Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

By Steve Trimble
A sources-sought notice released by the U.S. Army June 23 keeps the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft competition on track for the release of the request for proposals next year and lays out new details of aircraft deliveries needed during the development phase and the first lot of low-rate initial production.
Aircraft & Propulsion

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 Bill Carey
Former senior FAA executives are among the principals of a new company focused on advancing standards and best practices in the drone industry
Safety, Ops & Regulation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News in brief
Defense

Brief news items of interest to aerospace & defense professionals
Defense

By Irene Klotz
Redwire, a venture capital-backed family of space technology companies, has added Florida-based Made In Space to its portfolio, the companies announced June 23.
Commercial Space

By Lee Hudson
The Pentagon’s chief technology officer, Mike Griffin, and his deputy, Lisa Porter, will step down from their respective roles next month and plan to set up a private venture, according to a Defense Department official.
Budget, Policy & Operations