructure from adjacent markets and the commercialization of space.

"Space-based capabilities and services are improving lives on Earth every day, and Redwire is an invaluable mission partner, providing technology that has been at the forefront of space infrastructure from the beginning. Today, the influx of private capital, new public sector space initiatives and decreased launch costs are driving tremendous growth in the space industry, which is projected to exceed $2 trillion by 2040," said Peter Cannito, Chairman and CEO of Redwire. "With our extensive space flight heritage and deeply innovative capabilities, we are accelerating humanity's expansion into space by delivering reliable, economical and sustainable infrastructure for future generations. As we enter this second golden age of space, Redwire is supplying the picks and shovels that enable nearly every space mission, supporting initiatives to help us better understand our planet, transform our space security infrastructure, and move humanity deeper into our solar system. We are thrilled to enter into this business combination with Genesis Park. With their extensive aerospace, operational and financial expertise and strong industry relationships, we are confident that Genesis Park is the right partner to propel Redwire's growth in the public market."

"We intended to find a profitable partner with strong management, powerful intellectual property and impressive organic growth. Redwire achieves that vision by transforming the future of space infrastructure and services at a time when the space industry is on the brink of exponential growth. Redwire is a proven, solidly profitable player in the space community and the undisputed leader in on-orbit 3D printing, servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. We also believe there is significant opportunity to accelerate growth through strategic combinations in the fragmented space landscape. Redwire has established itself as a first-mover consolidator and an acquirer of choice, and we believe its position will be further improved as a public company," said Paul Hobby, CEO and Director of Genesis Park. "We are very excited about Redwire's growth potential and we look forward to partnering with Peter and his team as they help usher in this new era of space exploration."

"As an innovative space infrastructure leader, Redwire is set to power a new age of space travel, exploration and commerce," said Kirk Konert, Partner at AE Industrial Partners. "With this transaction, Redwire will have even greater opportunities to drive growth and value by delivering tailored, responsive solutions for its growing customer base across the public and private sectors."

Redwire Highlights

Key Transaction TermsThe transaction values Redwire at a $615 million pro forma enterprise value, representing 9.6x estimated 2023 Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $64 million and 2.5x estimated 2025 Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $250 million. Assuming no redemptions by Genesis Park stockholders, the Proposed Transaction is expected to deliver approximately $170 million cash to the Redwire balance sheet. The proposed transaction is further supported by a $100 million fully committed and oversubscribed PIPE of common stock, priced at $10.00 per share, with participation by Senvest Management, LLC and Crescent Park Management, L.P.

Redwire's existing stockholders will hold approximately 55% of the fully diluted shares of common stock immediately following the closing of the business combination, assuming no redemptions by Genesis Park's existing public stockholders. AE Industrial Partners will remain a significant shareholder in Redwire following the completion of the proposed merger.

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of Redwire and Genesis Park, is subject to approval by Genesis Park's shareholders and other customary closing conditions.

Following the closing of the transaction, Redwire will continue to be led by Chairman and CEO Peter Cannito. The Redwire Board will be comprised of current Redwire Board members Pete Cannito, Dr. Reggie Brothers, Joanne Isham and Kirk Konert, along with Jonathan Baliff President, CFO & Director of Genesis Park; John Bolton, Advisor to Genesis Park and Les Daniels, Operating Partner of AE Industrial Partners.

Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the merger agreement and investor presentation, will be available in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by Genesis Park with the Securities and Exchange Commission and at http://www.sec.gov. The investor presentation can also be found on https://www.genesis-park.com/redwire.

Investor Conference Call InformationRedwire and Genesis Park will host a joint investor conference call to discuss the proposed transaction on March 25, 2021 at 7:30 AM ET. To access the conference call, please visit https://www.genesis-park.com/redwire. The live call may also be accessed by dialing 1 877 876-9173 or 1 785 424-1667 providing the Conference ID 3086566. A replay of the call will be available on the Genesis Park website.

AdvisorsJefferies is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland and Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel to Redwire. Greenhill and KPMG are serving as financial advisors, Jefferies is serving as sole placement agent for the PIPE and capital markets advisor, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP and Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP are serving as legal counsel to Genesis Park.

