Defense and Space

By Irene Klotz
The European, Japanese and U.S. space agencies have pooled Earth observation data collected from satellites during the global coronavirus pandemic to create an interactive website with analytical tools for scientific, economic and general public use.
Space

By Michael Bruno
Maxar Technologies will buy out joint venture (JV) partner Saab’s interest in its satellite-based three-dimensional (3D) data and analytics boutique Vricon, as revamped Maxar looks to double down on Earth observation services.
Commercial Space

By Tony Osborne
A controversial repaint of one of the British Royal Air Force’s Airbus A330 Voyager multirole tanker transport aircraft has been revealed.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Steve Trimble
Only a month after revealing the existence and operational deployment of the Long Endurance Aircraft Program (LEAP), U.S. Special Operations Command has started shopping for a new aircraft for the role.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Jen DiMascio
Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace have finished a preliminary design review of the mission payload for the initial set of geosynchronous satellites in the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared system.
Space

By Molly McMillin
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a citation and penalty to Textron Aviation as part of its investigation into a December explosion at its Wichita Plant 3 facility that injured 15 employees.
Safety, Ops & Regulation

BOEING says it has strengthened the Israeli aerospace industry by nearly $1b over last three years by directing at least 35% of the contract value
Defense and Space

By Mark Carreau
NASA has joined with crowdsourcing network HeroX to seek a strategy for the elimination of lunar astronauts’ bodily wastes under its “Lunar Loo Challenge.”
Space

By Daniel Urchick
AVIATION WEEK NETWORK estimates that at the end of 2019, there were 2,188 Western-designed helicopters performing maritime missions. Over the next
AWIN Knowledge Center

Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace have finished a preliminary design review of the mission payload for the initial set of geosynchronous satellites
Defense and Space

Brief news items of interest to aerospace & defense professionals.
Defense and Space

By Irene Klotz
Can the Commercial Crew chief work her magic for all of NASA’s human space initiatives?
Space

By Jen DiMascio
Will UK upgrade F-35s?; OPIR satellite payload progress; UK-Qatar fighter unit operational; and new CMV-22s deployed.
Defense and Space

By Mark Carreau
Pleased so far with the performance of SpaceX’s Demo-2 test flight to the International Space Station, NASA is planning a series of four and possibly six spacewalks by its two veteran astronaut test pilots before returning to Earth, potentially in early August.
Space

By Irene Klotz
Issues with ground support equipment for a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket are causing a second delay in the upcoming launch of NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.
Space

US NAVY took delivery of first CMV-22B for fleet operations out of San Diego.
Defense and Space

By Steve Trimble
The U.S. Navy plans to soon begin demonstrations of candidates for a small, shipboard unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that could lead to a $1 billion program of record.
Aircraft & Propulsion

By Steve Trimble
As a Senate committee voted to restore funding for a space-based surveillance system to detect hypersonic and ballistic missiles, the Space Development Agency (SDA) has named the supplier for an early version of the type of sensor that could be needed for the task.
Space

By Tony Osborne
Belgium has cited personnel and cost issues in a decision to scale back operations with its land-based NH90 helicopters.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Mark Carreau
NASA is looking at mid-July to complete an assessment of when it can retarget the launch of the cost and technically challenged James Webb Space Telescope.
Space

AIRBUS booked order from Japan's NATIONAL POLICE AGENCY for one H225 and four H135 helicopters, adding to one H215 and two H225s now on order
Defense and Space

GE AVIATION has 5-year, $180m US Navy contract to provide T700 repair/overhaul for MH-60, AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopters.
Defense and Space

By Tony Osborne
The British ministry of defense has hinted that not all of the UK’s F-35 fleet may go through the Block 4 upgrade process.
Budget, Policy & Operations

By Irene Klotz
California-based Relativity Space, which is developing a 3D-printed small satellite launcher, has signed a contract with Iridium to launch up to six of its Iridium Next ground spares, the companies announced June 24.
Space

By Tony Osborne
Japan’s National Police Agency has ordered an H225 twin-engine heavy helicopter and four H135 twin-engine light helicopters from Airbus.
Aircraft & Propulsion