Defense and Space

The existing constellation consists of 26 spacecraft.

British aviation engineering firm 2Excel Aviation has stood up an Irish business to support a new search-and-rescue contract.

NASA is delaying plans for multiple spacewalks to assess the cause of a leak from a water coolant system umbilical that supports spacesuit thermal control.

Equinor’s investigation is independent of one currently underway by the state’s safety body, the Norwegian Safety Investigation Agency.

IT services and products will operate under the brand Minsait, with the Spanish company’s defense and air traffic products remaining under the Indra umbrella.

Armasuisse has given initial approval for an offset program that would see four of Switzerland's future F-35 JSF combat aircraft partially assembled in-country.

Embraer has delivered the second of five KC-390 aircraft ordered by Portugal in 2019.

Al Yah Satellite Communications says it has selected SpaceX and the Falcon 9 to launch the Al Yah 4 and Al Yah 5 satellites it recently ordered from Airbus.

Security concerns, not least apprehension over China's intentions, are driving new defense spending dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Tianlong-3 rocket unexpectedly lifted off during a test of Chinese company Space Pioneer's Tianhuo-12 (TH-12) engines, landing nearby in a fiery explosion.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched the Daichi-4 earth observation satellite using its H3 rocket.

L3Harris advanced imagers on board NOAA weather satellites are helping detect and track disasters that threaten lives and property.

Forces in Europe are doing more in space, including through an increased focus on situational awareness of the domain to address growing threats.

The airframer is building production and hopes for more KC-390 orders in defense as its executive aviation branch thrives. Where will it invest next?

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Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner will remain at the International Space Station (ISS) while a new ground campaign begins to test thrusters.

The Arlington, Virginia-based defense technology named itself as one of two finalists for the Army’s Next Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM) program.

With the integration of High Point’s capabilities, Dzyne’s platform will encompass a range of defense technology solutions.

Spain and Luxembourg will become the latest NATO members to provide military satellite communications services to the alliance during NATO-sanctioned operations.

Sikorsky and GE Aerospace are beginning the installation and testing of T901 engines on U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

The Danish government is adjusting its F-35 plans because of delays the fighter program has suffered in introducing the Technology Refresh 3 software upgrade.

The work includes logistical support and integration of crew provisions and supplies needed to sustain a human presence in space from low Earth orbit to the Moon.

The region is going shopping to address defense shortfalls, with counter-UAS on most countries’ lists.

Chang’e 6 was by far the most complex mission in China’s lunar exploration program to date.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.