July 1, 2021 - No. 51 In This Issue : AerinX and VD Gulf launch partnership to implement aircraft maintenance technology : Collins Aerospace advances zero-emission aviation with 500KW electric motor for Hybrid Air Vehicles' Airlander 10 aircraft : Rolls-Royce partners with Shell in sustainable aviation fuel push : SwissDrones Enters APAC Market with a manned helicopter replacement system ; Carbon capture could serve as a crucial step to more sustainable aviation ; Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa Sign Joint Research Agreement for Next-Generation Small Aircraft : Congress Could Create a Working Group to Address Advanced Air Mobility : GE Aviation, Safran launch sustainable engine program : £3m competition to boost electric and hydrogen aircraft : Raytheon Wins FAA Contract To Maintain, Upgrade STARS : NASA’s SpaceX Dragon Cargo Freighter Set to Air Departure from Space Station July 6 AerinX and VD Gulf launch partnership to implement aircraft maintenance technology BUDAPEST - The total size of the market of high-tech digital MRO solutions is projected to grow from USD 606 million in 2020 to USD 1,809 million by 2030 meaning an average annual growth rate of 11% according to experts. AerinX has agreed on a partnership to implement its mixed reality-based aircraft maintenance solution with Sharjah-based VD Gulf, with the base maintenance facility at Sharjah International Airport. The economic difficulties experienced by the aviation sector induced by COVID-19 urge MRO companies to introduce digital solutions which enhance efficiency and productivity. For companies that can provide their partners with more efficient and more state-of-the-art services, can achieve considerable competitive advantage after the large-scale global relaunch of passenger air traffic. The first product of AerinX is a mixed reality (MR) based software which makes external surface inspections on aircraft faster, simpler, more precise, and better-documented. The ground-breaking technology helps maintenance engineers identify damages precisely and accurately and reduces maintenance downtime and costs for the customer. The high-tech system project frames, stringers, and previous damages on the aircraft with advanced computer vision. Moreover, it automatically registers newly discovered damages and determines their exact location. The AerinX software also facilitates damage assessment with a preloaded manufacturer SRM database. A significant milestone of the international market launch of the high-tech product was the successful pilot project conducted in Dubai, within the frameworks of which VD Gulf tested the AerinX system under real-life industry circumstances. Both parties were satisfied with the Early Adopter Program, and as a result they decided to continue their partnership with a new agreement to implement the innovative solution at the Sharjah-based MRO fully. The economic crisis caused by COVID-19 has accelerated digitalization in several sectors, including the aircraft maintenance industry. Players in the segment have invested in information technology development projects and sought efficiency-enhancing technology solutions for years, even preceding the outbreak of the pandemics. The virus situation accelerated digitalization. According to experts, the MRO software market in aviation is estimated to be USD 6.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 8.0 billion by 2025. The key market players in the MRO software market in aviation are such giants as IBM, SAP, or GE Aviation. Besides them, an increasing number of smaller, agile, innovative companies are entering the market with their developments, mainly in the field of IoT, AI, Big Data, blockchain or mixed/augmented or virtual reality. https://www.intelligent-aerospace.com/commercial/article/14206027/aerinx-and-vd-gulf-launch-partnership-to-implement-aircraft-maintenance-technology Collins Aerospace advances zero-emission aviation with 500KW electric motor for Hybrid Air Vehicles' Airlander 10 aircraft SOLIHULL, U.K., June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business (NYSE: RTX), today announced it has completed critical design review and started fabrication of a 500 kilowatt electric motor for the Airlander 10 aircraft under a partnership with Hybrid Air Vehicles and the University of Nottingham. Flight qualification testing of the motor is expected to occur in 2023, followed by hybrid-electric operation of Airlander 10 by 2025 and all-electric, zero-emission operation by 2030. To achieve these improvements, the aircraft's four fuel-burning engines will be replaced by Collins' 500 kilowatt electric motors—beginning with the two forward engines in 2025 and the two rear engines in 2030. Collins is designing and testing the motor at its Electronic Controls and Motor Systems Center of Excellence in Solihull, U.K., where it recently invested $18 million to expand the campus and add world-class power electronics and motor development capabilities. "Airlander 10 has the potential to be the world's first zero-emission aircraft, while pioneering game-changing electric flight technologies in the process," said Marc Holme, senior director, Electronic Controls and Motor Systems for