August 17, 2020 - No. 061 In This Issue S&P Global Platts Launches First Sustainable Aviation Fuel Price Assessments in Europe Iridium Certus Data Transmission First Achieved by Collins Aerospace Apollo named as UK supplier for Aviation Clean Air's purification units Canberra Airport to close for two days due to Covid-19 travel bans Jet zero takes off! Giant helium-filled airship moves toward electric propulsion Embry-Riddle Works to Advance Sustainable Environmentally Friendly Urban Air Mobility Vehicles Rolls-Royce resumes testing on revolutionary low-emissions aero engine technology at Derby Gerald R. Ford Airport first in U.S. to test UV autonomous robot Microsoft Flight Simulator review: a remarkable release fit for seasoned pilots and beginners alike NASA and SpaceX set date for Crew Dragon's first routine ISS trip S&P Global Platts Launches First Sustainable Aviation Fuel Price Assessments in Europe LONDON, Aug. 17, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Platts ("Platts"), the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets, today announces the launch of the first-to-market Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) price assessment in Europe to bring additional transparency as the industry embraces energy transition. Vera Blei, head of oil markets pricing, S&P Global Platts, said: "Despite an environment where airlines are under exceptional pressure from demand destruction, the green agenda is still being progressed and airlines remain committed to decarbonization. While the Sustainable Aviation Fuel market evolves with the emergence of a spot market, our new cost-based assessment will add critical transparency allowing market participants to compare the price of traditional jet fuel with the cost of new Sustainable Aviation Fuel." In 2019, aviation accounted for over 6% (around 220 million tonnes) of total annual energy CO2 emissions in Europe, according to estimates by S&P Global Platts Analytics, with 0.2 tonnes of CO2 emitted for every thousand passengers carried. Intra-EU aviation emissions covered by the EU ETS carbon program totalled 70 million tonnes that same year. Earlier this month, the EC launched a public consultation on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector, inviting citizens and interested parties from industry and society to share their views and ideas. The new daily S&P Global Platts Sustainable Aviation Fuel cost-based price assessment will be published from August 17, 2020, and reflects the cost of SAF produced from used cooking oil on an ex-refinery basis in Northwest Europe. The daily price assessments, published in dollars per metric ton, reflect the production cost of SAFs for blending into jet fuel. With increased focus on transitioning towards a lower carbon future, cleaner fuels are emerging as a compelling solution to achieve emissions reductions within the aviation sector itself, rather than through the purchase of outside offsets - even as consumer awareness grows around the environmental impact of transportation. S&P Global Platts is already considering additional assessments in other geographies, including the US and Asia. Roman Kramarchuk, head of energy scenarios, policy and technology, S&P Global Platts Analytics, said: "COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented decline in global air travel, with S&P Global Platts Analytics estimating a 32% reduction in jet fuel consumption in Europe in 2020, though activity is expected to recover by mid-decade. The EU's aspiration to be net-zero by 2050 is pressuring the aviation sector's rebound to be sustainable. Current volumes of delivered SAF in Europe have been estimated at 0.05% of total jet fuel consumption. But maximizing production capacity could push this higher and full production together with additional incentivized uptake, could see SAFs speed up the rate of carbon-intensity improvement of European air travel by as much as 50% by 2030." Decarbonization incentives include tighter EU emissions reductions targets (with intra-EU flight covered under the EU ETS) and the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO's) market-based Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) program. An increasing number of airlines have made forward-looking commitments to decarbonize and an emerging pathway involves the integration of SAF into supply chains. While there are only seven airports in Europe taking active deliveries of SAF, an equal number have signed on to accept batch deliveries from pilot SAF production facilities, primarily in Scandinavia. The new Platts SAF assessments follow extensive consultation with producers, consumers, traders and others in the European oil and biofuel markets as the demand for sustainable aviation fuel grows in consumption and supply. The Platts SAF assessment assumptions have been calculated by S&P Global Platts Analytics based on existing Platts assessments and other fixed costs. The SAF inputs are costs of Used Cooking Oil CIF ARA and Hydrogen Netherlands, added to fixed renewable biojet refinery costs, then deducting