Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Jan, 14

Small-Satellite Launcher, USAF Partner On Propulsion Testing

Aspiring small-satellite launch service provider ABL Space Systems, a privately owned startup, is beginning work with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop and test propulsion elements for unspecified launch vehicles.

Personal EVTOL Startup Names New CEO, Plans Sales Tour

Gen. John Raymond was sworn in as the first Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force on Jan. 14, putting him in charge of the first new U.S. military service to be created in more than 70 years.

USAFGen. John Raymond

Rocket Lab Moving To Long Beach, California

Rocket Lab is building a new headquarters, mission control center and production complex in Long Beach, California, also home base for rival small satellite launch company Virgin Orbit.

Colorado Scales Back Probe Of Drone Sightings

After finding no evidence of criminal activity, Colorado’s Department of Public Safety (CDPS) has “scaled back proactive operations” that sought an explanation of a rash of reported drone sightings in the state.

Airbus Begins Untethered Flights Of CityAirbus EVTOL

Airbus conducted the first untethered flight of its CityAirbus electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) air-taxi demonstrator at the end of 2019.

Terrafugia Flies EVTOL For Carmaker Geely In China

The Twitter posting shows a subscale aircraft flying and concept art of the full-scale air taxi.