Aerospace & Defense Roundup: May 11

Third A-29 Aircraft Added To USAF Order For Special Operations Force

Credit: USAFSierra Nevada said on May 11 that it will deliver a third Embraer A-29 to U.S. Special Operations Command to support the Combat Aviation Advisor mission.

USAF Chief Nominee Would Continue Modernization Path

Credit: USAFGen. Charles Brown, President Donald Trump’s pick to be the next U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, says he would continue many of the same modernization efforts as his predecessor, but recognizes the service must adjust its strategy and priorities because of the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Re-Entry Capsule Of New Chinese Spacecraft Lands

Generated image of the new Chinese manned spacecraft just after separation of the re-entry capsule from the service module. Credit: CascThe re-entry capsule of a new manned Chinese spacecraft returned to Earth successfully on May 8, three days after it was launched in an unmanned test, government agencies said.

Cygnus Resupply Mission Ends ISS Stay

Credit: NASANorthrop Grumman’s 13th NASA-contracted Cygnus resupply mission departed the International Space Station (ISS) May 11 for an extended free flight.

Astronaut Spashdowns Make Comeback

Credit: SpaceXWhen Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken splash down in the Atlantic Ocean following their SpaceX Demo-2 flight to the International Space Station (ISS), it will mark the first time NASA astronauts have landed in the ocean in nearly 45 years.

Japan To Stand Up Space Monitoring Unit In Air Force

The JAXA radar (left) and telescope (right) to be used for Japanese space situational awareness. Credit: JAXAJapan will on May 18 stand up an air force unit charged with tracking space debris and meteorites, Defense Minister Kono Taro said. The aim of the Space Domain Mission Unit will be protecting Japanese surveillance satellites, Kono’s ministry said in February.

FAA Authorizes Florida Commercial Launch Site

Credit: Leonard J. DeFrancisciThe FAA has authorized a 12th commercial space launch site and continues to evaluate another site that was nearing a decision by the agency late last year.

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