About RedwireRedwire is a new leader in mission critical space solutions and high reliability components for the next generation space economy. With decades of flight heritage combined with the agile and innovative culture of a commercial space platform, Redwire is uniquely positioned to assist its customers in solving the complex challenges of future space missions. For more information, please visitwww.redwirespace.com.

About Genesis Park Acquisition Corp.Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. ("GNPK") is a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of Genesis Park, trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol NYSE: GNPK.U. GNPK is one of the first aerospace and aviation services special purpose acquisition companies, and may pursue an initial business combination in any industry or geographic region, but specifically seeks to capitalize on the operational and investment experience of the GNPK management team and Board of Directors by focusing on companies that have significant growth prospects in the aerospace and aviation services sectors.

About AE Industrial Partners AE Industrial Partners is a private equity firm specializing in Aerospace, Defense, Space & Government Services, Power Generation, and Specialty Industrial markets. AE Industrial Partners invests in market-leading companies that can benefit from its deep industry knowledge, operating experience, and relationships throughout its target markets. AE Industrial Partners is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing. Learn more atwww.aeroequity.com.

Redwire ContactsMedia: Austin Jordan321-536-8632Austin.jordan@redwirespace.com OR Investors: investorrelations@redwirespace.com

ReevemarkPaul Caminiti/Delia Cannan/Pam Greene212-433-4600redwire@reevemark.com

Forward Looking StatementsThis document includes "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "forecast," "intend," "seek," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," and "project" and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward looking statements include estimated financial information, including without limitation, forecasted revenue and revenue CAGR. Such forward looking statements with respect to revenues, earnings, performance, strategies, prospects and other aspects of the businesses of Genesis Park Acquisition Corp., Redwire or the combined company after completion of the Business Combination are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement governing the proposed business combination; (2) the inability to complete the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement due to the failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. or other conditions to closing in the merger agreement; (3) the ability to meet NYSE's listing standards following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement; (4) the risk that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Redwire as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; (5) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (6) costs related to the proposed business combination; (7) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (8) the possibility that Redwire may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (9) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. and Redwire undertake no commitment to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Additional InformationIn connection with the proposed business combination between Redwire and Genesis Park Acquisition Corp., Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. intends to file with the SEC a preliminary proxy statement / prospectus and will mail a definitive proxy statement / prospectus and other relevant documentation to Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. shareholders. This document does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed business combination. It is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect to the proposed business combination. Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus and any amendments thereto, and the definitive proxy statement / prospectus in connection with Genesis Park Acquisition Corp.'s solicitation of proxies for the special meeting to be held to approve the transactions contemplated by the proposed business combination because these materials will contain important information about Redwire, Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. and the proposed business combination. The definitive proxy statement / prospectus will be mailed to Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. shareholders as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed business combination when it becomes available. Shareholders will also be able to obtain a copy of the preliminary proxy statement / prospectus and the definitive proxy statement / prospectus once they are available, without charge, at the SEC's website at http://sec.gov or by directing a request to: investorrelations@redwirespace.com.

This document shall not constitute a solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination.

Participants in the SolicitationGenesis Park Acquisition Corp. and its directors and officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies of Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. shareholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. in Genesis Park Acquisition Corp.'s prospectus relating to its initial public offering filed with the SEC on November 24, 2020. Redwire and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. in connection with the Business Combination.

Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. shareholders in connection with the proposed business combination will be set forth in the proxy statement / prospectus for the transaction when available. Additional information regarding the interests of participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction will be included in the proxy statement / prospectus that Genesis Park Acquisition Corp. intends to file with the SEC.

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SOURCE Redwire; Genesis Park Acquisition Corp.

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Redwire, An Innovative Space Infrastructure Company Serving The Fast-Growing Space Industry, To Become Publicly Traded Through Merger With Genesis...

Final Fantasy 7 featured the quintessential Cid, as Cid Highwind brought Dragoon skills to battles and had a story arc among the series' best.