the by-product credits to include FOB ARA Propane, Naphtha CIF NWE cargoes and Diesel CIF NWE ARA Cargoes. S&P Global Platts will review the specifications and assumptions going forward based on market feedback and as the SAF market develops. Additional details about the S&P Global Platts Sustainable Aviation Fuel cost-based price assessment methodology can be found in the Subscriber Note. About S&P Global Platts At S&P Global Platts, we provide the insights; you make better informed trading and business decisions with confidence. We're the leading independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodities and energy markets. Customers in over 150 countries look to our expertise in news, pricing and analytics to deliver greater transparency and efficiency to markets. S&P Global Platts coverage includes oil, gas, LNG, power, petrochemicals, metals, agriculture and shipping. S&P Global Platts is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.platts.com. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/p-global-platts-launches-first-103600602.html Back to Top Iridium Certus Data Transmission First Achieved by Collins Aerospace Collins Aerospace has completed the first data transmission to an orbiting Iridium satellite using Certus, enabled by a new satellite communications system the company is developing. Certus is Iridium's multi-service communications platform designed to provide safety services communications, including two voice channels and aircraft communications and reporting system network data link connectivity. Collins Aerospace is one of several value added manufacturers (VAMs) working on the development of Certus terminals, including new satellite connectivity technology that will become available to operators by 2022. The transmission was the "first successful airborne equipment transmission of this type over the upgraded Iridium constellation's L-band broadband service," according to Collins. Along with a new Active Low Gain Antenna (ALGA), the transmission was enabled by a Satcom Data Unit (SDU) and SDU Configuration Module (SCM). "Depending on the operator's bandwidth requirements, either a low gain or high gain antenna can be included, providing L-band bandwidth to 176 kilobits per second (kbps) or 704 kbps, respectively," the company said in a statement. The data transmission marks the latest Iridium Certus technology development milestone for the company, after first confirming in Jan. 2019 it would be developing terminals for the Boeing 737 MAX and the 777X. "This significant achievement marks our progress in bringing our customers an even faster, seamless SATCOM experience," said Nate Boelkins, vice president and general manager for Commercial Avionics for Collins Aerospace. Iridium is also using Certus to enable data and voice communications for aviation, maritime and other mobility applications in two different configurations, including a lower speed 352 kbps connection and a higher speed 704 kbps version. Progressively, terminal speeds are expected to reach 1.4 mbps, using software featured on the new Iridium Next satellites. "We are making progress on delivering Iridium Certus aviation products in 2021 and 2022," Iridium CEO Matt Desch said during the company's second quarter earnings call. "Our first terminal partners has started to test their products on our network and we're making progress on the regulatory front towards FAA certification for safety services on Iridium Certus to complement our existing legacy safety products. We remain excited about the aviation segment and its future contribution to broadband revenues in the coming years." https://www.aviationtoday.com/2020/08/16/iridium-certus-data-transmission-first-achieved-collins-aerospace/ Back to Top Apollo named as UK supplier for Aviation Clean Air's purification units Apollo Air Services has been announced as the UK supplier of US-based Aviation Clean Air's ionising airborne purification units. The new technology is proven to deactivate 99.4% of airborne virus including Covid-19. UK VIP helicopter charter company, Apollo, can install the new system from start to finish - providing the equipment, gaining approval, and fitting the unit within the aircraft. Once it has been installed, Apollo can also test for elements. The Ionisation Purification System (IPS) operates through the aircraft's existing environmental control system and can be fitted to any helicopter. The technology means that the passengers and crew are not required to wear masks or gloves. The IPS uses positive and negative ions to immediately improve interior air quality, eliminate odours and kill pathogens in the air and on surfaces, wherever they live throughout the cabin and cockpit, making the air even purer and safer than in a medical environment, claims the company According to Apollo, the air purification provides considerable added value to each aircraft, and means in both the short and long-term, clients and crew can feel safe and protected from the virus. Steve Graham, director, Apollo Air Services, said: "We are delighted to be