Samuel Benjamin

06/19/2026

America’s future in space will be shaped not only by the technologies we build, but by the leaders we develop.

As the space domain grows in strategic importance, connecting the next generation of military leaders with the innovators shaping the industry has never been more important.

This week, we proudly welcomed cadets participating in the United States Air Force Academy's Azimuth Program. We appreciated the thoughtful questions, engaging discussions and shared passion for the future of space, technology and national security.

We look forward to continuing to support programs that provide future leaders with opportunities to explore the critical role space plays in our nation’s security, economy and future.

06/19/2026

Ukrainian forces struck the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Russian capital's Kapotnya district overnight on June 18, marking the second attack on the facility in a week, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on X.

"This is an entirely justified response to Russian strikes on our cities and communities and another important result of our warriors' work against facilities that support Russia's war machine," Zelensky said, adding that "it is time to end this war."

Read more: https://kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-depot-in-rostov-oblast-hit-by-drones-locals-say/

Photo: Viktor Kovalchuk / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

06/19/2026

Lyla in grayscale... book your own bo***ir photoshoot with me!

06/19/2026

Around this time in 2007 I officially became part of Expedition 15, replacing the now world-famous Astronaut Suni Williams. These crew handovers are officially marked by exchanging your individual, and custom-made, Soyuz seat liners. These specially made seat liners are crafted by the hands of long-time Russian artisans, molded to each astronaut's body (while wearing your Sokol suit) to ensure the safest possible re-entry. The crazy part is that I did actually fly in a Soyuz, as we needed to move our spacecraft from one docking port to another. This orbital transfer didn't really relate to my personal seat liner. Since I was strictly a Shuttle rider up and down, the "plan" for me riding a Soyuz was basically dictated by emergency needs. When we undocked in our Soyuz, it was possible we couldn't REDOCK (hatch failure for example) successfully, and we would need to "abandon ship" and head home. It was for THAT case I would need my seat liner. Emergencies always trump other situations, and I had to be ready to ride that Soyuz home and landing in that bad boy would require my well-fitted seat liner! Safety first!

06/19/2026

06/18/2026

06/18/2026

(June 18) 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space aboard STS-7. After her passing in 2012, she was also recognized as the first known LGBTQ+ astronaut. 🏳️‍🌈