NASA has resumed preparations for a key hot fire test of the first Space Launch System (SLS) core booster, but the agency is keeping a wary eye on coronavirus cases striking members of the Mississippi-based test team, Administrator Jim Bridenstine said on July 17.

Despite the global air transport market collapse and aircraft production slowdown following the COVID-19 pandemic, Pratt & Whitney believes the longer-term impact may potentially accelerate the adoption of advanced propulsion technology as airframers revise product development strategies.

Interest in the human and robotic exploration of the Moon and Mars is on the rise—politically influenced budgets, the global economy and COVID-19 pandemic permitting.

German air taxi startup Lilium is in “detailed discussions” with major suppliers as it prepares the next stage in development and service-entry of its Lilium Jet after concluding an agreement with Toray Industries to deliver composites for the aircraft’s structure.

Updated pilot training to support the Boeing 737 MAX’s return to service incorporates human factors lessons learned from the model’s two fatal accidents and related probes, providing pilots with more and clearer information on systems and emergency scenarios, pilots who have reviewed the draft material tell Aviation Week.

Italian and Swedish industry will begin joining discussions on Tempest later this year.

Renewable hydrogen will play a key role in supporting the EU’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050 by reducing emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as aviation, according to the European Commission’s Hydrogen Strategy unveiled on July 8.

The U.S. Air Force has received nominations from 26 states to become the future home of U.S. Space Command (Spacecom).