WASHINGTON – The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that the agency has selected four companies to expand the agency’s Near Space Network’s commercial direct-to-Earth capabilities services, which is a mission-critical communication capability that allows spacecraft to transmit data directly to ground stations on Earth. NASA says the contracts are worth up to $4.82 billion. The contracts are firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreements, with project timelines running from February 2025 to September 2029 and an optional five-year extension through September 2034. Intuitive Machines of Houston will receive two task orders for Subcategory 1.2 GEO to Cislunar Direct-to-Earth (DTE) Services and Subcategory 1.3 xCislunar DTE Services. These contracts aim to support NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Segment, providing additional capacity to reduce demand on the Deep Space Network and meet requirements for highly elliptical orbits. The company also previously secured a task order for Subcategory 2.2 GEO to Cislunar Relay Services. Kongsberg Satellite Services of Tromsø, Norway, will receive two task orders for Subcategory 1.1 Earth Proximity DTE, and Subcategory 1.2. These awards will support science missions in low Earth orbit and NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Segment, also easing demand on the Deep Space Network. SSC Space U.S. Inc. of Horsham, Pa., will receive two task orders for Subcategories 1.1 and 1.3 to support low Earth orbit science missions and meet the needs of unique, highly elliptical orbits. Viasat, Inc. of Duluth, Ga., will be awarded a task order for Subcategory 1.1 to support science missions in low Earth orbit. Related: NASA awards Firefly Aerospace contract to deliver tech to the moon’s Gruithuisen Domes “NASA’s goal is to provide users with communication and navigation services that are secure, reliable, and affordable, so that all NASA users receive the services required by their mission within their latency, accuracy, and availability requirements,” the agency stated. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., will manage the work under the agency’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program. The Near Space Network supports missions up to 1.2 million miles (2 million kilometers) from Earth by facilitating data exchange between spacecraft and mission operators. Using geosynchronous space relays and a global system of direct-to-Earth antennas, the network processes terabytes of data daily.
The CEO of Bitcoin (BTC) miner Marathon Digital Holdings, Fred Thiel, is leaning bullish on the flagship crypto asset. In an interview on The David Lin Report, Thiel says that between the beginning of 2025 and around the date of the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, Bitcoin will start to “run again.” According to the Marathon Digital CEO, Bitcoin could first fall to levels last witnessed in November 2024 before exploding by around 108% from the current level over the coming months. “I think the majority of the people who look at Bitcoin price are expecting a correction into the low $90,000s, high $80,000s and then a return to growth ending somewhere approaching $200,000 by the end of next year. I think that’s a pretty valid scenario just based on the demand that we’re seeing kind of on the sidelines.” Thiel further says if the US sets up a strategic Bitcoin reserve, it could also serve as a price catalyst for the crypto king. “If a strategic reserve is announced [by the US], that will drive a relatively big push. If other countries start announcing reserves… again there’s a finite supply of Bitcoin. There are only 21 million Bitcoin that will ever exist, 20 million more or less have been mined. And of that maybe four million are in wallets that either have keys that are lost or inaccessible for other reasons or just won’t move… a million of which is in the Satoshi wallet itself. So there’s not a lot of Bitcoin to go around… …and so you start adding up those demands on supply and it’s a big number. And then you look at pension funds that want to put 1% or 2% into Bitcoin. And you see just the growth of the ETFs… the Bitcoin ETFs in 12 months have grown to have more assets under management than gold ETFs took 20 years to accumulate.” Bitcoin is trading at $96,200 at time of writing.
Very few countries in the world can date their diplomatic ties back to the days of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Since the time of King Solomon, Ethiopia, and Israel have enjoyed a relationship that transcends the humdrum diplomatic world of the 21st century. Rooted in a shared history and bolstered by a future of collaborative growth, the bond between the two nations is bound by mutual respect and shared aspirations.
The deep ties between Ethiopia and Israel trace back 3,000 years to the legendary meeting of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. “This historical connection,” Ethiopian Ambassador Tesfaye Yitayeh explained to The Jerusalem Post, “has shaped, in a positive manner, our relationship.
We Ethiopians cherish this relationship very much.” This history continues to inform a connection between the two peoples, particularly evident in Ethiopia’s Christian pilgrims and Israel’s Ethiopian Jewish community.
Modern relations between the two countries were formalized in 1956 with the establishment of embassies in Addis Ababa and Jerusalem. Early collaborations included Israeli assistance in military training and capacity-building in Ethiopia. These foundations laid the groundwork for the diverse partnership that is visible today.
