Aerospace & Defense Roundup: May 20

Most Drone Flyers Disregard FAA’s System, Study Says

DJI AeroScope system. Credit: Elite ConsultingA new study suggests that most operators disregarded the FAA’s system for authorizing drone flights in controlled airspace when flying near a large central Florida airport.

Astronauts Arrive At KSC For Demo-2 Launch

Robert Behnken, left, and Douglas Hurley at Kennedy Space Center. Credit: NASANASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley landed at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on May 20 for final preparations ahead of launch next week to test SpaceX’s Crew Dragon system.

DARPA’s Hypersonic Programs Fall Months Behind Schedule

Artist's concept of HAWC scramjet. Credit: RaytheonTwo of the U.S. Defense Department’s most advanced hypersonic programs have fallen months behind schedule, the head of the Pentagon’s Research and Engineering branch confirmed on May 20.

Boeing Won’t Protest NASA Human Landing System Awards

NASA passed on Boeing’s Human Landing System offer. Credit: BoeingBoeing, which was shut out of nearly $1 billion of NASA funding to develop human-class lunar landers, said it does not plan to protest the awards, which went to teams led by Blue Origin, Dynetics and SpaceX.

UK Defense MinistryE7

Japanese Cargo Mission Launches To ISS

ISS Credit: NASAThe Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) ninth resupply mission was on course to reach the three-person International Space Station (ISS) early May 25 following a May 20 liftoff from the Tanegashima Space Center.

NASA Renames WFIRST For ‘Mother Of Hubble’

Nancy Roman Credit: NASANASA has renamed its struggling Wide Field Infrared Space Telescope (WFIRST) in honor of the late Nancy Grace Roman, a longtime pioneering woman astronomer sometimes referred to as the “Mother of Hubble.” Roman was also the agency’s first chief astronomer.

U.S. NavyT-45

BAE Rebuilding Australia’s Jindalee Radars In Upgrade

The receiving array of the Jindalee radar at Alice Springs, Australia. Credit: BAE SystemsA BAE Systems program to upgrade Australia’s three over-the-horizon radars amounts to rebuilding the sensor system, addressing parts obsolescence while providing a jump in performance.