Aerojet Rocketdyne Successfully Demonstrates Advanced Electric Propulsion Capabilities for Future Space Exploration

press release





LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne successfully completed its early systems integration test for NASA’s Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) program, a next-generation propulsion capability that will further enable deep space missions. Under the AEPS contract, Aerojet Rocketdyne will develop and qualify a 13-kilowatt Hall thruster string for NASA, bolstering future exploration missions, as well as commercial space endeavors.

This most recent test focused on the power elements of the AEPS Hall thruster string: the discharge supply unit (DSU) and the power processing unit (PPU). The test proved the system’s ability to successfully convert power at a high efficiency level, producing minimal waste heat. The early integrated systems test combined a breadboard AEPS PPU and a DSU with a NASA development thruster and tested them in a thermal vacuum chamber at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

“By staying on the cutting edge of propulsion technology, we have positioned ourselves for a major role not only in getting back to the Moon, but also in any future initiative to send people to Mars,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “AEPS is the vanguard for the next generation of deep space exploration and we’re thrilled to be at the mast.”

“Our AEPS discharge supply unit performed exceptionally, yielding significant conversion efficiency improvements important for future demanding missions,” Drake continued. “These results are a testament to the Aerojet Rocketdyne team’s focus and dedication to advancing the state of the art in this critical in-space technology area.”

With the early systems integration test in the books, the team will move into the design finalization and verification phase leading up to the critical design review (CDR), in which the design will be finalized and cleared for production.

The AEPS thrusters could be used on the power and propulsion element of NASA’s Gateway, the agency’s lunar orbiting outpost for robotic and human exploration operations in deep space. Built with commercial partners, the power and propulsion element will demonstrate 50-kW class solar electric propulsion to support exploration on and near the Moon, and beyond, including Mars.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Boeing Forecasts Greatest Demand for Pilots, Technicians, Cabin Crew in Asia Pacific Region

Boeing's press release



Over the next 20 years, the region will account for more than one-third of global demand

SINGAPORE, -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] reports that the Asia Pacific region will have the greatest global demand for new civil aviation personnel over the next 20 years. The region is projected to account for 33 percent of the global need for pilots, 34 percent for technicians and 36 percent for cabin crew.

The 2018 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook is an industry forecast of new aviation personnel demand. It is closely tied to projections for new airplane deliveries around the globe. As with personnel demand, the Asia Pacific region leads demand for new commercial airplane deliveries over the next 20 years. Forty percent of all new passenger airplane deliveries in the next 20 years will be delivered to airlines in the Asia Pacific region.

According to the outlook:

• The 20-year demand for new commercial sector pilots in the region remains strong at 240,000. While demand decreased five percent, this was driven by regional trends that indicate a peak in pilot retirements in the first decade of the forecast and a softening of replacement demand in the later years, due to a younger generation entering the pilot ranks long before reaching mandatory retirement age.
• New commercial technician demand decreased five percent to 242,000. This is due to advancements in product development on the 737 MAX, which have resulted in increased maintenance efficiencies. Overall, maintenance hours required over the life of the airplane will be reduced.
• New commercial cabin crew demand increased three percent to 317,000 due to anticipated fleet mix, cabin configuration and regulatory requirements.

For the first time, the outlook included the helicopter and business aviation markets. The inclusion of these sectors increases the region's demand to 261,000 pilots, 257,000 technicians and 321,000 cabin crew.

Leading the region in projected demand for new pilots, technicians and cabin crew:

• China: 128,500 pilots; 126,750 technicians; 147,250 cabin crew
• Southeast Asia: 48,500 pilots; 54,000 technicians; 76,250 cabin crew
• South Asia: 42,750 pilots; 35,000 technicians; 43,250 cabin crew

"Strong demand for pilots in the region continues, and we expect that this will continue for the next several years," said Keith Cooper, vice president of Training & Professional Services for Boeing Global Services. "Through our pilot training solutions, including the Pilot Development Program, we are helping to ensure a pipeline of pilots is ready to meet the industry's demand."

Boeing's Pilot Development program is an accelerated training program intended to guide pilots from early stage ab-initio training through type rating as a first officer.

For more information about the Pilot & Technician Outlook, please visit: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/market.

For the 2018 Business Environment Update, please visit: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/boeing-market-insight.

For more information about Boeing's commercial training products and services, please visit: http://www.boeing.com/commercial/services/training-and-resourcing/.