domingo, 22 de noviembre de 2020
Astroscale Announces March 2021 Launch Date for World’s First Commercial Active Debris Removal Demonstration Mission
press release
ELSA-d is the first mission to demonstrate the core technologies necessary for space debris docking and removal, a major step towards expanding on-orbit services and achieving Astroscale’s vision of safe and sustainable space for the benefit of future generations.
November 18, 2020 – Astroscale Holdings Inc. (“Astroscale”), the market-leader in securing long-term orbital sustainability, today announced that its End-of-Life Services by Astroscale-demonstration (ELSA-d) mission will launch on a Soyuz rocket operated by GK Launch Services from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, in March 2021.
“We now have the launch in our sights,” says Seita Iizuka, ELSA-d Project Manager. “Publicly announcing this significant milestone is possible thanks to years of teamwork. The ELSA-d program demonstrates complex and innovative capabilities that will support satellite operators in realizing options for their post-mission disposal strategies and establish Astroscale as a global leader in the on-orbit servicing market.”
Decreased launch and satellite development costs, an increasing global dependence on data from space and the rise of large commercial satellite constellations have led to a rapidly increasing population of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). This growing use of space brings significant benefits to society but also greatly increases the threat of collision or break-up. This growing potential for additional debris creation endangers current and future satellite missions and puts society’s reliance on data from space at risk. ELSA-d will demonstrate a valuable service by safely removing defunct satellites from orbit to maintain the viability of LEO.
The ELSA-d mission will demonstrate multiple dynamically complex capture activities necessary to remove defunct objects from orbit using an innovative approach consisting of a servicer (~175kg) and a client (~17kg), launched together. The servicer, equipped with proximity rendezvous technologies and a magnetic capture mechanism, will repeatedly release and dock with the client, which has been prepared with a ferromagnetic docking plate. Astroscale intends to prove the capabilities required for debris removal, including client search, inspection and rendezvous, and both non-tumbling and tumbling docking.
Astroscale will operate ELSA-d out of the UK using the In-Orbit Servicing Control Centre National Facility (IOCC) developed by a team led by Astroscale. The IOCC, located at the Satellite Applications Catapult in Harwell, Oxfordshire, was developed specifically for satellite servicing missions. “Astroscale UK is proud to be operating this exciting mission,” says John Auburn, Managing Director of Astroscale’s UK office. “ELSA-d will be groundbreaking in so many ways — it will demonstrate the first semi-autonomous capture of a non-responsive, tumbling client, as well as the first identification of a client located outside the servicer’s sensor field of view.”
While ELSA-d will most notably demonstrate the technical capabilities needed for orbital debris removal, the mission also highlights Astroscale’s efforts to drive the global conversation on policies and the business cases behind the on-orbit servicing ecosystem. With a space segment developed in Japan, a ground segment in the UK, launch from Kazakhstan, ground station support in multiple countries, and a team that spans five countries, Astroscale epitomizes international collaboration. Additionally, the company’s global supply chain and discussions with a growing list of potential customers are evidence of the commercial viability of this part of the space economy.
“Our passionate and dedicated global team is excited to get closer to the launch of ELSA-d,” says Nobu Okada, Founder and CEO of Astroscale. “We’re on the brink of a new chapter in on-orbit servicing, and Astroscale is eager to take this important next step in demonstrating technical innovation, advancing the discussion on international policies and proving the business case.”
Astroscale’s future missions include Phase I of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) project, scheduled to launch in early 2023, as well as the company’s first satellite life-extension platform in geostationary orbit.
The Next Steps for Bell’s Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque
https://youtu.be/jJUgmeSYox4
press release
From
the creation of the first certified commercial helicopter to
introducing tiltrotor technology, Bell’s iconic legacy consists of
revolutionary ideas that have disrupted industries. Today we continue
this pursuit for coveted vertical lift products, evident through our
unveiling of Bell's Electrically Distributed Anti-Torque (EDAT),
an unconventional tail rotor with innumerable opportunities. In a
Vertical Flight Society online webinar on Nov. 16, Bell’s Program
Director for Light Aircraft, Eric Sinusas, shared potential applications
for this latest innovation. “I think it has potential to potentially
replace them [traditional tail rotors],” Sinusas said. “There are
benefits to the system that the conventional system just does not have
innately.”
This unprecedented technology
was revealed in February 2020, sparking global interest from rotorcraft
community and technology aficionados for its ingenuity. Since then,
Bell continues to test the unique concept, which includes four
electrical motors driving a fixed-pitch, rpm-controlled fan capable of
operating speeds around 6,000 to 7,000 rpm. “I think we can say that we
have successfully proven the concept… it works,” Sinusas says. “Now
we’re into the phase of optimization and we’re fine-tuning the
performance characteristics, pushing the envelope further.”