Collins Aerospace. "As the aerospace industry continues to look for ways to reduce its carbon footprint, electric propulsion offers a significant solution that will create a more sustainable future for our industry and our planet." The Airlander programme will address key goals of the U.K. Aerospace Technology Strategy: strengthening the UK's aerospace capabilities, positioning the UK for developing future generations of civil aircraft, and advancing a new generation of efficient propulsion technologies. The research project to develop the electric motor, E-HAV1, was co-funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme, a joint U.K. government and industry investment to maintain and grow the U.K.'s competitive position in civil aerospace design and manufacture. It is delivered through a partnership between the Aerospace Technology Institute, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and Innovate U.K., and addresses technology, capability and supply chain challenges. "The Aerospace Technology Institute has clearly identified the importance of technology developments to support sustainable aviation through the U.K. Aerospace Technology Strategy, Accelerating Ambition," said Mark Scully, the Aerospace Technology Institute's Head of Technology – Advanced Systems & Propulsion. "The Hybrid Air Vehicles Airlander 10 offers a unique opportunity to deploy innovative, high performance motor technology from Collins Aerospace initially in hybrid propulsion and, in the future, all electric propulsion configurations. These technology developments will enable economic growth and jobs in the U.K. aerospace sector." About Collins Aerospace Collins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. (NYSE: RTX), is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the extensive capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and broad expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, visit CollinsAerospace.com. Follow us on Twitter: @CollinsAero About Raytheon Technologies Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/collins-aerospace-advances-zero-emission-aviation-with-500kw-electric-motor-for-hybrid-air-vehicles-airlander-10-aircraft-301321099.html Rolls-Royce partners with Shell in sustainable aviation fuel push LONDON (Reuters) - British engineering company Rolls-Royce said it would partner with oil company Shell to work on the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in line with both their plans for net zero emissions by 2050. The pair signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday which Rolls-Royce said would help with plans to certify 100% SAF for use in planes. In the aviation sector, its biggest business, Rolls-Royce plans to make all its commercial engines compatible to run on 100% SAF, which produces up to 70% less carbon than conventional fuel, by 2023. The challenge for SAFs is that there is a shortage of supply, which the Shell partnership could help address. Rolls-Royce Chief Technology Officer Paul Stein said in a statement that both companies wanted to decarbonise flying. "We believe that working together on these aims can deliver benefits for both the development of new innovations as well as collaborating to find ways to unlock the net carbon emissions reduction potential of technology that is already in use today," he said. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rolls-royce-partners-shell-sustainable-145850339.html SwissDrones Enters APAC Market with a manned helicopter replacement system Zurich, Switzerland and Perth, Australia – 30 June 2021 – From fighting wildfires to inspecting power lines and conducting emergency response missions, Australia and the Asia Pacific Region have long depended on the use of manned rotorcraft. However, because many of these missions require rotorcraft to operate over long distances, at night, during all weather conditions, in remote areas, and with limited to no infrastructure, these operations are inherently dangerous. But now there is the SDO 50 V2 – a safer, cheaper, and cleaner way of conducting critical missions. Developed by SwissDrones, a global manufacturer of long-range unmanned helicopter systems, the SDO 50 V2 is a multipurpose, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), unmanned helicopter system that can be operated beyond visual line of sight. Its unique design features provide superior payload capacity (45 kg/99 lbs, including fuel), long-endurance (3+ hours), stable flight patterns, the ability to carry single or multiple high-quality sensors, and a high degree of safety features. An integrated autopilot system enables autonomous take-off and landing procedures as well as autonomous flight patterns. “Our unmanned aerial solutions were made for long-range missions in adverse weather conditions, day and night, at high altitude, and a large spectrum of temperatures – all without any risk to the crew,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. The SDO 50 V2 uses the Flettner system of intermeshing twin rotors turning in opposite directions. Each rotor mast is mounted at a slight angle to the other to allow the blades to intermesh without colliding. The unique design provides a superior payload