Mounting Pressure For FAA Reauth Bill Just Keeps Building

Another aviation stakeholder took their frustrations to Capitol Hill at the end of November, with GAMA proclaiming its irritations shortly after the NBAA weighed in on the issue. General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce testified before the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee regarding the importance of a timely FAA reathorization, titled "Turbulence Ahead: Consequences of Delaying a Long-Term FAA Bill".

Gliding, Autorotating UAV Would Simplify Logistics with Pinpoint Delivery from Afar

Skyworks Aeronautics has been busy in recent months, announcing sales, developments and patents in a matter of weeks. Its most recent was an issued US patent for its Precision Airdrop System, an airborne vehicle designed to deliver payloads much like a standoff munition. The PAS offers intermediate-distance deliveries with a gliding stage to target before autorotating down to ensure precise landings.

Inaugural Flight of Ariane 6 to come from June to July 2024

ArianeSpace is aiming to launch their model 6 rocket between June 15 and July 31 next year, according to ESA sources. The first test flight won't exactly be a revenue launch, but it will contain a couple ride-along satellites, including 2 from NASA. The rocket has been long delayed, with work started nearly a decade ago when continental Europe aimed to build sufficient launch capability on its own turf. A second flight is expected by the end of next year, with a further target of 9 to 10 flights per year in 2025 and beyond.

Firm Wants More Shareholder Value, Less Scattered Approach to Aviation

Rolls-Royce's recent strategy release showed a minor pivot in the firm's plans to shore up its cash base over the coming years, even to the point of selling off their electric aviation wing to third parties. "We are creating a high performing, competitive, resilient and growing Rolls-Royce that will have the financial strength to control and shape its own destiny," said Chief Exec Tufan Erginbilgic. "We are clear where we will not invest and re-allocate capital to parts of the business where we can generate more value."

Aerojet Rocketdyne Continues Work on Rocket for Lunar Return

NASA finished the 3rd of a series of 12 ground tests of the SLS rocket that will one day power Artemis program missions to the moon - and beyond. As installed, 4 engines will generate a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust at launch, and 2 million during ascent. Artemis missions I through IV will use "modified holdover space shuttle main engines", scavenged by NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne in a feat of thriftiness.

76-Year-Old Veteran of NASA Science Mission Directorate Memorialized

Mary Cleave, a 2-flight veteran of the shuttered shuttle program, passed away at 76. "I’m sad we’ve lost trail blazer Dr. Mary Cleave, shuttle astronaut, veteran of two spaceflights, and first woman to lead the Science Mission Directorate as associate administrator,” said NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana. “Mary was a force of nature with a passion for science, exploration, and caring for our home planet. She will be missed.”