After
participating in the VFS forum, Aviation Week clarified how EDAT’s
technology offers an enhanced experience in terms of extra flight
operational support and cost. “The fans are driven by generators run off
the tail rotor drive, with wires to the electrical motors replacing the
complex tail rotor shaft and gearboxes running through the tail boom.
This eliminates the cost of maintaining the tail rotor shaft.”
With
growing global intrigue, Bell can’t wait to showcase this aircraft in
action and continue exploring new technology to offer our customers
enhanced flight experiences.
VERDEGO AERO RUNNINGWORLD’S MOST EFFICIENT AEROSPACE DIESEL-ELECTRIC (JET A) HYBRIDPROPULSIONSYSTEM
press release
Daytona Beach, FLORIDA–The VerdeGo Aero team has made aviation history as theysuccessfully performed the first test runs of their “Iron Bird”prototype diesel-hybrid (Jet A fuel) generator systemin early August. VerdeGo Aero has now successfully performed its initial series of tests to validate the Iron Bird system at power output levels above 150KW. This ground-based development hardware, built around the certified Continental CD-265 high efficiency diesel aviation engine, is being used for testing to refine the weight, power output, cooling systems, and reliability of the conformal hybrid systems now being engineered for aerospace customers.TheVerdeGo hybrid generator can be combined with battery packs to enable peak power output up to 0.5MWand modular twin generator systems can be stacked for 360KW continuous and 1MW peak output.VerdeGo’s hybrid power systems are applicable to numerous next-generation electric aircraft markets including:vertical takeoffand landingurban air mobility vehicles (eVTOL), short takeoff and landing (eSTOL), and conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) aircraft. Both passenger and cargo aircraft in manned and unmanned configurationsare supported by VerdeGo’s hybrid powertrain. Their diesel-hybrid system runs on globally-available Jet-A fuel consumingaround 40% less fuel thancompeting turbine-hybrid offerings, while providing between four and eight times the endurance of competing battery-only powertrains.Compatibility with Jet A also means the VerdeGo hybrid is compatible with the bio-Jet substitute fuels under development.“Getting the Iron Bird running not only validatesthe operating economics of our diesel-hybrid power generation system, it also enables us to perform hardware-in-the-loop simulations using mission profiles from our airframe customers.says David Eichstedt, Director of Advanced Concepts.It’s a powerful way for customersto validate the economics of their aircraft designs value proposition using real powertrain hardware without leaving the ground.”For interested parties willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement, VerdeGo is able to provide the equivalent of a traditional engine deck. This proprietary software utilizes data from the full-scale hardware testing and includes a hybrid simulation modelfor airframers to use that includes both the hybrid generator and the battery solution that goes with it. Chief Executive Officer Eric Bartsch says, “VerdeGo Aero is positioned to offer the most efficient, most cost effective, low emissions hybrid system for demanding commercial aviation missions. Our Iron Bird is demonstrating the hardware platform that willpower aircraft requiring up to 1MW of peak power using our highly efficient generator systems and world-class battery pack technologies.”VerdeGo’s hybrid systems provide significantly more mission capabilities than battery-packs while substantially reducing fuel consumption, emissions, operating cost, and noise when compared to turbine hybrids. The operational testing of VerdeGo’s Iron Bird is a significant step towards enablingitscustomers to create more competitiveelectric aircraft
XTI Aircraft partners with VerdeGo Aero on the Hybrid-Electric VTOL TriFan 200 Cargo/Logistics Aircraft
DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Recognizing the need for fast, economical, point-to-point cargo and logistics transportation, VerdeGo Aero in Daytona Beach, FL and XTI Aircraft Company in Denver, CO have partnered together on the TriFan 200 program. XTI Aircraft, a leader in next-generation VTOL aircraft, is developing the TriFan 200, a configuration similar to its larger TriFan 600 VTOL passenger aircraft already under development. VerdeGo Aero is applying its high-efficiency, low-emissions diesel (Jet-A) hybrid powertrain to enable the TriFan 200 to offer operators outstanding operating economics.