Trade forms a cornerstone of Ethiopia and Israel’s partnership. “The trade relationship between the two countries is excellent,” Yitayeh emphasized. Ethiopian coffee, known globally for its quality, finds a ready market in Israel. In just three months, between July and September, Israel imported 540 tons of Ethiopian coffee – more than China imported. Another notable export is injera, Ethiopia’s traditional sourdough flatbread, which is gaining popularity in Israeli markets and among the Ethiopian Jewish community.
Yitayeh also underscored the potential for growth in other sectors. Ethiopia’s expanding avocado production, supported by Israeli agricultural expertise, is an example of successful collaboration.
Through MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, Ethiopian farmers are learning techniques in irrigation, fertilization, and crop management. “With Israeli support, Ethiopia is now exporting avocados to the European market,” Yitayeh noted proudly. This mutually beneficial exchange not only boosts Ethiopia’s agricultural exports but also showcases Israel’s advanced farming technologies.
Agriculture remains a key focus of Ethiopia-Israel relations. Ethiopia’s vast agricultural potential is complemented by Israel’s expertise in water management and crop production. Israeli drip irrigation technology, hailed globally for its efficiency, has been introduced to Ethiopian farms, revolutionizing how water resources are utilized. “Israeli agricultural experts come to Ethiopia to teach both economists and farmers,” Yitayeh told the Post.
Beyond avocados, Ethiopia and Israel collaborate on mango cultivation and other crops. Such initiatives empower small-scale farmers, a vital demographic in Ethiopia’s agrarian economy. The ambassador himself is focused on strengthening this sector, recognizing its role in ensuring food security and fostering economic growth.
IN ADDITION to agriculture, technology represents a burgeoning area of collaboration. Ethiopian and Israeli universities are forging partnerships to facilitate student exchanges, joint research, and knowledge-sharing in fields like information technology. “We are connecting higher learning institutions to share expertise and conduct collaborative research,” said Yitayeh.
Stay updated with the latest news! Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter This focus on education extends to manpower development, with Ethiopia prioritizing the training of its youth to become experts in various fields.
The ambassador also highlighted plans to sign a memorandum of understanding between institutions to formalize these academic exchanges. Such efforts not only enhance Ethiopia’s technical capacity but also build lasting relationships between Ethiopian and Israeli scholars and students.
Ethiopia’s renewable energy potential is immense, encompassing hydropower and solar and wind energy. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, nearing completion on the Blue Nile, is set to generate 5,500 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, transforming the country’s energy landscape.
“I am always talking with Israeli investors about the energy sector,” explained Yitayeh, emphasizing Ethiopia’s openness to investment in renewable energy. “It is one of the areas our government is searching for investors to come to Ethiopia and invest in our energy sector, and they are most welcome.”
The Ethiopian government has also identified other key sectors for investment, including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, and mining. Incentives like tax holidays and duty-free access to capital goods make Ethiopia an attractive destination for foreign investors. Israeli companies are already finding success in Ethiopia, and the ambassador encourages others to explore these opportunities.
“There are a number of areas that the government prioritizes [to entice investors],” Yitayeh related. “One is agriculture and agro-processing. There is also the manufacturing sector, textiles, and laser products. Pharmaceuticals, too, and mining is another – gold mining. In fact, there is one Israeli company which is already successful in gold mining in Ethiopia.”
Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has seen regional instability on all sides for decades. The country’s role as a regional stabilizer is a source of national pride. “Ethiopia is always playing a positive role for the peace and stability of the region,” Yitayeh asserted.
The country’s commitment is evident in its peacekeeping efforts, including the deployment of 8,000 troops in Somalia to combat Islamist al-Shabaab terrorists and contributions to UN-backed missions in Sudan and South Sudan. By mediating conflicts and maintaining peace, Ethiopia not only secures its borders but also fosters stability, which benefits the entire Horn of Africa.
However, regional turmoil has also placed significant strain on Ethiopia. The influx of refugees from neighboring countries underscores the urgent need for peace.
“Stability brings prosperity,” Yitayeh said, highlighting the interconnectedness of security and economic growth.
The Ethiopian Jewish community
The Ethiopian Jewish community in Israel, numbering approximately 175,000, serves as a vibrant link between the two nations. The majority of the Ethiopian Jewish community immigrated to Israel during two significant mass movements facilitated by the Israeli government: Operation Moses in 1984 and Operation Solomon in 1991.
Known as the Beta Israel, the community is a bridge connecting the people of Ethiopia to the people of Israel,” said Yitayeh. This community maintains its Ethiopian heritage through language, food, and cultural and religious practices while integrating into Israeli society.