capacity, prolonged endurance, and stable flight patterns. This arrangement also allows the helicopter to function without a tail rotor, which saves additional power and allows a significantly higher payload to weight ratio. Well Suited for the APAC Region Entering the Australian and Asia Pacific markets, the SDO 50 V2 is available through Éire Aviation. At the forefront of aviation technology excellence in the Asia Pacific region, Éire Aviation has a long history in the manned aviation sector. The company specializes in opening new markets to new technologies, not only through sales but with a full range of services, including auditing, strategic advisory and operations “Not only are the SDO 50 V2’s features and capabilities ideally suited for the unique demands of Australia and the Asia Pacific region, but it also offers the same sensor payload performance as a manned helicopter without the inherent limitations,” said Ronnie Fahy, CEO of Éire Aviation. “The aircraft is the perfect payload, safety, technological and performance unit for the geography and use cases required in the APAC region.” Key benefits Unlike manned missions, the SDO 50 V2 can operate over long distances without the need for infrastructure and with only minimal ground support. In fact, the aircraft can be easily transported to the work location via van, from which two crew members can deploy it in less than 15 minutes and with little to no infrastructure required. Furthermore, since the SDO-50 V2 can operate on a number of different fuel types, fuel planning is not as restrictive a requirement as with traditional rotorcraft types. This can eliminate fuel diversion requirements. It also results in 90%+ less CO2 emissions than its manned counterparts – all while offering comparable endurance and sensor payload capacities but at just a fraction of the cost. Another key differentiator is that the SDO 50 V2 can safely operate at night, in adverse weather conditions, and in other scenarios deemed too dangerous for manned operations. “When working with SwissDrones you have a safer and cleaner alternative to traditional manned rotorcraft missions,” said Luca Santini, Head of Sales of SwissDrones. “We see this as being a real game-changer for firefighting, emergency services, oil and gas, maritime patrol, and infrastructure inspection missions happening in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.” Each SDO 50 V2 comes backed by SwissDrones’ industry-leading training, service and support program. To learn more about the SwissDrones SDO 50 V2, contact Éire Aviation at +61 480 122 948 or info@eireaviation.com About SwissDrones SwissDrones is a globally expanding Swiss aviation company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and operation of long-range unmanned helicopter systems for commercial and public safety applications. The company’s unique twin-rotor aircraft are designed to replace manned helicopters at reduced costs, significantly lower carbon emissions, and without putting crews at risk when operating in challenging weather conditions. Main fields of application include aerial surveillance, search & rescue, and critical infrastructure inspection missions. The systems allow for the integration of multiple high-end sensor payloads simultaneously and enable long-range, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations both day and night with an endurance of multiple hours. SwissDrones aircraft are in operation across Asia, Europe, and North America. SwissDrones was founded in 2013 and is based in Switzerland with its headquarters in Zurich and its manufacturing site in Buchs (St. Gallen). For more information, please visit www.swissdrones.com About Éire Aviation Éire Aviation is at the forefront of aviation technology excellence in the Asia Pacific region, For over 20 years the company has provided aviation services and technologies that transform the way their customers do business. Éire specializes in opening new markets to new technologies, not only through sales but with a full range of services, including auditing, strategic advisory and operations. Éire is an approved business partner of SwissDrones for the Asia Pacific region and an exclusive sales channel for SwissDrones products to resource organizations/industries including Mining, OGP, Forestry and Energy within Australia, NZ, Papa New Guinea, Indonesia, and Singapore. The company operates on a quality-first ethos and employs a team of exceptional aviation professionals who are available to help organizations implement cutting-edge aviation standards into their businesses. Éire Aviation is based in Perth, Western Australia. For more information visit www.eireaviation.com https://www.suasnews.com/2021/06/swissdrones-enters-apac-market-with-a-manned-helicopter-replacement-system/ Carbon capture could serve as a crucial step to more sustainable aviation Carbon capture is the term used for capturing CO2 that has been released into the atmosphere. Its development could act as a crucial step for more sustainable aviation. A large-scale facility that could remove up to one million tons of CO2 every year is currently being developed in North East Scotland. The Direct Air Capture (DAC) Plan is