August 6, 2020 - No. 058 In This Issue Honeywell Uses Blockchain To Digitize Aircraft Records, Parts Pedigree Data Embraer's commercial aviation revenue falls by 82% Shell Aviation Launches Automated End-to-End Touchless Refueling Process Apollo Air Services selected to be European supplier for Aviation Clean Air REPSOL BEGINS PRODUCTION OF AVIATION BIOFUELS IN SPAIN Boeing Faces Fine Over Pressuring Safety Inspectors Virgin Galactic Unveils Mach 3 Aircraft Boom Partners with Rolls-Royce for Supersonic Aircraft Engines Delta aviation maintenance technicians have traded in their tools for sewing machines FAA: DCC airport hangar under construction creating safety concern SpaceX's Starship SN5 Prototype Soars in First Test Flight Honeywell Uses Blockchain To Digitize Aircraft Records, Parts Pedigree Data ATLANTA, Aug. 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For decades, aerospace companies and their customers have drowned in cumbersome documentation processes and storage mechanisms. Honeywell (NYSE: HON) is solving those problems by fully integrating aircraft record generation into its digital blockchain ledger. This provides Honeywell's customers with an easy way to search and retrieve scattered data through a simple user interface, creating a level of speed and efficiency never before available in the aerospace industry. Quick and easy access to this data is critical for airlines because most use dozens of repair facilities, and the paperwork from each is not integrated. Additionally, airlines and operators commonly deal with lost, printed paperwork associated with a part. This paperwork, or "trace documents," are critical to maintaining the value of a part's worth. Honeywell's blockchain is a secure, decentralized database crowd-sourced by all its authorized users. Each user that Honeywell allows has a copy of the database and knows its contents in real time. Instead of storing only PDF documents or a reference to the digital aircraft record, Honeywell now stores the actual form data "on chain." This data is used to re-construct aircraft records, including records that prove the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has certified that aircraft parts are safe to fly. These records can be accessed by customers, and in the case where paperwork is missing, customers can simply input the part number and serial number and the user interface will retrieve the data from the blockchain and "rebuild" the missing document. "Honeywell's offering is like a search engine, but it works for anything and everything related to aircraft parts and service," said Lisa Butters, general manager for Honeywell's GoDirect Trade and applications owner for blockchain technologies. "Honeywell manufactures and repairs thousands of aerospace parts each day, and now all of those events, including the generated air worthiness certificates, go on chain. In aerospace, this is a game-changing technology that will simplify and transform recordkeeping for aircraft owners and airlines around the world." In its purest form, blockchain technology creates trust between all parties on the chain through digital transparency. The goal of the company is not to be the only aerospace company creating unified aircraft records on chain, but rather to collaborate and be an implementation partner so others can leverage the same technology. "Blockchain is unique because it's a team sport," said Butters. "This isn't just about Honeywell data. In fact, this is not just about aerospace data. Whether you are in aerospace, automotive, electronics or consumer products, I envision all manufacturing OEMs and repair shops pushing quality documentation and part provenance data to the blockchain, so customers have easy access." Adding data to the blockchain ledger does not replace regulatory authorities' current document requirements, but rather supplements them more efficiently. Honeywell now unpacks all that parts and repair data and makes it immutable, searchable and accessible to everyone in its permissions-based ecosystem. Honeywell first implemented blockchain technology with the launch of GoDirect Trade in late 2018. This online marketplace for buying and selling new and used aircraft parts leverages blockchain to include images and quality documents for the exact part being offered for sale, giving the buyer more confidence about purchasing the part. More than 2,700 companies and 7,000 users are active on GoDirect Trade today, and more than 80 storefronts have combined to process more than $8 million in transactions since the marketplace's launch. About Honeywell Honeywell ([url="]www.honeywell.com[/url]) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. https://www.gurufocus.com/news/1203724/honeywell-uses-blockchain-to-digitize-aircraft-records-parts-pedigree-data Back to Top Embraer's commercial aviation revenue falls by 82% SAO PAULO, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Brazil's Embraer said on Wednesday that revenue at its commercial aviation segment, usually its largest and most profitable, had fallen by 82% to $109 million in the second quarter because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Embraer, in common with its larger planemaker rivals Airbus AIR.PA and Boeing BA.N, has seen demand collapse as the pandemic paralysed air travel. The world's No. 3 planemaker reported a net loss of $315 million in the quarter. Much of that loss, executives said in a conference call, was because of one-off expenses and it said results for future quarters should not be as negative. Embraer said that up to 50% of its aircraft orders have been deferred to 2022. It said it had not received cancellations in the all-important commercial segment, but cautioned that long deferrals will make 2021 difficult. To compensate for the deferrals, the company said it has launched sales campaigns to secure aircraft deliveries in the shorter term, although it did not announce any new firm orders. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/embraers-commercial-aviation-revenue-falls-by-82-2020-08-05 Back to Top Shell Aviation Launches Automated End-to-End Touchless Refueling Process London, United Kingdom - August 6, 2020: Shell Aviation has introduced end-to-end digital integration with airline customers through Shell SkyPad, its tablet that connects pilots and apron operators with cloud-based computer systems. The development marks the next step in Shell Aviation's ambitions for a fully digitized refueling operation, harnessing technology to maximize efficiency and accuracy across all aspects of the process. The new functionality of Shell SkyPad Data Exchange enables compatibility with a wide range of airlines' own digital platforms, allowing integration with airline systems that adhere to IATA Fuel Data Standards. Alongside this, Shell SkyPad has been enhanced with a new real-time communications tool. This enables instant contact between the apron operator, the pilot and the back offices, allowing them to electronically track, update and exchange fuel figures throughout the refueling process. From an airline perspective, Shell understands that the currency of refueling is seconds. Airlines integrating Shell SkyPad Data Exchange can save up to 13 minutes during the refueling process, which can minimize delays in turnaround time and associated costs. Shell SkyPad Data Exchange can also deliver fuel savings by optimizing refueling through improved data accuracy by up to 90%. This offers the potential to unlock significant financial savings across an airline's fleet by avoiding expenditure on unnecessary fuel. Thomas de Boer, Head of Operations at Shell Aviation states: "With the global aviation industry facing its most significant challenge in history as it starts to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we're not content with being simply 'another supplier'. Minimizing delays in aircraft turnaround times and errors in data transmission are two aspects that contribute towards profitability. By improving communications between pilots and apron operators, this latest innovation will help to deliver smoother and safer operations for our airline customers, using digital technologies to maximize efficiency and accuracy across the refueling process." Shell SkyPad, developed in collaboration with software applications specialist SAP, is already benefiting many of Shell's airline customers across its global refueling network. International operator Lufthansa is the first customer to integrate Shell SkyPad Data Exchange into their systems. Kai Liedtke, Head of Fuel Purchasing Lufthansa Group, commented: "Shell SkyPad Data Exchange, a solution jointly developed between Shell, SAP and Lufthansa, is another important step into fully digitalizing and automating the apron. The established real-time communication makes the fuelling process significantly safer, faster and more efficient. We strongly believe in the innovative approach of Shell SkyPad Data Exchange and are convinced that this will make a significant difference on the e-fueling market." The real-time communication offered by Shell SkyPad Data Exchange means that aircraft do not need to be on stand as long. From the initial fuel order from the pilot to take-off, the exchange between Shell SkyPad and an airline's own system means that potential issues during critical moments of the refueling process can be predicted and averted. The transmission of progress milestones throughout the entire process delivers flexibility, transparency and reliability. The airline knows instantly when fueling has begun and finished and receives a notification of the final fuel volume right after uplift is completed. In addition, the pilot does not need to leave the cockpit to speak to the fueler in person. Having Shell SkyPad technology distributed around the world enables Shell Aviation to instantly connect to airlines' systems at any of the participating airports based on a single integration. This means Shell Aviation can offer a simple, paperless solution to its customers, which has added safety benefits during this time when social distancing is paramount to contain Covid-19, with no additional admin required per location. In addition, Shell SkyPad is safe to be used anywhere on the apron, anywhere in the world: from the smallest airports to some of the world's largest, where multiple refuelling trucks and data sources need to be captured. [1] Based on observed and recorded performance by ground operators using Shell SkyPad Data Exchange at Manchester Airport in November 2019. [2] Based on observed and recorded performance by an international airline at a number of airports https://www.aviationpros.com/gse/fueling-equipment-accessories/fuel-distributors-suppliers-manufacturers/press-release/21149245/shell-aviation-shell-aviation-launches-automated-endtoend-touchless-refueling-process Back to Top Apollo Air Services selected to be European supplier for Aviation Clean Air The new technology is proven to deactivate 99.4 per cent of airborne virus including Covid-19, meaning passengers and crew can feel safe knowing that the air they breathe, and surfaces that they touch during the helicopter flight, are safe. Apollo Air Services will handle the full installation of the new system from start to finish - providing the equipment, gaining approval, and fitting the unit within the aircraft. Once it has been installed, Apollo can also test for elements. The Ionization Purification System operates through the aircraft's existing environmental control system and can be fitted to any helicopter. This technology means that the passengers and crew are not required to wear masks or gloves. The Ionization Purification System uses positive and negative ions to immediately improve interior air quality, eliminate odours and kill pathogens in the air and on surfaces, wherever they live throughout the cabin and cockpit, making the air even purer and safer than in a medical environment. In the Covid-19 travel landscape, health and hygiene have never been more important and are now key considerations in travel by air. Having the air purification provides considerable added value to each aircraft, and means in both the short and long-term, clients and crew can feel safe and protected from the virus and confident to travel once again. Steve Graham, Director, Accountable Manager, Chief Pilot and Training Captain at Apollo Air Services, said: "We are delighted to be appointed the supplier of Aviation Clean Air's ground-breaking technology within Europe and the UK It has never been more important to ensure clients feel safe and comfortable flying by helicopter and this new technology is crucial in gaining back customer confidence. "We have installed the units to our own fleet and are encouraging our fellow helicopter