To facilitate ties, Ethiopia offers an Ethiopian Origin ID, allowing members of the diaspora to visit and stay in Ethiopia without a visa.
“They receive it from the embassy, and they are not required to have a visa to go to Ethiopia, and they can stay for whatever [period] they want,” Yitayeh explained to the Post. “They are not required to leave Ethiopia after [the visa-regulated] three months.
“The only thing is that they will have to renew the ID card every five years. Most [who hold these origin ID cards] practice various trades or various small-scale investments, like restaurants or small hotels. Some of them have their own farms, too, or small factories in textiles and garments, and we encourage anyone who wants to come to do so since they know the culture and the language.”
Tourism offers another avenue for deepening the ties between Israel and Ethiopia. Ethiopian Jews frequently visit their ancestral homeland, while Christian pilgrims from Ethiopia travel to Israel to experience its holy sites.
“There is a psychological attachment between our two peoples,” Yitayeh observed. “The people of Ethiopia are very friendly, and there is no antisemitism. We are a very kind, very positive people.”
For Israeli travelers, famous for reaching even the farthest corners of the Earth, Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historic landmarks present a compelling destination. National airline Ethiopian Airlines plays a crucial role in facilitating this exchange.
“To further strengthen the tourism sector, the most important role is played by Ethiopian Airlines, which has stayed operational during the [Israel-Hamas] War,” Yitayeh stated. “I hope [that] if the current situation ends, quite a number of Ethiopians will be able to come to visit Israel and vice versa.”
Looking ahead, Yitayeh is optimistic about the trajectory of Ethiopia-Israel relations. “I see a fantastic relationship in the future,” he says. Trade volumes are expected to increase, cultural exchanges will deepen, and collaborative efforts in agriculture, technology, and energy will continue to thrive. He also sees potential for Israeli products to find a market in Ethiopia, further diversifying the trade partnership.
“I wish for Israelis peace and stability. Israel is the Start-Up Nation, the heart of technology,” Yitayeh concluded. “We are learning a lot from Israelis’ resilience.”
This admiration is mutual, as both nations recognize the value of their partnership and the opportunities it presents.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Israel is a witness of history and of what can be achieved through cooperation and shared values. From ancient history to modern innovation, the two nations have built a partnership that not only benefits their own citizens but also serves as a model for international collaboration.
As the ambassador works to strengthen these ties, the future of Ethiopia-Israel relations is illuminated with promise.
Hello. This is Bithumb, the number one exchange chosen by the most customers. To commemorate the introduction of FAST FINALITY by Manta Network (MANTA), we are holding an airdrop event as follows. Trade MANTA on Bithumb and receive an airdrop! [ Manta Network (MANTA) Airdrop Event ] Trade MANTA for two consecutive days during the event period and receive BTC! Period: 2025.01.04 (Sat) 00:00 ~ 2025.01.05 (Sun) 23:59 Target: Members who trade MANTA for two consecutive days within the period Content: Equal distribution to all eligible members (1/N distribution) Reward: Total 1 BTC Event Payment Date: Scheduled for 2025.01.17 (Fri) Payment Example: If there are 10,000 members who traded for two consecutive days, 0.0001 BTC per person (approximately 14,000 KRW) – The above example is based on the closing price of the previous day and may vary depending on the number of participants and market price. Manta Network (MANTA) Manta Network is the fastest-growing Layer 2 solution built on the OpStack + Celestia DA framework. It boasts excellent throughput and resilience, capable of running over 250 decentralized applications on the network, and provides tools for quickly building and deploying various decentralized applications, supporting the best development environment and expanding global users. Manta Network was created by a team of experienced founders from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Algorand. Manta Network has received over $60 million in investments from renowned Web 3.0 investment funds, including Binance Labs and Polychain Capital, and has grown by participating in top Web 3.0 accelerators such as Alliance DAO and Berkeley Blockchain Accelerator. ※ Event Precautions You can participate in this event even if you have participated in other events held by Bithumb. The airdrop event will be paid up to 8 decimal places. If you are confirmed as a related party of the exchange or foundation, you will be excluded from the payment target, and if you participate in the event using abnormal deposits and withdrawals or unfair methods, you will be excluded from the payment target. Even if you are eligible to participate during the event period, if unfair trading activities such as price manipulation related to the virtual asset are suspected afterward, you will be excluded from the payment target. If customer verification is not completed or if you have withdrawn at the time of event payment, benefits cannot be provided. Virtual assets are high-risk products and may result in the loss of all or part of your investment. The responsibility for investment decisions in virtual assets lies with you, and any potential losses are attributed to the investor. Before trading, please carefully refer to the project website and white paper for detailed information and trade cautiously. This event may be changed or terminated early due to our circumstances. The event payment date may be changed due to our circumstances. ※ Bithumb Compliance Officer Review No. 002788 (24. 09. 2. ~ 25. 09. 1.) Contact us help@bloomingbit.io