a joint project with UK firm Storegga and Canadian company Carbon Engineering. Once removed from the atmosphere, CO2 can be pumped into the ground, sold for commercial use or even be transformed into liquid fuel. A form of sustainable aviation fuel created from CO2 would not permanently remove carbon from the air but would form more of a circular economy, lessening the damage it is currently causing. Climate change is identified as the most important Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issue in GlobalData’s live verdict poll*, and airlines have been noted as some of the worst contributors for CO2 emissions. Carbon capture should not be a tool to be used alone in tackling climate change. However, it holds great potential to contribute to a more sustainable future in travel. Sustainability is a mega theme According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if the world wants to ‘stay safe’, the rise in global temperatures need to be kept below 1.5C by the end of the century. 2020 temperatures were already 1.2C above historical levels. There is a need to curb the emissions of gasses that are driving up global temperatures – emissions from airlines and general travel contributes significantly to this. Therefore, sustainability in now a mega theme for both travel companies and customers alike. Net zero carbon emission plans are being rolled out by airlines. United Airlines was one of the most recent ones which promised to achieve this feat by 2050. Other airlines in the Oneworld Alliance such as American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific have also committed to this promise by 2050. Consumers are also more environmentally focused. ‘How ethical/environmentally friendly/ socially-responsible a product or service is’ ‘always’ and ‘often’ influenced 42% of global respondents in GlobalData’s survey**. This was more influential than ‘how digitally advanced/smart the product/service is’ (‘always’ and ‘often’ influenced 35%). This reflects consumers priorities going forward, where company sustainability commitments could prove to be more desirable in purchasing decisions. An additional tool The potential for direct air capture to combat climate change and form a more sustainable future for travel is real. It is a technology that could prove to be majorly beneficial for more sustainable aviation going forward. Through creating fuel that is formed from carbon that is already in the air, this could help halt carbon emission levels growing further. However, it cannot be relied upon alone. The Direct Air Capture plan rolling out in Scotland will not be fully operational until 2026. Change needs to happen now to tackle climate change. This form of technology should be looked to as an addition to other initiatives being rolled out such as pledges for cutting emissions. Therefore, air capture is not a magic bullet for eradicating climate change in travel, but possibly more of a magic bean for further growth and a more sustainable future. https://www.aerospace-technology.com/comment/carbon-capture-sustainable-aviation/ Yamaha Motor and ShinMaywa Sign Joint Research Agreement for Next-Generation Small Aircraft Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan; President, CEO and Representative Director: Yoshihiro Hidaka) and ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (Headquarters: Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan; President and CEO: Tatsuyuki Isogawa) have signed an agreement for the joint research of next-generation small aircraft. Under this agreement, Yamaha Motor will explore avenues for adapting its small-engine technologies to the aviation industry. ShinMaywa will adapt its aircraft engineering technologies and expertise—garnered through the development of flying boats and various other aircraft—to designing concepts, constructing prototypes, conducting tests, verify autonomous technology and more for small aircraft. Both companies will use this joint research endeavor to explore possibilities for the commercialization of next-generation small aircraft, and take into consideration the direction and future of the project based on market interest and other factors. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/business-general-aviation/press-release/21228718/yamaha-motor-and-shinmaywa-sign-joint-research-agreement-for-nextgeneration-small-aircraft Congress Could Create a Working Group to Address Advanced Air Mobility The Advanced Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act could create an interagency working group of over 10 departments and agencies to advance advanced air mobility (AAM) efforts like safety, infrastructure, and federal investment in the United States, but first, Congress must pass it. The bill was first introduced as H.R. 1339 in the House by Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) in February of this year. It now sits in the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s subcommittee on aviation. The bill was also introduced in the Senate as S.516 in March by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and was passed through the commerce committee in May. The bill is now headed toward the Senate floor where legislators