With 17,248 solar cells built into the wing powering the aircraft's four batteries, Si2 crossed 4,523km across the Pacific. Photo: courtesy of Solar Impulse.
Boeing and GE have released advice on fixing the problem and nearly 40 engines have been modified till date. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
Concept art of sending Dragon to Mars. Photo: courtesy of SpaceX.
A Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) was launched to the ISS. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.
Aerospace top

Solar Impulse 2 ends flight across Pacific Ocean

The Solar Impulse 2 (Si2) airplane completed its three-day, two-night journey across the Pacific Ocean.

Controlled by Bertrand Piccard, the single-seater aircraft took off from Hawaii and landed safely at the Moffett Airfield, California, US, which is the home to Nasa’s Ames Research Centre and Google’s Planetary Ventures.

With 17,248 solar cells built into the wing powering the four batteries of the aircraft, Si2 crossed 4,523km over the Pacific.

Vector Space Systems raises more than $1m to develop micro satellite launch vehicle

US-based Vector Space Systems secured more than $1m from a group of angel investors to develop an affordable, reliable and frequent launch platform designed for the micro satellite industry.

Formed by industry veterans from SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, McDonnell Douglas and Sea Launch, the micro satellite space launch venture aims to unite space start-ups with affordable and reliable launch-enabling platforms and vehicles.

Vector Space Systems also seeks to promote innovation throughout the micro satellite market to help space commercial growth.

Ball Aerospace to build OMPS for NOAA’s JPSS Polar Follow-On/JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 missions

Nasa awarded a contract to Ball Aerospace to build the ozone mapping and profiler suite (OMPS) instruments for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Polar Follow-On/JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 missions.

Under a sole source contract modification, the contract is valid for ten years and valued approximately $214m for a total value of around $421m.

Under the deal, Ball will build, test and deliver the OMPS JPSS-3 and JPSS-4 instruments, which are composed of a nadir sensor and electronics module, as well as provide launch and post-launch support for both.

FAA directs immediate repair on around 150 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft

Faa

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) directed airlines to perform an immediate repair of the General Electric (GE) engines fitted on up to 150 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, in orfer to prevent engine failure in icy environments.

FAA stated that it was asking to modify certain models of GE’s engine to avoid fan blades from rubbing against the engine casing, which could lead to damage and potential, in-flight, non-restartable power loss of one or both engines of the aircraft.

According to a GE spokesman, the FAA directive came after a recent report, which mentioned that such rubbing caused vibrations, forcing the pilot to shut down the engine.

UK’s University of Strathclyde students launch environmental drone start-up

A team of three students from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK, developed a drone fitted with a thermal camera that can monitor buildings’ energy efficiency.

Being developed by Americo Pino, Ken Brooksbank and Kai Pham, the new concept is designed to give a comprehensive evaluation of energy use.

The civil and environmental engineering students are also intending to commercialise their concept and have named their start-up as Drone Wrangler. They are currently exploring the diversity and viability of the new drone technology to create environmental value across various industries, including energy, agriculture and construction.

SpaceX plans to launch March mission in 2018

Sapcex

US-based aerospace manufacturer Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and Nasa announced plans to launch an unmanned Dragon spacecraft to Mars by 2018.

Intending to launch its own manned mission to Mars in the 2030s, Nasa stated it will provide technical support for Red Dragon, SpaceX’s first venture.

With the proposed mission, SpaceX aims to develop technologies required for human transportation to Mars, which is a long-term goal for the company, reports Reuters.

Airbus signs hybrid electric propulsion deal with Siemens

Airbus Group entered an agreement with Siemens to build hybrid electric propulsion systems for the aviation industry by 2020.

As part of the deal, both the companies have launched a joint project with an aim of demonstrating the technical feasibility of various hybrid or electric propulsion systems.

Both companies have created a team of nearly 200 employees to help innovate and develop electrically powered aircraft.

Spaceport America partners with EXOS Aerospace Systems & Technologies for SARGE

Spaceport America collaborated with EXOS Aerospace Systems & Technologies for a five-year launch partnership for the Suborbital Active Rocket with Guidance (SARGE) vehicle.

Being developed by EXOS, the SARGE vehicle is expected to takeoff from Spaceport America in New Mexico and will create up to 30 new jobs.

EXOS develops suborbital reusable space launch vehicles. While building SARGE, EXOS has taken the experience gained from its practical lessons and flight experience of former Armadillo Aerospace, which it acquired last year.

Bigelow Aerospace partners with ULA to develop habitable volumes in low Earth orbit

Bigelow

US-based space technology start-up Bigelow Aerospace (BA) collaborated with launch service provider United Launch Alliance (ULA) to develop and deploy habitable volumes in low Earth orbit (LEO).

To be based on Bigelow Aerospace B330 expandable module, the proposed volumes will be initially launched into the orbit in 2020 aboard ULA’s Atlas V 552 configuration launch vehicle.

With 12,000ft³ of internal space, the B330 is expected to support zero-gravity research such as scientific missions and manufacturing processes. It also has potential as a space tourism destination and a craft for expeditions to the moon and Mars.

Lockheed Martin Commercial Flight Training wins orders from Allegiant and Hawaiian Airlines

Lockheed Martin Commercial Flight Training (LMCFT) won orders from US-based carrier Allegiant Air and Hawaiian Airlines for full flight simulators.

The Allegiant A320 simulator purchase deal and following the purchase, Allegiant expects to add the device to its equipment portfolio.

Allegiant and Avenger Flight Group currently provide training on LMCFT simulators at the facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, US.