In this Help Net Security interview, Devin Ertel, CISO at Menlo Security, discusses how innovations like AI and closer collaboration between browser vendors and security providers will shape the future of browser security. The two biggest challenges businesses are patch management and configuring browser settings. One of the primary hurdles to ensuring browser security is the constant need to keep browsers updated with the latest security patches. New vulnerabilities are discovered constantly, and failing to patch them leaves organizations exposed to attacks. This can be a logistical nightmare for IT teams, especially in large organizations with diverse user bases and devices. Coordinating updates across different operating systems, browser versions, and user locations requires robust patch management processes and often involves user education and enforcement. Beyond patching, configuring browser settings for optimal security is equally complex. Modern browsers offer various security settings, from cookie management and privacy controls to plugin permissions and content filtering. Finding the correct configuration for each organization and use case requires consideration and often involves striking a compromise between security and user productivity. Overly restrictive settings can hinder workflows and frustrate users, while lax settings can leave the organization vulnerable to attacks. Another complication is considering how to keep organizations safe from employees’ personal activities – since remote and hybrid work environments are the new norm. One key piece of advice for managing browser settings and policies to optimize security, is to make sure to conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand the threats your users might face. This assessment should consider the types of data your organization handles, your systems’ sensitivity, and your employees’ online behaviors. Organizations should strive to provide a clean and secure browsing environment when users access corporate assets. This can involve implementing measures to prevent browser tampering and ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information. Also, it is critically important to ensure proper authentication mechanisms and access controls are in place. Balancing security with user flexibility and productivity is an ongoing challenge. A practical approach is implementing separate browser profiles for work and personal use. This allows employees to maintain their browsing habits without compromising the security of corporate resources. Organizations can enforce stricter security policies for work profiles, such as limiting access to certain websites or web applications, blocking potentially harmful downloads, and disabling unnecessary plugins or extensions. This approach provides a secure environment for work-related browsing while allowing users greater freedom in their personal browsing activities. However, managing multiple browser profiles and keeping them consistently updated can introduce complexities and costs. Secure enterprise browsing offers an alternative for organizations looking to avoid the overhead and potential risks of switching browsers or managing profiles. These solutions analyze local browser configurations and automatically manage the browser attack surface, providing protection without sacrificing user experience. By leveraging technologies such as isolation and cloud-based security enforcement, these solutions can neutralize threats before they reach the endpoint. Traditional security measures, such as website categorization, can react slowly to emerging threats. AI-powered solutions offer real-time website analysis, enabling proactive identification and neutralization of phishing sites and malicious downloads. These intelligent systems can analyze website content, URLs, and other factors to assess the risk level in real-time. This allows immediate action, such as blocking access to malicious sites or warning users about potentially dangerous downloads, reducing the risk of successful attacks. The future of browser security will likely be shaped by increased collaboration and integration between browser vendors and security tool providers. As big players like Chrome and Edge prioritize security, we expect to see tighter integration with security tools, enabling sharing of threat intelligence and coordinated responses to emerging threats. This collaboration could lead to the development of more comprehensive security solutions that provide protection across all major browsers.
The Florida Lottery recently announced that Leon Strachan, of Nassau, New Providence, claimed a $20.5 million Florida Lotto jackpot.
Strachan chose to receive his winnings as a one-time, lump-sum payment of $11,826,169.83. The Bahamas man purchased his jackpot-winning FLORIDA LOTTO ticket from Murphy USA, located at 3256 Vineland Road in Kissimmee in Central Florida. The retailer received a bonus commission of $100,000 for selling the winning ticket. He claimed the winning jackpot from the August 7, 2024 drawing at Lottery Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Since its inception in 1988, Florida Lotto has awarded more than $10.98 billion in prizes, created 1,099 millionaires, and generated over $8.48 billion for the state’s Educational Enhancement Trust Fund (EETF). The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $47 billion to enhance education and sending more than 983,000 students to college through the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 99 percent of its revenue into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more than 13,600 Lottery retailers, and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida Lottery games have paid more than $97.1 billion in prizes and created more than 4,100 people millionaires.
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