are hoping it will be ‘hotlined’ and passed onto the House of Representatives, Katie Kentfield, a legislative correspondent for Moran who specializes in transportation aviation and technology issues, said during a Revolution.Aero Global 2021 panel discussion on June 29. “In mid-May, it successfully passed out of commerce by voice vote, unanimously, so we are hopeful that it will pass similarly on the Senate floor and be hotlined there,” Kentfield said. “So, if a bill hotlines that means that no member within the U.S. Senate would object to his passage, and then, in this case, would be picked up by the House of Representatives. We're hoping that they'll pick it up as well and move this effort forward.” The interagency group created by the bill would be led by the Secretary of Transportation and they would review and put forth recommendations for AAM aircraft. Besides other agencies and departments, it would also incorporate manufacturers, operators, air carriers, airports, first responders, training and maintenance providers, energy providers, and state and local officials. “It would authorize the Secretary of Transportation to establish a working group with other federal agencies that would plan for the advancement of operating AAM aircraft,” Kentfield said. “This working group but also be tasked to review and make recommendations for the federal role in the AAM sector. Beyond the initial critical stage of aircraft certification and operation, it would focus on economic and workforce opportunities.” The bill states that it would further U.S. leadership on AAM, grow new transportation options, amplify economic activity and jobs, advance environmental sustainability and new technologies, and support emergency preparedness. Industry has also expressed support for the bill. “The industry wants to go here,” Ed Bolen, president and CEO of NBAA, said. “We recognize that we've always been about on-demand air mobility…Through the years that's meant lots of changes in technology from radial engines to piston engines to jet engines from fixed-wing rotor wing, aluminum, composite, whatever it is, it's what technologies can we use to get people where they need to be when they need to be, that on-demand air mobility. I think what you're seeing is that the industry has been embracing this idea for quite a while. There's been a relatively clear vision, a lot of brilliant passionate people, and now we're seeing a lot of capital flowing into the industry so you have all the elements to be able to move forward.” Bolen said the government is signaling to the industry that what they are doing is important to the nation’s transportation system. “What we're seeing in the introduction of Senator Moran’s bill is that we are effectively reaching out to the government and what they are saying to us is, yes, we recognize this is an important part of our future, it's an important part of our economic engine, our transportation system, our world leadership in civil aviation, and they're embracing it,” Bolen said. While the industry is eager to advance this technology, they also realize they will need to be regulated in order to progress safely, Bolen said. “The companion legislation in the House is really all about is the government beginning to say, we recognize that there is a lot of potential here and we want to help realize that potential, but we want to do it safely and appropriately,” Bolen said. “That's where NBAA and other groups are working closely with the government itself to try to make sure that there's broad-based understanding on what we're trying to do and how we can do it safely and, again, get people where they need to be when they need to be there.” The departments and agencies that would be part of the working group include the Department of Transportation, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Homeland Security, Agriculture, and Labor and the Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. “I think one of the important reasons by making certain that this is an interagency working group that incorporates up to 10 agencies, and even more if the Secretary of the Department of Transportation sees fit, is to make certain that we're doing our role within the federal government to make sure that we can help this industry advance,” Kentfield said. “We don't want to be a hindrance whatsoever. So, if we can get the ball rolling now and have those conversations with industry folks and stakeholders of this industry, then I think we're better off long term.” If passed, the bill would create this working group within 120 days and complete a report no more than a year later to examine how AAM will mature, its physical and digital security and safety requirements, infrastructure, benefits, and other factors limiting the full potential of the industry. https://www.aviationtoday.com/2021/06/29/congress-create-working-group-address-advanced-air-mobility/ GE Aviation, Safran launch sustainable engine program GE Aviation and Safran have launched a technology development program targeting more than 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to today’s engines. The CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program will demonstrate and