Seattle-based aerospace startup Gravitics has secured a $60 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop a revolutionary satellite deployment system designed to rapidly launch satellites into orbit in times of crisis, acting as a sort of space-based aircraft carrier. The system, dubbed the Orbital Carrier, is being heralded as a potential game-changer in orbital security. Acting as a “prepositioned launch pad in space,” the Orbital Carrier will house multiple maneuverable satellites, ready to be deployed on demand in the event existing assets are disabled, threatened, or interfered with — particularly amid growing concerns about space aggression from countries like China and Russia. “The Orbital Carrier is a game-changer,” said Colin Doughan, CEO of Gravitics, in a statement.

A Soviet-era spacecraft meant to land on Venus in the 1970s is expected to soon plunge uncontrolled back to Earth. It’s too early to know where the half-ton mass of metal might come down or how much of it will survive reentry, according to space debris-tracking experts. Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek predicts the failed spacecraft will reenter around May 10. He estimates it will come crashing in at 150 mph (242 kph), if it remains intact. “While not without risk, we should not be too worried,” Langbroek said in an email. The object is relatively small and, even if it doesn’t break apart, “the risk is similar to that of a random meteorite fall, several of which happen each year. You run a bigger risk of getting hit by lightning in your lifetime,” he said.

After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the country’s critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, the version of the deal signed Wednesday is far more beneficial to Ukraine than previous versions, which they said reduced Kyiv to a junior partner and gave Washington unprecedented rights to the country’s resources. The agreement — which the Ukrainian parliament must ratify — would establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine that Ukrainian officials hope will be a vehicle to ensure future American military assistance.

President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened sanctions on anyone who buys Iranian oil, a warning that came after planned talks over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program were postponed. Trump wrote on social media, “All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!” He said any country or person who buys those products from Iran will not be able to do business with the United States “in any way, shape, or form.” It was unclear how Trump would implement such a ban as he threatened to levy secondary sanctions on nations that import Iranian oil. But his statement risked further escalating tensions with China — Iran’s leading customer — at a time when the relationship is severely strained over the U.S. president’s tariffs.

A deadly attack on tourists in the disputed Kashmir region last week has spiked tensions between India and Pakistan. India accuses Pakistan of backing the massacre, a charge Pakistan denies. The nuclear-armed neighbors have downgraded diplomatic ties, threatened to suspend key treaties and expelled each other’s nationals. It’s the biggest breakdown in relations since 2019, when a suicide car bombing killed 40 Indian soldiers in Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan, and Pakistan rejected the accusation. India has hinted at the possibility of an imminent but limited military strike. Pakistan says it would respond militarily.

Sergeant Shimon Tubol Z”L, a dedicated soldier in the Chareidi Hashmonaim Brigade, tragically lost his life in a car accident on Wednesday night, while on leave from the army. The accident occurred under civilian circumstances on Route 457 near Ma’ale Mikhmas in the Binyamin region, marking the first casualty of the Hashmonaim Brigade since its establishment six months ago as part of an initiative to integrate Chareidi soldiers into significant combat roles. Sgt. Tubol previously served in the Chareidi Netzach Yehuda battalion before joining the Hashmonaim Brigade as a fighter, contributing to the brigade’s mission of bridging Chareidi values with military service. The accident also left four others injured, who were evacuated to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital.

Washington, DC – Rabbi Levi Shemtov, a prominent Chabad representative known for his unique ability to engage with both Democratic and Republican administrations, delivered a heartfelt prayer at the White House National Day of Prayer on Thursday. Addressing the gathering, Rabbi Shemtov said, “We pray for the president, as he works so hard, & we ask that you please help him succeed for the benefit of all our nation and the world,” emphasizing unity and support for the nation’s leadership. WATCH THE PRAYER: (YWN World Headquarters – NYC)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called senior officials in India and Pakistan in an effort to defuse the crisis that followed last week’s deadly attack in Kashmir, the State Department said. Rubio urged Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to de-escalate tensions on Wednesday. India has vowed to punish Pakistan after accusing it of backing the attack, which Islamabad denies. The nuclear-armed rivals have since expelled each other’s diplomats and citizens, ordered the border shut and closed their airspace to each other. New Delhi has suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty with Islamabad.

During a National Day of Prayer event at the White House today, President  Trump disclosed a grim update on the Gaza hostage situation, stating that fewer than 24 of the 59 hostages are believed to be alive. “Out of 59, you had 24 that were living, and now I understand that it’s not even that number,” Trump remarked, highlighting a significant reduction in the previously reported figure. Israel has long maintained that 24 of the 59 hostages held in Gaza were alive, but this week, Sara Netanyahu, wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly corrected her husband during an event, noting the number was lower than the official count. The prime minister had stated there were “up to 24” living hostages, reflecting uncertainty in the figures amid ongoing tensions.

Protesters blocked Highway 6 in both directions in a demonstration of support for Druze groups in Syria.