Aerospace

Northrop Grumman’s 16th NASA-contracted Cygnus resupply mission capsule departed the International Space Station on Nov. 20, ending a stay of just more than three months and setting up an experiment intended to improve the modeling of spacecraft thermal protection systems.

As GAD World opens Nov. 30 in Zurich, one of the highlights will be discussions concerning how advanced air mobility will affect airport operations.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

When an electric ground vehicle and a hydrogen-fueled airframe come together, the result could be an elegant solution for cargo and personal transportation.

Sierra Space’s expansive goal of developing a space transport and habitation ecosystem has received a major boost with the successful raising of a $1.4 billion Series A capital investment.

EQUISPHERES, Canada has teamed with TRUMPF to qualify its three lines of AlSiMg 10 aluminum additive manufacturing powders on TRUMPF 3D printers.

Rolls-Royce claims it has broken the world speed record for an electric-powered aircraft­—555.9 kph (345.4 mph)—with its £6 million ($8.1 million) Spirit of Innovation.

Airbus and Boeing unveil new freighter product development moves as cargo market continues to surge.

Test adds more than 1,500 pieces of trackable orbital debris.

SpaceX plans about a dozen flights of its super heavy-lift, reusable Starship launch system in 2022, beginning with an orbital flight test in January or February.

A Rocket Lab Electron rocket deployed a pair of Earth-observation satellites into orbit for BlackSky on Nov. 17, a mission that also tested helicopter operations for future midair booster recoveries.

VIASAT was selected by Porter Airlines to provide inflight connectivity solution for 30 E195-E2s for delivery starting 2H22.

Simon Goodson to Chief Executive Officer of AerFin, UK (effective December 1); Bob James will transition to Non-Executive Director.

German startup Fraundorfer Aeronautics has begun production of its Tensor 600X two-seat autogyro.

South African aerostructures manufacturer Aerosud aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with UK startup Samad Aerospace for the development and manufacture of the Starling Cargo unmanned aircraft.

NASA has selected Intuitive Machines for the integration, delivery and operational oversight of four science payloads to the Moon’s Reiner Gamma in 2024 using the company’s Nova-C lander under a $77.5 million fixed-price contract.

It is almost certain that some years from now, a new A&D behemoth will be born from GE Aviation. But when and how?

As the industry manages through diverging near-term trends and challenges, these lessors and other players are positioning for growth.

The emergence of a UAE-developed air-launched cruise missile provides some insight into the ambitions of the UAE’s weapon’s developers.

Lockheed Martin has completed final assembly of the X-59 Low Boom Supersonic Demonstrator and is preparing to ship the experimental aircraft to Fort Worth for structural testing.

AEROSUD, South Africa was selected by SAMAD Aerospace to develop/manufacture Starling Cargo pilotless eVTOL aircraft.

THALES and DIEHL were selected by Airbus to supply the electrical flight controls for CityAirbus NextGen air taxi, scheduled to make first flight in

Italian manufacturer Tecnam Aircraft has launched a transition program to enable buyers to transition via the P2012 Traveller nine-passenger regional aircraft to the P-Volt all-electric version.

With the South Korean government making a proactive effort to commercialize urban air mobility by 2025, two consortiums have announced plans to develop and test the required ecosystem.

CFM INTERNATIONAL was selected by Akasa Air, India to provide LEAP-1B spare engines and long-term maintenance in support of 72 737 MAXs ordered this