mature a range of new, disruptive technologies for future engines that could enter service by the mid-2030s. The companies also signed an agreement extending the CFM International 50/50 partnership to the year 2050, declaring their intent to lead the way for more sustainable aviation in line with the industry’s commitment to halve CO2 emissions by 2050. “The relationship between GE and Safran today is the strongest it has ever been,” said John Slattery, President and CEO of GE Aviation. “Together, through the RISE technology demonstration program, we are reinventing the future of flight, bringing an advanced suite of revolutionary technologies to market that will take the next generation of single-aisle aircraft to a new level of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. We fully embrace the sustainability imperative. As we have always done in the past, we will deliver for the future.” "Our industry is in the midst of the most challenging times we have ever faced,” said Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran. “We have to act now to accelerate our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment. Since the early 1970s, breakthrough engine efficiency and reliability have been the hallmark of our historic partnership and our LEAP engine already reduces emissions by 15% compared to previous generation engines. Through the extension of our CFM partnership to 2050, we are today reaffirming our commitment to work together as technology leaders to help our industry meet the urgent climate challenges.” Technologies matured as part of the RISE Program will serve as the foundation for the next-generation CFM engine that could be available by the mid-2030s. The program goals include reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by more than 20% compared to today’s most efficient engines, as well as ensuring 100% compatibility with alternative energy sources such as sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen. Central to the program is state-of-the-art propulsive efficiency for the engine, including developing an open fan architecture. This is a key enabler to achieving significantly improved fuel efficiency while delivering the same speed and cabin experience as current single-aisle aircraft. The program will also use hybrid electric capability to optimize engine efficiency while enabling electrification of many aircraft systems. The program is being led by a joint GE/Safran engineering team that has laid out a comprehensive technology roadmap including composite fan blades, heat resistant metal alloys, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), hybrid electric capability, and additive manufacturing. The RISE program includes more than 300 separate component, module, and full engine builds. A demonstrator engine is scheduled to begin testing at GE and Safran facilities around the middle of this decade and flight test soon thereafter. The original 1974 framework agreement creating CFM International as a 50/50 joint venture between the two aircraft engine manufacturers redefined international cooperation and helped change the course of commercial aviation. The partnership was renewed in 2008 for the launch of the LEAP program. Today, CFM is the world's leading supplier of commercial aircraft engines. More than 35,000 CFM engines have been delivered to more than 600 operators around the globe, accumulating more than one billion flight hours. https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/ge-aviation-safran-launch-sustainable-engine-program/ £3m competition to boost electric and hydrogen aircraft A £3 million competition has been launched to support pioneering research into the development of electric and hydrogen aircraft. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced it will award up to £50,000 each to businesses and universities carrying out relevant projects. This could see support for schemes featuring electric chargepoints and hydrogen fuelling tanks. The Zero Emission Flight Infrastructure competition is part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s 10-point plan for a “green industrial revolution”. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As the first major economy to commit to net zero by 2050, we’ve gone further than any country in the world to slash our aviation emissions – providing leadership, funding and the framework needed to lead the charge. “Now is the time for organisations and companies to take advantage of the opportunities we have provided to harness the economic and environmental benefits building back better and greener has to offer.” A partnership between the Government and the aviation industry – named the Jet Zero Council – will meet for the third time on Wednesday. Its overarching aim is to enable a zero-emission transatlantic passenger flight to operate “within a generation”. Establishing UK production facilities for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is one of its key targets. SAFs are produced using materials other than crude oil, and produce around 70% less carbon emissions. They are more expensive than traditional jet fuel, but it is hoped technological advances will reduce