Latest news with #DeltaClass
Daily Mail
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Mystery grows around state of Russian nuclear submarine base after 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked far eastern peninsular
A colossal 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Russia 's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula early yesterday morning, which has now raised serious questions about the condition of Russia's key nuclear submarine bases, located alarmingly close to the epicentre. The quake, tied for the sixth strongest in recorded history, struck just 75 miles from Avacha Bay, where some of the Russian Navy's most strategic nuclear assets, including Borei and Delta-class ballistic missile submarines, are based. Though Russian authorities are insisting the situation is under control, with 'no reported fatalities or serious injuries', military analysts and international observers are sounding the alarm over the potential impact on these high-security naval installations. 'I have no information that critical damage to the Russian Navy's naval bases in Kamchatka. I think everything is within the normal range,' said a retired Russian Navy officer who goes by @Capt_Navy on X, adding: 'These bases were designed and built with the possibility of a nuclear attack by the enemy in mind.' Of significance is the proximity of the epicenter to the Russian Pacific Fleet submarine bases around Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Rybachiy and Vilyuchinsk. Just 65 nautical miles. 2/ — Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) July 30, 2025 The Rybachiy submarine base, located within Avacha Bay, is home to the majority of Russia's modern Borei and Borei-A class nuclear ballistic missile submarines - the backbone of Moscow 's strategic deterrent. The older Delta III-class Ryazan (K-44) also remains at the base, although its current status is unclear. While no definitive reports of damage have emerged, online footage shows extensive destruction to civilian infrastructure throughout Kamchatka, including collapsed buildings, damaged ports, and buckled roads. In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, the peninsula's capital and another vital naval hub, a kindergarten collapsed, and several people were injured, according to Russian officials. 'Unfortunately, there are some people injured during the seismic event,' said Oleg Melnikov, the regional health minister. 'Some were hurt while running outside, and one patient jumped out of a window. A woman was also injured inside the new airport terminal.' The Klyuchevskaya Sopka volcano, one of the most active in the region, has also erupted in the aftermath, compounding fears of further disruption and highlighting the fragility of this volatile corner of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Tsunami warnings were issued across a dozen countries, including Japan, Chile, Peru, and the United States, with waves over 5 feet reported in Hawaii. The UK Foreign Office issued travel warnings for British nationals visiting affected areas. Military analysts are now poring over limited satellite imagery and conflicting reports in an effort to determine what submarines were present in Avacha Bay at the time of the quake. However, overcast conditions in the region have made analysis difficult. Besides the nuclear-armed Borei fleet, the base is home to Yasen-M and Oscar-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs), among the most advanced in the Russian Navy's arsenal. These conventionally-armed vessels pose a significant threat, and their status post-quake is still unknown. There are also reports that Russia's mysterious K-329 Belgorod, the longest submarine in the world, may soon be based in Avacha Bay. The submarine, which can carry nuclear-powered Poseidon torpedoes, is also capable of undersea espionage missions. While the geography of Avacha Bay may have helped shield moored vessels from the worst of the tsunami, even relatively minor surges could be damaging. Experts warn that submarines striking their moorings or flooding via open hatches could cause serious operational issues — especially if vessels were undergoing maintenance. The earthquake struck at 7:24pm EST, around 84 miles east-southeast of Kamchatka, and was the strongest globally since Japan's 9.1 megaquake in 2011, which left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing. Today's seismic shock has sent ripples of fear across the Pacific. Japan has ordered nearly two million residents to evacuate coastal areas, while U.S. officials have issued tsunami warnings from California to Oregon. In Hawaii, waves exceeding 5 feet battered Oahu's north shore within minutes of impact. Tourists across the Pacific are being urged to stay vigilant. The UK Foreign Office warned British citizens in the region: 'If you are in the affected areas potentially affected by the earthquake or tsunami you should follow the advice of the local authorities.' Though the immediate tsunami threat has now been declared over by Russian authorities, they warn aftershocks may still pose danger.