With Final Fantasy VII RemakePart 2somewhere on the horizon, many RPG fans are excited to see how Cid Highwind could make his debut in a current-gen title. The presence of a character named Cid is a staple of theFinal Fantasyseries, but the Cid ofFinal Fantasy 7is unique, due to his presence as a main party member and his standout characterization - even among the other iconicFinal Fantasy 7 characters.

WhenFinal Fantasy 7was released for the PlayStation, Cid Highwind became the quintessential iteration of Cid. He remained a party memberuntil the end, making him a "main" character rather than a guest party member. Cid Highwind was a pilot and an engineer, reluctantly accepting the funding of the Shinra Corporation to pursue his dream of space travel. He was a chain-smoking, foul-mouthed cynic, not afraid to get his hands dirty by leaping into battle - literally - with a spear,much like prior Final Fantasy games' Dragoon character class.

Related:FF7 Remake Part 2 Plot Changes That Probably Won't Happen

Cids Tiny Bronco airplane served as one of the first modes of overworld travel in FF7; his Highwind airship allowed for full world travel in the latter parts of the story; and his rocket tookplayers into space during one key sequence. More important than his role as ferryman for the party, Cid Highwind fought alongside Cloud and the others up through the battle with Sephiroth and Jenova. He proved to be one of the game's strongest characters,andVenus Gospel, Cids ultimate spear, made him a wise choice for the final battles.

As powerful as Cid Highwind was as a damage dealer,his FF7 story was stronger. Cids childhood dream was to be the first human in space. He aborted the initial planned launch of his rocket due to Shera, his assistant, remaining in the blast zone to perform a last-minute safety check. Cid blamed Sheras overcautiousness for sabotaging his dream, and he wasunappreciative of and rudetowards her when the party first encountered them. In a later sequence, when the rocket was launched with the party onboard, an oxygen tank exploded, trapping Cid under debris. He recognized this as the same tank that Shera was inspecting at the time of the prior aborted launch, and that her prudence likely saved his life.

Though not given as much screen timeas FF7 protagonist Cloud, Cid's story was just as heartfelt, albeit more straightforward. Cid aspired towards one of humankinds loftiest goals - space travel - and saw Shera as the person who had sabotaged his dream. He then realizedhis ambition had blinded him, and his haste to travel among the stars caused him to lose sight of the details and blame Shera for his shortcomings. With the help of the party, Cid escaped the oxygen tank, humbled and forever changed by the experience.

AmongFinalFantasy's Cid characters,Cid Highwind is an all-time great. Prior iterations of Cid were airship pilots, engineers, and scientists fusing magic and technology. Subsequent games would take further liberties with Cid, casting him as a military academy instructor, a king cursed to be an Oglop, and even a villain, among other roles. Though the Thunder God Cid of theFinal Fantasy Tacticsspinoff could be considered a central character, Cid Highwind is the lone Cid to serve as a main party member in a numberedFinal Fantasygame. FF7's Cid is deeply human - flawed, ambitious, irritable, and dour, but also repentant and inspiring. As a memorable character with a great arc, there is good reason forfansto be excited to see the stubborn, rugged aeronauttake up his spear inFinal Fantasy VII Remake Part 2.

Next:Why We're Excited For Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis (And Why We're Worried)

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Derek Garcia is a Game Feature Writer for ScreenRant. He lives with his wife, three dogs, and a likely excessive number of video game consoles. When he is not writing, playing video games, watching movies or television, or reading novels or comic books, he occasionally takes some time to sleep. Derek majored in journalism and worked for a print newspaper before discovering the internet. He is a fan of science fiction and fantasy, video game and tabletop RPGs, classic Hong Kong action movies, and graphic novels. After being immersed in nerd culture for many years, Derek is now happy to write about the media he enjoys instead of just ranting to his friends.

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How FF7's Cid Is Different From Other Final Fantasy Characters Named Cid - Screen Rant

When did we first start exploring space?

The first human-made object to go into space was a German V2 missile, launched on a test flight in 1942. Although uncrewed, it reached an altitude of 189km (117 miles).