When the program reaches commercial development and certification, XTI’s TriFan 200 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft will be an unmanned autonomous aircraft capable of transporting 500 lbs of cargo on missions of more than 200 nautical miles. The TriFan 200 will enable express logistics companies to rapidly address “miles 1 to 20” when shipping urgent cargo by rapidly connecting global air cargo hubs with distribution points throughout major cities. Surface transportation in highly congested global cities currently takes up to 90 to 120 minutes for urgent cargo to travel between air cargo hubs at major airports and the city centers. The XTI TriFan 200 will enable significant time to be removed from both ends of the journey, allowing later pickup times and earlier deliveries. In addition to express shipping, the TriFan 200 is also applicable to longer-range transportation in remote locations without infrastructure, including military logistics missions.
“The TriFan 200 aircraft will open up a significant new market for XTI to address the needs of cargo and logistics operators globally. We are excited to be partnered with VerdeGo to leverage their experience with hybrid powertrains combined with our experience from the TriFan 600 program to create an efficient, economical, profitable VTOL aircraft for fleet operators worldwide,” said Robert LaBelle, CEO, XTI Aircraft.
VerdeGo Aero’s diesel (Jet-A) hybrid systems offer the lowest operating cost and largest mission flexibility for next-generation electric aircraft. Combining VerdeGo’s highly efficient 180KW generator with VerdeGo’s high-power battery pack, enables aircraft like the TriFan 200 to operate profitably for fleet operators. The high efficiency of VerdeGo’s diesel hybrid generators is instrumental in reducing emissions and fuel burn by 35% when compared to conventional turbine powertrains, while also reducing overall direct operating cost by 40%. Utilizing globally available Jet-A fuel means no new infrastructure is necessary, and aircraft utilizing VerdeGo’s hybrid systems are ready for the biofuel Jet-A substitutes now under development.
“XTI’s TriFan 200 is an outstanding application for VerdeGo’s hybrid powertrain systems and we are excited to support XTI as an early customer. XTI’s goals to provide its customers with reliable, high-performance cargo aircraft are ideally matched with the efficiency and low operating cost of VerdeGo’s diesel hybrid powertrains,” said Eric Bartsch, CEO and Co-founder of VerdeGo Aero.
XTI Aircraft Company is a privately owned aircraft OEM based near Denver. XTI is guided by a leadership team with decades of experience, a deep well of expertise, and success bringing new aircraft to market. XTI is founded on a culture of customer-focused problem solving to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.
VerdeGo Aero, founded in 2017, is a leader in propulsion technologies for the next generation of aircraft. VerdeGo’s electric powertrain technologies enable its customers to create more competitive aircraft by leveraging VerdeGo Aero’s expertise in hybrid-electric propulsion and battery-electric aircraft systems. VerdeGo Aero has successfully performed its initial series of tests to validate their hybrid-electric powertrain Iron Bird test system at power output levels above 150KW. The VerdeGo hybrid generator can be combined with battery packs to enable peak power output up to 0.5MW and modular twin generator systems can be stacked for 360KW continuous and 1MW peak output.
Lockheed Martin to Build New Training Center for Binational French, German C-130J Squadron
French and German C-130J® Super Hercules aircrews and maintainers will train in a facility located in France, built and equipped by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) for the countries’ binational C-130J Super Hercules Squadron. Lockheed Martin will provide training devices, the learning management system, courseware and options for five years of training services under the terms of a new direct commercial sale (DCS) contract, allowing for in-country learning.
Lockheed Martin will break ground on the training center in 2021 and aircrew and maintainers will begin training in the center in 2024.
The training center will be located in Évreux-Fauville Air Base in the Normandy region of France and will provide training for both C-130J-30 airlifter and KC-130J tanker aircraft under a first-of-its-kind partnership in the entire scope of 65 years of Hercules history where the countries share the aircraft, which are used for aerial refueling, air drop and cargo missions.
“The French/German C-130J Binational Training Center will allow both countries to train pilots and maintainers on the full capability of these proven aircraft,” said Tom Gordon, Lockheed Martin, vice president of Training and Simulation Solutions. “Lockheed Martin is honored to support this historic partnership and proud to work directly with our customers in establishing a first-of-its kind resource that will benefit Super Hercules crew members for decades to come.”
The French and German binational squadron consists of a combined 10 Super Hercules aircraft. In 2018, Germany announced the acquisition of six Super Hercules aircraft (three C-130J-30s and three KC-130J fleets) to be operated in partnership with France. France has received a total of four Super Hercules aircraft through a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. government. France’s Super Hercules are operated in conjunction with its existing C-130H fleet.