costs. https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/3m-competition-boost-electric-hydrogen-20933749 Raytheon Wins FAA Contract To Maintain, Upgrade STARS Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) has received a five-year, $223 million contract to continue system integration, sustainment, and enhancement of the FAA’s Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS). Part of a 10-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity, the latest contract provides for RI&S to continue as the STARS system integrator and oversee technology refresh, deployment of future applications, and any other improvements and initiatives to sustain STARS, the company said. The contract extends a more than a two-decade-long partnership that RI&S has had with the FAA on the program. The company developed the system in concert with the FAA, controllers, and system specialists. “RI&S will provide operational support and sustainment of the 700-plus operational STARS systems worldwide for the FAA and the Department of Defense under the new contract,” said Denis Donohue, v-p of communications and airspace management systems for RI&S. “This is key to advancing the FAA’s NextGen modernization initiative to help keep our skies and the public safe.” Considered a cornerstone of the FAA’s NextGen air traffic control modernization program, STARS integrates the computer system used by air traffic controllers at terminal facilities into a single advanced platform. The system gives controllers a full and precise picture of the airspace; allows them to manage and verify spacing, direction, headings, and vectors; and provides conflict alerts and weather advisories. The FAA said STARS has reduced training, support, and maintenance costs, and made new procedures easier to introduce. It has been deployed at all FAA terminal radar approach control facilities, Defense Department radar approach control facilities, and FAA/DOD air traffic control towers. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-06-30/raytheon-wins-faa-contract-maintain-upgrade-stars NASA’s SpaceX Dragon Cargo Freighter Set to Air Departure from Space Station July 6 BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – NASA’s SpaceX Dragon cargo freighter, loaded with approximately 5,000 pounds of scientific experiments and other cargo from the International Space Station, will depart Tuesday, July 6. Bound for a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean Thursday, July 8, completing the company’s 22nd commercial resupply services mission for NASA. Live coverage of the departure will begin at 10:45 a.m. EDT Tuesday, July 6, on NASA Television, the agency’s website, and the NASA app. NASA will not provide coverage of the splashdown. Ground controllers at SpaceX in Hawthorne, California, will command Dragon to undock from the space-facing port on the station’s Harmony module at 11 a.m., with NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough monitoring aboard the station. The cargo craft will physically separate from the station five minutes later before firing its thrusters to move a safe distance away prior to a deorbit burn that will begin its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Dragon is expected to make its parachute-assisted splashdown around 12 a.m. Thursday, July 8. Splashing down off the coast of Florida enables quick transportation of the science aboard the capsule to NASA’s Space Station Processing Facility at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and back into the hands of the researchers. This shorter transportation timeframe allows researchers to collect data with minimal sample exposure to gravity. Dragon launched June 3 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy, arriving at the station a little less than 16 hours later. The spacecraft delivered more than 7,300 pounds of research investigations, crew supplies, and vehicle hardware to the orbiting outpost. Dragon’s external cargo “trunk” carried six new ISS Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSAs), two of which Expedition 65 crew members Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet, an ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut, installed during three spacewalks June 16, 20, and 25. Some of the scientific investigations Dragon will return to Earth include: ■ Lyophilization-2 examines how gravity affects freeze-dried materials and could result in improved freeze-drying processes for pharmaceutical and other industries. Freeze-drying also has potential use for long-term storage of medications and other resources on future exploration missions. ■ Molecular Muscle Experiment-2 tests a series of drugs to see whether they can improve health in space, possibly leading to new therapeutic targets for examination on Earth. ■ Oral Biofilms in Space studies how gravity affects the structure, composition, and activity of oral bacteria in the presence of common oral care agents. Findings could support the development of novel treatments to fight oral diseases such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontitis. https://spacecoastdaily.com/2021/07/nasas-spacex-dragon-cargo-freighter-set-to-air-departure-from-space-station-july-6/ Curt Lewis