Former Nazi rocket scientists were later recruited by both America and Russia (often at gunpoint in the latter case), where they were instrumental in developing Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) rockets capable of carrying nuclear weapons from one side of the planet to the other.

A captured German V-2 rocket, the worlds first guided missile, launched at the US Army testing base at White Sands, in New Mexico Getty Images

It was these super-missiles that formed the basis for the space programmes of both post-war superpowers. As it happened, Russia was the first to reach Earth orbit, when it launched the uncrewed Sputnik 1 in October 1957, followed a month later by Sputnik 2, carrying the dog Laika the first live animal in space.

The USA sent its first uncrewed satellite, Explorer 1, into orbit soon after, in January 1958. A slew of robotic spaceflights followed, from both sides of the Atlantic, before Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin piloted Vostok 1 into orbit on 12 April 1961, to become the first human being in space. And from there the space race proper began, culminating in Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin becoming the first people to walk on the Moon as part of NASAs Apollo programme.

Space exploration is the future. It satisfies the human urge to explore and to travel, and in the years and decades to come it could even provide our species with new places to call home especially relevant now, as Earth becomes increasingly crowded.

Extending our reach into space is also necessary for the advancement of science. Space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope and probes to the distant worlds of the Solar System are continually updating, and occasionally revolutionising, our understanding of astronomy and physics.

But there are also some very practical reasons, such as mining asteroids for materials that are extremely rare here on Earth.

One example is the huge reserve of the chemical isotope helium-3 thought to be locked away in the soil on the surface of the Moon. This isotope is a potential fuel for future nuclear fusion reactors power stations that tap into the same source of energy as the Sun. Unlike other fusion fuels, helium-3 gives off no hard-to-contain and deadly neutron radiation.

However, for this to happen the first challenge to overcome is how to build a base on the Moon. In 2019, Chinas Change 4 mission marked the beginning of a new space race to conquer the Moon, signalling their intent to build a permanent lunar base, while the NASA Artemis mission plans to build a space station, called Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, providing a platform to ferry astronauts to the Moons surface.

Its entirely feasible that human explorers will visit the furthest reaches of our Solar System. The stars, however, are another matter. Interstellar space is so vast that it takes light the fastest thing we know of in the Universe years, centuries and millennia to traverse it. Faster-than-light travel may be possible one day, but is unlikely to become a reality in our lifetimes.

Its not impossible that humans might one day cross this cosmic gulf, though it wont be easy. The combustion-powered rocket engines of today certainly arent up to the job they just dont use fuel efficiently enough. Instead, interstellar spacecraft may create a rocket-like propulsion jet using electric and magnetic fields. This so-called ion drive technology has already been tested aboard uncrewed Solar System probes.

Star Treks USS Enterprise, the iconic warp-capable ship Alamy

Another possibility is to push spacecraft off towards the stars using the light from a high-powered laser. A consortium of scientists calling themselves Breakthrough Starshot is already planning to send a flotilla of tiny robotic probes to our nearest star, Proxima Centauri, using just this method.

Though whether human astronauts could survive such punishing acceleration, or the decades-long journey through deep space, remains to be seen.

Pushing forward the frontiers of science is the stated goal of many space missions. But even the development of space travel technology itself can lead to unintended yet beneficial spin-off technologies with some very down-to-earth applications.

Notable spin-offs from the US space programme, NASA, include memory foam mattresses, artificial hearts, and the lubricant spray WD-40. Doubtless, there are many more to come.

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Space exploration also instils a sense of wonder, it reminds us that there are issues beyond our humdrum planet and its petty squabbles, and without doubt it helps to inspire each new generation of young scientists. Its also an insurance policy. Were now all too aware that global calamities can and do happen for instance, climate change and the giant asteroid that smashed into the Earth 65 million years ago, leading to the total extinction of the dinosaurs.

The lesson for the human species is that we keep all our eggs in one basket at our peril. On the other hand, a healthy space programme, and the means to travel to other worlds, gives us an out.

In short, yes very. Reaching orbit means accelerating up to around 28,000kph (17,000mph, or 22 times the speed of sound). If anything goes wrong at that speed, its seldom good news.