appointed the supplier of Aviation Clean Air's ground-breaking technology within Europe and the UK. It has never been more important to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable flying by helicopter and this new technology is crucial in gaining back customer confidence. "We have installed the units to our own fleet and are encouraging our fellow helicopter owners and operators to do the same to help protect their clients and crew. We can manage the installation from start to finish from our maintenance base in Blackpool [north west England], so there's no need to worry about the fitting, testing and approval process." http://www.helicopterinvestor.com/articles/apollo-named-as-uk-supplier-for-aviation-clean-airs-purification-units-985/ Back to Top Canberra Airport to close for two days due to Covid-19 travel bans Australia's Canberra Airport has announced that it will be closed on 22 and 29 August, due to the travel bans imposed amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The airport added that it may also be closed on other Saturdays and Tuesdays in the future. On 15 and 16 April, the airport first closed due to a lack of scheduled flights from the airlines operating from Canberra. Canberra Airport Aviation head Michael Thomson stated that the airport is implementing different measures to revive domestic aviation travel to ensure that people are employed. Thomson said: "We are calling on all governments within Australian to develop a national aviation recovery plan - a plan that adheres to health authority advice and one that allows people to travel based on a risk assessment and passengers meeting pre-requisites for travel. "Pre-requisites may include Covid-19 testing, heat screening, mask-wearing and any number of other measures that we shouldn't try to guess at now. What is important is that the discussion is had between the health officials, the aviation industry, and governments for a coordinated approach - and that it happens now before it is too late. "There are levels of risk for everything we do in life but in health, business, and our daily lives we manage risk and carry on - otherwise nothing would ever be achieved." He added that the aviation industry should adapt to living with Covid-19 in the world. There have been no cases of Covid-19 transmission on Australian domestic flights. The Australian Department of Health has reported more than 23,000 cases, over 7,900 of which are active cases. The runway at Canberra Airport is open for general aviation, emergency flights, government and air force flights. Last week, Canberra Airport announced the opening of Taxiway Bravo, which marks the completion of a 14-month project to boost aircraft safety. https://www.airport-technology.com/news/canberra-airport-to-close-for-two-days-due-to-covid-19-travel-bans/ Back to Top Jet zero takes off! Giant helium-filled airship moves toward electric propulsion A hybrid airship, filled with helium has secured a funding injection of £1 million to develop electric propulsion. The funding from the UK Aerospace Research and Technology Programme of BEIS and Innovate UK, aims to support the project which is thought to accelerate the UK's journey to zero-emission transport. Airlander 10, which claims to be the "world's first full-scale hybrid aircraft', uses aerostatic and aerodynamic lift technology, can carry up to 90 passengers, or ten tonnes of cargo and even has a dining room! The E-HAV1 project, which was launched in April 2019 by the supplier Collins Aerospace and the University of Nottingham, will deliver a full-size prototype 500kW electric propulsor for ground testing. This technology will replace Airlander's fuel-burning engines as the first step to an all-electric Airlander by 2030, using hydrogen fuel cell only. With four fuel-burning engines, Airlander 10 currently produces 75% fewer emissions than other jets of similar standards - replacing the two front engines with electric motors will further reduce emissions. The hybrid-electric Airlander 10 is expected to produce 90% fewer emissions from 2025. Hybrid Air Vehicles CEO Tom Grundy said: "The need to reduce aviation's impact on the environment has never been clearer. "E-HAV1 is central to our vision of making zero-emissions aviation at scale possible, quickly. We're delighted to continue with that important work with this additional support to the programme from Innovate UK." Business Minister Lord Henley said: "This is a vital step in aerospace manufacturing to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of hybrid-electric technology, using the best talent, industry and innovation to transform the way people, goods and services move across the UK." https://www.energylivenews.com/2020/08/17/jet-zero-takes-off-giant-helium-filled-airship-moves-toward-electric-propulsion/ Back to Top Embry-Riddle Works to Advance Sustainable Environmentally Friendly Urban Air Mobility Vehicles A newly developed hybrid power plant promises a ratio of electric power-to-weight that is 4.6 times better than any existing battery system, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers reported. This 460% improvement suggests a sustainable, environmentally friendly method to keep urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles aloft. The new technology - developed at Embry-Riddle's Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) - converts power from an efficient turbocharged engine to highly concentrated electrical power, which can then be transferred to electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The research is being externally supported by a $2.5 million contract. "Urban air mobility vehicles are going to solve many of our current problems in cities," said Aerospace Engineering professor Dr. Richard "Pat" Anderson, director of the EFRC. "Air taxis will relieve roadway congestion, and they will also be greener if they replace cars that are stuck in traffic. Future aviation options will be clean, quiet and more sustainable." Within Embry-Riddle's hybrid power plant, gasoline feeds into a lightweight, turbocharged aluminum engine, which transfers engine power from the crankshaft into a high-performance electric generator. The generator pumps out DC (direct current) electricity for use on an aircraft. Using this method, "The emissions benefits begin with the operation of the engine and generator at their most efficient settings at all times," said Embry-Riddle Project Manager David Spitzer. "Furthermore, with UAM the flight times are shorter because there is zero delay due to traffic, road layout, stoplights or any of the other limitations we currently accept on the ground." The system currently supports a 160-horsepower engine, Anderson said. "If you want an aircraft that's really quiet, redundant and safe," he added, "this is the configuration you need. Multi-rotor flight is simply not possible with a mechanical approach. We had to make the mental jump to electric." From Air Cargo to Flying Taxis The next generation of aircraft, suitable for vertical takeoff and offering much greater energy efficiency and lower environmental impact, are mostly focused on power stored in batteries, Anderson noted. With recent technology, that meant a very short trip before recharge was needed - until now. Initially, the new Embry-Riddle hybrid power plant is configured to support air cargo vehicles designed to carry a payload of up to 500 pounds and incorporating six dual-rotor systems and 12 propellers. Because Embry-Riddle researchers are capturing data on every aspect of their hybrid power system, however, their design principles could serve a variety of purposes. "We're working to understand the subtleties of the system in terms of mechanical, thermal and electrical engineering," Spitzer said. "We're using hundreds of sensors to study the hybrid power plant's temperatures, pressure, air flow, fluid flow rates and more. We can apply those insights to develop lighter-weight aircraft, or we can scale up the design to fly a person to work in the morning." Anderson and colleagues have been working on an Embry-Riddle personal air vehicle (PAV-ER) that uses a distributed electric drive system, including eight small electric motors and eight variable-pitch rotors - a design akin to multiple miniature helicopters. This patented, eco-friendly approach provides vertical lift and improves aviation safety by using many redundant rotors, Spitzer noted: "The use of rotors instead of fixed-pitch propellers is another key technology here at EFRC. We have proven that this important capability reduces noise over populated areas, increases efficiency and improves safety of UAM for so many configurations under development." At Embry-Riddle, graduate students play a key role in shaping the future of transportation. Directed by Anderson, students employ a powerful state-of-the-art data acquisition system to better understand the dynamics of the new hybrid power plant. "The results are certain to help accelerate the commercial development of UAM," said Maj Mirmirani, dean of the College of Engineering. "The university has been at the forefront of this emerging technology for the past decade, when it first began to lay the groundwork for the future of hybrid electric propulsion. Our talented students and faculty are uniquely positioned to propel this new industry forward." Embry-Riddle's Eagle Flight Research Center was a pioneer in the field of green aviation, launching the first-ever hybrid gas/electric aircraft, the Eco Eagle, as part of NASA's Green Flight Challenge in 2011. https://news.erau.edu/headlines/embry-riddle-works-to-advance-sustainable-environmentally-friendly-urban-air-mobility-vehicles Back to Top Rolls-Royce resumes testing on revolutionary low-emissions aero engine technology at Derby Engineering giant Rolls-Royce has announced it has resumed testing on a revolutionary low-emissions technology for its next generation of engines. The firm has revealed that its ALECSys (Advanced Low Emissions Combustion System) demonstrator engine, with technology that features in both the Advance3 and UltraFan engine programmes - has restarted ground test runs