Aerospace & Defense Roundup: Apr. 13

Virgin Orbit Completes LauncherOne ‘Capstone’ Rehearsal

Credit: Virgin OrbitRocket company Virgin Orbit completed a major dress rehearsal of its LauncherOne vehicle launch system on April 12, marking the final test of the five-year development program and clearing the way for the first demonstration launch.

Ford Certifies Pilots For Carrier Ops

U.S. NavyUSS Gerald R. Ford.

Third-Stage Engine Nonignition Causes Long March 3B Failure

Credit: XinhuaNonignition of a third-stage engine caused the failure of a mission by a Calt Long March 3B rocket on March 9, according to a part owner of the Indonesian customer that lost its satellite.

NASAISS

Test Sites Named For Drone Traffic Management Demos

Credit: NASAUnmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test sites in New York and Virginia will participate in the second phase of a UAS Traffic Management pilot program, the FAA announced on April 10.

Mars Helicopter Attached To Rover For Launch

Credit: NASA JPLA small helicopter flying as a technology demonstration with NASA’s Mars 2020 mission has been attached to the Perseverance rover in preparation for launch this summer.