Then theres the growing cloud of space junk to contend with in Earths orbit defunct satellites, discarded rocket stages and other detritus all moving just as fast. A five-gram bolt hitting at orbital speed packs as much energy as a 200kg weight dropped from the top of an 18-storey building.

The movie Gravity highlighted the dangers of space debris Warner Brothers

And getting to space is just the start of the danger. The principal hazard once there is cancer-producing radiation the typical dose from one day in space is equivalent to what youd receive over an entire year back on Earth, thanks to the planets atmosphere and protective magnetic field.

Add to that the icy cold airless vacuum, the need to bring all your own food and water, plus the effects of long-duration weightlessness on bone density, the brain and muscular condition including that of the heart and it soon becomes clear that venturing into space really isnt for the faint-hearted.

Its already happening that is, assuming your pockets are deep enough. The first self-funded space tourist was US businessman Dennis Tito, who in 2001 spent a week aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for the cool sum of $20m (15m).

Virgin Galactic has long been promising to take customers on short sub-orbital hops into space where passengers get to experience rocket propulsion and several minutes of weightlessness, before gliding back to a runway landing on Earth, all for $250k (190k). In late July 2020, the company unveiled the finished cabin in its SpaceShipTwo vehicle, suggesting that commercial spaceflights may begin shortly.

SpaceX expects that one day their Starship could carry passengers to the Moon SpaceX/Flickr

Meanwhile, Elon Musks SpaceX, which in May 2020 became the first private company to launch a human crew to Earth orbit aboard the Crew Dragon, plans to offer stays on the ISS for $35k (27k) per night. SpaceX is now prototyping its huge Starship vehicle, which is designed to take 100 passengers from Earth to as far afield as Mars for around $20k (15k) per head. Musk stated in January that he hoped to be operating 1,000 Starships by 2050.

10 Short Lessons in Space Travel by Paul Parsons is out now (9.99, Michael OMara)

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Space travel: (almost) everything you need to know about ...

The first earthling to orbit our planet was just two years old, plucked from the streets of Moscow barely more than a week before her historic launch. Her name was Laika. She was a terrier mutt and by all accounts a good dog. Her 1957 flight paved the way for space exploration back when scientists didnt know if spaceflight was lethal for living things.

Humans are explorers. Since before the dawn of civilization, weve been lured over the horizon to find food or more space, to make a profit, or just to see whats beyond those trees or mountains or oceans. Our ability to explore reached new heightsliterallyin the last hundred years. Airplanes shortened distances, simplified travel, and showed us Earth from a new perspective. By the middle of the last century, we aimed even higher.

Our first steps into space began as a race between the United States and the former Soviet Union, rivals in a global struggle for power. Laika was followed into orbit four years later by the first human, Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri A. Gagarin. With Earth orbit achieved, we turned our sights on the moon. The United States landed two astronauts on its stark surface in 1969, and five more manned missions followed. The U.S.s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched probes to study the solar system. Manned space stations began glittering in the sky. NASA developed reusable spacecraftspace shuttle orbitersto ferry astronauts and satellites to orbit. Space-travel technology had advanced light-years in just three decades. Gagarin had to parachute from his spaceship after reentry from orbit. The space shuttle leaves orbit at 16,465 miles an hour (26,498 kilometers an hour) and glides to a stop on a runway without using an engine.

Space travel is nothing like in the movies. Getting from A to B requires complex calculations involving inertia and gravityliterally, rocket scienceto "slingshot" from planet to planet (or moon) across the solar system. The Voyager mission of the 1970s took advantage of a rare alignment of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune to shave off nearly 20 years of travel time. Space is also dangerous. More than 20 astronauts have died doing their job.

That hasnt stopped people from signing up and blasting off. NASAs shuttle program has ended, but private companies are readying their own space programs. A company called Planetary Resources plans to send robot astronauts to the Asteroid Belt to mine for precious metals. Another company named SpaceX is hoping to land civilian astronauts on Marsthe next human step into the solar systemin 20 years. NASA and other civilian companies are planning their own Mars missions. Maybe youll be a member of one? Dont forget to bring your dog.

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History of Space Travel