at its civil aerospace site in Derby. As part of its sustainability strategy, Rolls-Royce is working to reduce emissions produced by its future engines. It is also looking to develop technology that can support the increased use of sustainable aviation fuels. Its ALECSys technology is a lean-burn combustion system, designed to improve the pre-mixing of fuel and air prior to ignition. According to Rolls-Royce, this will deliver a more complete combustion of the fuel, resulting in lower emissions. The development of the system is being supported by the EU via Clean Sky, and in the UK by the Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK. The first series of tests began in 2018 and this latest phase will focus on validating emissions performance, engine control system software and functional performance. Andy Geer, chief engineer and head of the UltraFan programme, said: "We know that the future of aviation can only be founded on greater sustainability and these tests are one element in our drive to support that goal. "We've been excited by our results so far and we are now going to push on and see what more ALECSys can deliver." The tests commence as Rolls-Royce starts to build the first parts for the UltraFan demonstrator, which will start ground tests next year. According to Rolls-Royce, the UltraFan will offer a 25%fuel saving compared to its first generation of Trent engine, making it an attractive proposition to customers. https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/rolls-royce-resumes-testing-revolutionary-18768243 Back to Top Gerald R. Ford Airport first in U.S. to test UV autonomous robot Gerald R. Ford International Airport has become the first airport test site in the U.S. for a new autonomous robot that disinfects using UV technology. In addition to the robot, the Ford Airport is testing a comprehensive suite of tools that utilise UV technology, which works on a molecular level to destroy the microbiology of the virus. The suite includes a shoe disinfectant mat for guests, a pod that can be used to clean wheelchairs and luggage trolleys and a chamber for personal items such as phones, keys and tablets. "As we researched holistic solutions to combat the spread of COVID-19, it became evident UV technology has been proven in other industries to kill the virus, so we made the decision to test it at the Ford Airport," said Tim Haizlip, Director of Maintenance. "As an airport, we're focused on both innovation and a superior guest experience, so this technology could be a natural fit for us. "We're looking forward to seeing the results of this new UV technology as yet another method to ensure our guests feel comfortable and secure during their travel through Ford Airport." The products emit a light spectrum of 254 nanometres, which kills COVID-19 and other viruses such as the common cold. Products currently being tested include: The UVD Robot, which will be used in areas such as baggage claim and the security checkpoint, is the world's first fully autonomous mobile platform for UV technology. The robot effectively kills 99.99 per cent of bacteria, viruses and fungi or pathogens by emitting concentrated UV-C light onto high-, medium- and low-touch services. Its autonomous nature allows the robot to move without human interaction. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to disinfect a room and doesn't use any chemicals. The UVC Footwear Sanitizing Station, which is the first and only proactive disinfection solution to use a combination of ozone and UV-C light, will allow guests to sanitise their shoes in just eight seconds. A UCV Pod for sanitising wheelchairs and luggage trolleys allows for quick disinfection so the units can be put back in rotation for guests. A UVC Chamber that will allow guests to disinfect their phones, tablets, keys and other personal items with the help of the airport team. The Ford Airport recently introduced its new Fly Safe. Fly Ford. campaign to educate travellers on new precautions for their health and to restore confidence in air travel. The airport has established a number of new safety measures that travellers will see as they make their way from the parking garage to the jet bridge. https://www.internationalairportreview.com/news/124077/uv-autonomous-robot-gerald-ford-airport/ Back to Top Microsoft Flight Simulator review: a remarkable release fit for seasoned pilots and beginners alike The 2020 revival of Microsoft Flight Simulator isn't just for the hardcore aviation nerds. Sure, all the features that have made this simulator series a go-to training aid for real life pilots for the last almost-forty years are present and enhanced in this 2020 rebirth. But perhaps the best thing about this game is that it has been designed to be experienced and enjoyed by everybody - not just certified pilots in training. There are more remarkable things about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, of course. Its use of technology is unparalleled: its intricate, laser-scanned cockpits, its incredible cloud, wind and weather simulation, and its