Lockheed Martin is the leading global provider of C-130J training and has experience creating
“turn-key” training facilities for the aircraft. Lockheed Martin’s own Hercules Training Center (HTC) is located in Marietta, Georgia, adjacent to the Super Hercules production line. The HTC is a combined academic and simulator facility purpose-built for training efficiency on the C-130J fleet. The HTC trains C-130J crews as needed and will be used to train France and Germany’s initial instructor cadre of pilots and maintainers during the construction of the new facility.
The C-130J Super Hercules is the current production model of the legendary C-130 Hercules mid-size tactical airlifter, offering superior performance and enhanced capabilities with the range and versatility for every theater of operations and evolving requirements. To date, the Super Hercules fleet counts 24 operators in 21 nations around the world and has surpassed 2 million flight hours.
As the preeminent tactical aerial refueling tanker, the KC-130J is a battle-tested solution that takes full advantage of the tremendous technological and performance improvements inherent in the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. A true force multiplier, the KC-130J refuels both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft as well as conducts rapid ground refueling.
For additional information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/c130.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
F-35 Proposal Submitted to Swiss Government
press release
On Nov. 18, the U.S. government and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) submitted an F-35 proposal to the Swiss government in support of Switzerland's New Fighter Aircraft (NFA) competition.
The F-35 proposal is a total package offering that includes up to 40 F-35A aircraft, a sustainment solution tailored to Swiss autonomy requirements, and a comprehensive training program.
The offering includes an industrial package providing Swiss industry substantial F-35 work opportunities. Should the F-35 be selected as the new fighter for Switzerland, this industrial work would take place in all Swiss regions. Swiss industry has the opportunity to compete for direct production of components for use on all F-35s produced, sustainment projects focused on supporting the Swiss Air Force and enhancing Swiss autonomy, and cyber security projects directly related to the F-35.
The offer uses the F-35 Global Support Solution for sustainment to ensure Switzerland benefits from the European F-35 economies of scale to realize lower sustainment costs for the Swiss Air Force. It also includes a six-month spares package to ensure the Swiss Air Force has the ability to conduct autonomous operations, if needed. Lockheed Martin is also offering an option for the assembly of four aircraft in Switzerland to ensure the Swiss Air Force and Swiss industry gain an understanding of how to maintain the F-35 airframe and its advanced capabilities for the life of the program.
"We are confident that our F-35 offer is the best and most affordable solution for the Swiss NFA competition," said Greg Ulmer, F-35 Program vice president and general manager. "We are offering the only 5th generation fighter at the cost of 4th generation aircraft while offering Switzerland an aircraft that will protect Swiss sovereignty for decades to come."
To date, the F-35 has been selected by 13 nations and operates from 26 bases worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 585 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,190 pilots and 9,750 maintainers trained on the aircraft.
For additional information, visit www.f35.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.
Company based the design for HALO on its flight-proven Cygnus spacecraft
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully completed its initial preliminary design review (PDR) event for the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). The module will serve as living quarters for astronauts at the Gateway during lunar exploration missions.
The design for HALO is based on Northrop Grumman’s flight-proven Cygnus spacecraft, a human-capable vehicle that delivers supplies, equipment and experiments to the International Space Station. Design upgrades for HALO include command and control systems, as well as environmental control and life support systems.
“By basing the HALO module on Cygnus, we are able to deliver an affordable and reliable flight-proven product on an accelerated timeline,” said Steve Krein, vice president, civil and commercial satellites, Northrop Grumman. “Maturing HALO through its preliminary design marks a major milestone in the module’s production.”
The HALO module is key to NASA’s Lunar Gateway, serving both as a crew habitat and docking hub for vehicles navigating between Earth and the moon. With NASA’s Orion spacecraft docked, HALO will be able to sustain up to four astronauts for up to 30 days as they travel to and from the lunar surface.
Northrop Grumman’s work on HALO is a follow-on to the Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships 2 (NextSTEP-2) program, where the company used virtual reality and 3-D printed models to support rapid prototyping of the NextSTEP-2 habitat modules.
In addition to HALO, Northrop Grumman is partnering on the Blue Origin-led human landing system team to develop the Human Landing System (HLS) for the Artemis program. Northrop Grumman will provide the Transfer Element vehicle that lowers the landing system into low lunar orbit. The company is also responsible for delivering boosters for the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion Ascent Abort System.
From the first lunar lander to the space shuttle boosters, to supplying the International Space Station with vital cargo, Northrop Grumman has pioneered new products and ideas that have been put into orbit, on the moon, and in deep space for more than 50 years. As a part of NASA’s Artemis program, we are building on our mission heritage with new innovations to enable NASA to return humans to the moon, with the ultimate goal of human exploration of Mars.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.