Ukrainian Magura V5 naval drones, equipped with modified R-73 air-to-air missiles, have made history by successfully downing a Russian helicopter over the Black Sea. During the intense engagement one Russian Mi-8 was destroyed, and another was damaged and forced to retreat.

Solid rocket propellants are pretty cool. Some missiles, like the ones meant for the Patriot system, use composite propellant with aluminum fuel - an otherwise inert metal that's surprisingly high-energy when paired with a strong oxidizer like ammonium perchlorate!

The Apollo footprints on the Moon will outlast any human made metal structures and the Egyptian Pyramids. With no wind, significant geological activity or rain to erode the lunar surface, they will remain the oldest evidence of humanity and its achievements for the next 100 million years.

Ever heard of Luna 2? The first human-made object to crash-land on the Moon. The Soviets sent a literal cosmic calling card in 1959. 💥🌕

Off topic but what a strange platform Twitter/X has become, defending morally reprehensible insurer company CEOs that are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths annually is more popular than advocating for a reasonable, free at point of use healthcare system.

For anyone that wants some jolly rocket themed graphics this Christmas (or Hannukah, of course), here's a fireplace from NASA featuring the four RS-25 SLS engines in 4K!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cgT...

Back in Jan 2023 Russian tank losses in Ukraine alone could have stacked over 5.4x the height of the Burj Khalifa. Today, more than a year later, it's almost at 9x. Western assistance in the form of advanced missiles, rocket artillery & FPVs is what made this possible. Here's to a productive 2025! 🍻

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!