AI-enhanced world - that is to say the real world, petabytes of data processed and sifted to deliver an astonishingly close approximation of the real thing. For me, however, the training aids are what make this a paletable video game and not just a simulator. Much of the development team learned to fly over the course of the game's development and endeavored to create assists that mirrored the way in which you learn to fly in real life. At first, your teacher will only give you control of the most basic functions - so the AI does that for you. Then they'll double and triple confirm the checklist of things you need to do to safely fly; the game handles that too. The game is obsessed with authenticity, but also embraces accessibility. If you want to taxi from the runway and go through the full pre-flight rigmarole, you can. You can also spawn right on the runway or even in the air, mid-flight. It's incredibly smartly crafted to make sure you can always easily access the parts of flying most of the most interest. Over time you strip away the assistance. Seasoned pilots can remove it all right away, if they wish. In ways it reminds me of the deeply granular difficulty settings that have become common in simulation racing games like Microsoft's own Forza Motorsport: it's not just easy, medium or hard, but a whole range of assists and settings that combine to make things more realistic and therefore more difficult. Flick everything off and you have staggering, terrifying full authenticity and realism. The control choices mirror the in-game options and assists, too. You can use a keyboard and mouse, of course, but the basic flight controls are just as accessible with an Xbox controller - vital for a later console release. Both are great, but I ended up going deeper, primarily playing with a Thrustmaster TPR Rudder, Honeycomb Alpha Yoke & Switch Panel and a Logitech Pro Flight Throttle. If you want to keep things simple but go beyond a controller, something like the Thrustmaster TCA Sidestick is also instantly compatible while having a reduced footprint and more affordable price. Ultimately, you could use any combination of these - just a yoke with a keyboard for everything else, a controller and real-life instruments, or whatever other weird combination makes you comfortable. There's a wide range of accessories available thanks to strong compatibility with years of pro flight sim gear. All this is to say that I can now confidently pilot several of the aircraft featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator. I wouldn't have the stones to do it in real life, obviously, but if you were to sit me down in that cockpit I could probably correctly talk you through much of the basic functionality. This is impressive going for just a couple of weeks with the game. So it's a most competent learning aid - though as someone who came to this with little interest in learning to fly, I kept playing just because I was loving doing so. That's the other trick up Flight Simulator's sleeve this time around, you see - it's not just accessible, but it's just incredibly good fun. There is a school of thought around video games that might suggest that this game is less worthwhile because the planes don't have guns on them - and I get it - but there's a lot to experience and enjoy here. This game releasing in the midst of pandemic lockdown with vastly reduced travel options is actually perfect, in a twisted way. It underlines the power of this game as digital tourism - you can sit back and relax, cruising at lower altitudes over places that interest you, taking in architecture and geography. The sprawl of mankind is visible in minute detail beneath you - and in this Flight Simulator feels like at last a delivery on the promises of the 'power of the cloud' touted at the start of this console generation. Flight Simulator 2020's world - the whole world, as previously mentioned - is built from Microsoft's Bing Maps data and occasional photogrametric scans taken within cities. Fed into an Azure cloud server, the vast amount of data is crunched in order to create a 3D representation. That means to a relatively solid degree of accuracy you will be able to locate your house, school, workplace or local pub. If you live in a big city, chances are some of the landmarks will have been directly translated - and if you're lucky, you might have enhanced, hand-created 3D models of particularly significant locations dropped into the AI-crafted world. Much has been written about this technology, including in our recent preview, but all you need to know is that it is an incredible achievement. The detail level up close is of course lower - this is primarily designed to be seen from thousands of feet in the air - but at times, circling airports and cities I knew coming in for landing led to an incredibly uncanny feeling. It feels so real that it gets unreal. You can easily lose yourself in the moment. Other touches enhance that realism, like drawing in real-world data about other flights and weather conditions. Alternatively you can take direct control