Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Mar. 17

DOD Ready To Support COVID-19 Response

The Pentagon could help the U.S. government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through logistics and planning support, a DOD spokesman said.

Rocket Lab Wins Initial NASA Certification

Launch provider Rocket Lab is being considered by NASA for certification to loft higher value payloads on future research and demonstration missions following initial space agency approval to launch low-cost, small satellites.

H225M

Airbus Halts Production At French, Spanish Plants

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbus has decided to “temporarily pause production” at its French and Spanish sites for four days, starting Mar. 17.

Boeing HR Chief Leaving Company

Boeing said late March 16 that Heidi Capozzi, senior vice president of human resources, is leaving in early April “to pursue another opportunity.”

Rocket Lab Adds On Sat Hardware With Sinclair Interplanetary Deal

Rocket launching company Rocket Lab has reached a deal to acquire satellite hardware maker Sinclair Interplanetary, the companies announced late March 16.

Second Long March 7 Version Fails On First Flight

The first flight of the second version of the Long March 7 medium-heavy space launcher has failed, state media reported.

France Taps Air Force For Health Crisis Response

France has ordered its air force to have an intensive care module ready for flight as part of the ramp-up in the response against the COVID-19 pandemic, the French ministry of armed forces has announced.

Orion Lunar Spacecraft Passes Environmental Testing

The first example of the Orion spacecraft, slated for an unmanned mission as part of NASA’s Artemis lunar program, recently passed key tests demonstrating its ability to withstand the space environment, Airbus announced.

Pentagon

NASA Shuts Down All Centers Due To Coronavirus Concerns

NASA on March 17 ordered all employees to work at home, with only mission-critical personnel being allowed on locations throughout the county in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus that causes the potentially deadly COVID-19 disease.

Draganfly To Distribute AeroVironment Drone

Military drone manufacturer AeroVironment has granted Canadian unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) company Draganfly distribution responsibility for a commercial drone it unveiled in 2016.

Redstone Arsenal Employee Tests Positive For COVID-19

A U.S. Army civilian has tested positive for the COVID-19 disease at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, the home of several aviation- and space-related acquisition, research and testing organizations, base officials said on March 17.

Startup Skyrse Unveils Full-Function Fly-By-Wire For General Aviation

Targeting the safety record of general aviation and helicopters, a U.S. startup is certifying a high-reliability fly-by-wire system that can be retrofitted across a wide range of aircraft to provide simplified flight control with full envelope protection.