Irish Post
17-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Aer Lingus partners with Dr Norah Patten ahead of historic space mission
AER LINGUS has confirmed a new partnership with Mayo woman Dr Norah Patten who is set to become the first Irish person ever to go to space. The Irish airline has agreed a two-year deal in which it will provide travel for Dr Patten as she makes regular trips between Ireland and North America to prepare for her space mission. In June 2024 it was revealed that Dr Patten, who hails from Ballina, but now lives in Dublin, had been selected as one of three research astronauts who will fly to space on Virgin Galactic's new Delta Class spaceship. Dr Norah Patten (Pic: Naoise Culhane) The commercial flight is being planned by the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS) to advance the scientific knowledge and operational insights gained from their inaugural IIAS-01 research spaceflight with Virgin Galactic which took place in 2023. The crew of their second flight, which is due to launch in 2026, will include IIAS bioastronautics researchers Kellie Gerardi of the United States, Dr Shawna Pandya of Canada, and Ireland's Dr Patten. 'Aer Lingus is proud to announce its partnership with Dr Norah Patten as she prepares for her groundbreaking mission to become the first Irish person in space,' the airline said this week. 'With a shared commitment to building new connections and inspiring exploration, Aer Lingus will partner with Norah as she prepares for her first ever research spaceflight,' they added. IIAS bioastronautics researchers Dr Shawna Pandya of Canada, Kellie Gerardi of the United States and Ireland's Dr Norah Patten (Pic: Virgin Galactic) 'A trained aeronautical engineer and passionate champion of STEM education, Norah has devoted herself to inspiring future generations of scientists, engineers, and trailblazers,' they explained. 'As she moves closer to making history, Aer Lingus has pledged its support through a two-year partnership, ensuring she can travel between her home in Ireland and North America—the hub of her groundbreaking research preparation.' In advance of her spaceflight, Dr Patten is undergoing intensive training and conducting advanced research at the National Research Council (NRC) in Canada, working alongside her fellow researchers, Dr Pandya and Ms Gerardi. The Irish woman previously admitted her dream of going to space started when she first visited the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland at the age of 11. Dr Norah Patten and colleagues pictured at the Irish Embassy in Canada (Pic: Now destined to become the first Irish person in space, she will continue to travel between Dublin and North America as she prepares for her spaceflight. Her preparation has included spacesuit testing and evaluation, microgravity research, as well as undertaking high-G flights designed to experience gravitational force. 'My mission to become the first Irish person in space is a huge undertaking and I'm grateful to Aer Lingus for their support on my journey,' Dr Patten said this week. 'As the flag carrier of Ireland, Aer Lingus has long inspired people to travel and to explore new destinations,' she added. 'This partnership with Aer Lingus will enable me to travel seamlessly to North America to continue my practical preparation and research, with each step bringing me closer to making this dream a reality. 'Together, I hope we can ignite the imaginations of young dreamers, encouraging them to undertake their own adventures – wherever they may be.' Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said the company's vision aligns perfectly with Dr Patten's. 'At Aer Lingus, our mission is to connect people, places, and possibilities - and Dr Norah Patten's extraordinary journey to become the first Irish person in space is the perfect embodiment of that spirit,' she said. 'Her determination proves that with ambition, dedication, and the ability to dream big, anything is possible,' she added. 'We are immensely proud to support Norah as she embarks on this historic journey over the next two years. 'This is a once-in-a-generation milestone for Ireland, and we have no doubt that her mission will inspire people across the nation and beyond to pursue their own aspirations. 'Norah is a true trailblazer, paving the way for Irish women in STEM and leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.' See More: Aer Lingus, Dr Norah Patten, Space, Virgin Galactic
The National
16-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Virgin Galactic to launch next-generation space tourism flights in 2026
Virgin Galactic says it is on track to begin tourist flights on its next-generation spaceplane next year, with tickets set to go on sale in early 2026. The cost per seat is reportedly to increase from the $450,000 of its predecessor to $600,000. The company is ending suborbital flights on the VSS Unity spaceplane to focus on developing its new Delta vehicle, which is being designed to fly more frequently. Virgin Galactic revealed the timetable during its first-quarter profit update, where it reported a net loss of $84 million, an improvement from the $102 million deficit during the same period last year. 'We are seeing encouraging signs from Virgin Galactic's earnings call about their progress on their new Delta-class suborbital spaceplanes,' said Anna Hazlett, founder of UAE-based space advisory firm AzurX. 'The market does need more supply as we see stronger demand signals from private customers globally.' The Delta-class vehicle would be a major upgrade from the VSS Unity, which carried out 12 flights overall since 2018. The new spaceplane would be capable of flying up to eight times a month, carrying six passengers per flight. Beginning commercial operations would also allow the company to clear an existing backlog of about 700 ticket holders. Virgin Galactic operates its spaceflights from Spaceport America in New Mexico, where customers undergo health checks and training before their suborbital journey. The company is also carrying out studies to potentially develop a second spaceport in Italy. 'I visited the airport in southern Italy that Virgin Galactic is considering for expansion last year and the enthusiasm from the local government, businesses and the community was really something,' said Ms Hazlett. 'It's clear to all how much this type of operation can benefit the local economy. It's an exciting time for human spaceflight and the impact that commercial space travel is having on new regions worldwide.' The VSS Unity flights offered a brief suborbital experience that featured several minutes of weightlessness and views of Earth from an 89km altitude. The spaceplane would land back on runway after being launch from a mothership. The Delta-class flights will offer a similar experience. Meanwhile, rival Blue Origin resumed its space tourism programme last month after a near two-year pause. On April 14, the company completed its 11th crewed suborbital flight, sending six passengers on board its New Shepard rocket, including singer Katy Perry and Jeff Bezos's fiancee Lauren Sanchez. Blue Origin's fully reusable system, which takes off vertically, also offers a few minutes of weightlessness during suborbital flights and has carried several high-profile passengers since beginning space flights in 2021.
