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Magazine Issue

Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, April 22, 2021

VOL. 276 NO. 14 April 22, 2021
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Programs

article

USAF OKs Major Upgrade Package For New MQ-9s

Apr 21, 2021
The M2DO configuration, which also includes retrofit plans, will help the MQ-9 fleet transition to a European Command mission in a potential standoff or conflict with Russia.
article

SLS Core Stage Heading To KSC

Apr 21, 2021
Technicians have removed the Space Launch System core stage from its test stand at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi in preparation for a weeklong trip to Kennedy Space Center, NASA said on April 21.

Daily Briefs

In Brief

Funding & Policy

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U.S. Space Force Rallies Congress For Acquisition Org Changes

Apr 21, 2021
As the U.S. Space Force plans to establish a Space Systems Command this summer, service leadership is already rallying Congress to alter the new command’s reporting structure for two important offices—the Space Development Agency and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
article

Human Return To Moon In 2024 ‘Highly Unlikely,’ NASA IG Audit Says

Apr 20, 2021
It is “highly unlikely” that NASA will return to the Moon’s surface with human explorers in 2024 due to technical, budget and workplace constraints linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency’s inspector general says.
article

Nelson’s Relationships An Asset In NASA Confirmation Hearing

Apr 21, 2021
Bill Nelson, a former Democratic senator from Florida, soared through a hearing on his nomination to become the next NASA administrator before a Senate committee he once helped to lead.

Operations

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SpaceX Crew-2 Launch Delayed Until April 23

Apr 21, 2021
High winds and rough seas downrange of Kennedy Space Center prompted NASA on April 21 to delay for one day the SpaceX Crew-2 launch to the International Space Station, with liftoff now targeted for 5:49 a.m. EDT on April 23.
article

Next ISS Crew’s Agenda Includes Solar Power Upgrade

Apr 19, 2021
As the NASA-led International Space Station partnership strives to push the science and technology development potential of the orbital science lab, astronauts assigned to missions through 2023 will be equipping six of the station’s solar power channels with new Roll Out Solar Arrays that have been under development for a dozen years.

Technology

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U.S. Army Starts Structures Demo For FLRAA, FARA Upgrades

Apr 21, 2021
A solicitation for the Adaptive Resilient Engineered Structures program, published on April 20 by the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, calls for technologies that could be demonstrated in a relevant operational environment—or a Technology Readiness Level of 6—between fiscal 2023 and 2026. 
article

Rover Makes Oxygen From Mars Atmosphere

Apr 21, 2021
While it supports NASA’s ongoing Mars helicopter test campaign, the rover Perseverance on April 20 completed its first run of another technology demonstration, successfully converting some of the planet’s carbon dioxide atmosphere into oxygen.
NASA
article

UK Study Envisions Distributed Aviation Concept

Apr 20, 2021
Electric aircraft propulsion will lead to the creation of electric low-cost carriers—eLCCs—flying sub-regional routes that are not economically viable for hydrocarbon-powered aircraft, proposes a report released by UK trade association ADS Group.

Business

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Virgin Orbit To Launch Hyperspectral Imaging Constellation

Apr 21, 2021
Virgin Orbit has signed a six-flight contract to deliver a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites being developed by Qinetiq and HyperSat into low Earth orbit.

DMIN