of this, even in mid-air. If you want to pause a flight on a sunny, glorious day and put yourself in the eye of a storm instead, you can - just open a menu, adjust a few sliders and you're there - no mess, no loading screens. Then, when the storm terrifies you and nearly sends you down, you can flick back to sunny skies just as easily. The weather is gorgeous, by the way. Flight Simulator captures one of the greatest joys of flying perfectly - the fact that you can glance out of the window at almost any moment and just take in the beauty of the world. This level of detail wasn't required to satisfy the simulator roots - the most important accuracy is really that of the cockpits - but through this detail and beauty the entire experience is elevated. Your enjoyment with flight simulator will rest quite heavily on your ability to make your own fun in this sort of way. If you want to take a light plane up to high altitudes and practice stomach-churning tricks, you can. Equally, you can make use of the autopilot and enjoy the thrum of piloting a long-haul flight - which is a strangely relaxing thing that seems to me like it'd be a pretty good hangover cure. What I'm saying is that there isn't much 'game' here in the traditional sense. Instead it's a proper, old-fashioned sandbox that gives you a bunch of systems and implores you to explore, experiment, learn and have fun. The tutorials are at least strong - but once they're over, you're largely on your own. This is where exploration takes over, both of its AI-crafted world and the intricately detailed hand-made aircraft. You could level a complaint about the level of content, or how Microsoft is slicing up the game into different versions, locking certain vehicles behind certain prices. But in many ways that's sort of the point of this whole thing - like much of the Xbox offering going forward, it's a service. Unlike most releases where this is new or experimental, this has always been the way with flight sim. This initial release will be expanded out with new content from both Microsoft and third parties including updates to the world detail, new aircraft and of course any necessary updates to reflect the ever-changing real world. Developer Asobo Studio says Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is a ten-year project with many additions to come. That makes sense, as it's a brilliant base package with so very much to love that I can still see myself returning to for years. For me, the casual, it's a perfect low-stakes, relaxing gaming experience. It's a technical achievement and an excellent training aid, but it's also a brilliant piece of escapism, transcending its purpose as a tool to become something far more widely enjoyable - and I can't recommend it enough. https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-review/ Back to Top NASA and SpaceX set date for Crew Dragon's first routine ISS trip The dust has barely settled on SpaceX's history-making Demo-2 mission, in which a commercial spacecraft carried NASA astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time, but already plans are underway for the vehicle's next outing. An October target date has been set for the next launch of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which, if all goes to plan, will be the first of many routine SpaceX crew transportation missions to the orbiting laboratory. Following years of development and testing of various aspects of the spacecraft, SpaceX's Crew Dragon finally made its first crewed spaceflight in May this year. That Demo-2 mission carried NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley to the ISS, where they remained for a 62-day stay before safely returning to Earth earlier this month. While this was the final hurdle for the demonstration phase of the Crew Dragon as a vehicle for manned spaceflight, NASA is still working to review the mission data and formally certify the spacecraft. Assuming there are no hiccups on that front, the Crew Dragon will take off again in late October as part of NASA's Crew-1 mission, the first in a new era of spaceflight for the agency as it moves away from a reliance on Russian-built spacecraft. NASA and SpaceX are targeting "no earlier than October 23" for what will become the first operational flight for the Crew Dragon. Set to climb aboard is commander Michael Hopkins, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Shannon Walker, all of NASA, with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's mission specialist Soichi Noguchi to join them for a six-month science mission aboard the ISS. All going well, this will mark the beginning of routine flights to and from the ISS for the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The flights are part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, which also involves the development of Boeing's Starliner capsule, and was instigated to return manned spaceflight capabilities to the US for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011. https://newatlas.com/space/nasa-spacex-crew-dragon-first-routine-iss/ Curt Lewis