owners and operators to do the same to help protect their clients and crew. We can manage the installation from start to finish from our maintenance base in Blackpool, so there's no need to worry about the fitting, testing and approval process." https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/news/apollo-air-services-selected-be-european-supplier-aviation-clean-air Back to Top REPSOL BEGINS PRODUCTION OF AVIATION BIOFUELS IN SPAIN Repsol S.A. (Madrid, Spain) has successfully completed the production of the Spanish market's first batch of aviation biofuels. This milestone enables the Company to advance in the production of low-carbon fuels for industries such as aviation, where alternatives like electrification are not viable today. This biojet was produced at Repsol's Puertollano Industrial Complex in Ciudad Real, and more batches of aviation biofuel will continue to be manufactured at other facilities of the Group across Spain and through initiatives using biofuels derived from waste at a later time. The first batch consists of 7,000 tons of aviation fuel made from biomass - equal to the consumption of 100 Madrid-Los Angeles flights - which passed the demanding tests required by these products. It has a bio content under 5% in order to meet the quality standards established by international specifications and using it will prevent 400 tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, which is equal to 40 Madrid-Barcelona flights. In Spain, the Integrated National Climate and Energy Plan acknowledges that biofuels currently represent the most widely available and used renewable technology in transportation. In the aviation sector, the biojet derived from biomass or waste is today the only alternative, and it's included in the list of sustainable fuels. Due to the important role these biofuels play in reducing emissions, Repsol began working on different low-carbon solutions applied to transportation several years ago. Its focus on promoting biofuels, along with renewable generation, synthetic fuels, green hydrogen, self-consumption, and the circular economy, is one of Repsol's key lines of work to achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050. Furthermore, Repsol emphasized the circular economy as a tool for efficiently using resources and pointed out that it will double its production of high-quality biofuels from vegetable oils (HVO) to 600,000 tons by 2030, half of which will be produced from waste before 2025. The Company also recently announced the launch of two major pioneering decarbonization industrial projects at the Petronor refinery. The first project involves the construction of one of the largest plants in the world for producing net zero emissions fuels from CO2 and green hydrogen, generated with renewable energy. This facility will set a new benchmark in Europe thanks to the cutting-edge technology applied and the use of captured CO2 as raw material in the Petronor refinery. The second project is a plant for generating gas from urban waste, which will replace part of the traditional fuels used in Petronor's production process. https://www.chemengonline.com/repsol-begins-production-of-aviation-biofuels-in-spain/ Back to Top Boeing Faces Fine Over Pressuring Safety Inspectors Federal officials are seeking to fine Boeing $1.25 million, saying Wednesday that company managers pressured employees who were designated to perform safety-related work for the government at an aircraft factory in South Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration said that over a nearly two-year period, Boeing managers pressured employees to inspect a plane before it was ready, harassed inspectors to speed up, and threatened to replace them. Sometimes managers at the plant in North Charleston waited outside a plane to keep track of how long it took safety-unit members to perform inspections, the agency said. And Boeing retaliated against a safety-unit manager for complaining about undue pressure by not interviewing the "highly qualified manager" for a promotion, the FAA said in an enforcement letter to Boeing officials. Chicago-based Boeing said it investigated the allegations, reported them to the FAA, and took corrective action. The proposed civil penalties "are a clear and strong reminder of our obligations," company spokesman Peter Pedraza said in a statement. "Undue pressure of any type is inconsistent with our values and will not be tolerated." For decades, the FAA has relied on employees of aircraft manufacturers to carry out some safety-related tests and analysis. The approach saves the government money, but it has come under scrutiny in Congress since two deadly crashes involving Boeing 737 Max jets, which are built at a separate plant near Seattle. Some lawmakers say letting company employees do safety analysis amounts to self-regulation, and Congress is considering changes in the FAA's use and oversight of those company employees. Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA proposal to levy civil penalties. Companies often negotiate to reduce or eliminate the fines. The FAA lodged two complaints against Boeing. The first, for which the agency is seeking a penalty of $1.07 million, deals with how Boeing set up its program for having designated employees carry out safety functions on behalf of the FAA. They do inspections and issue certificates when a plane meets safety standards. They are supposed to be independent from other company workers. The FAA said that from November 2017 to July 2019, Boeing employees in two different units at the South Carolina plant reported to managers who were not approved for those jobs and weren't in position to look out for the FAA's interests. Workers were subjected to undue pressure or interference by at least four managers, including a vice president, the FAA said in a letter to Boeing officials. The FAA proposed a smaller civil penalty, $184,522, for an event in February in which "Boeing managers exerted undue pressure or interfered with" employees who were conducting a final inspection of a Boeing 787-9 jetliner before it left the factory. The plane was being held up while safety employees tried to verify that a nonworking light had been repaired according to instructions. An employee for subcontractor Safran who did the work didn't have the instructions and drawings but made a false log entry indicating they did, according to FAA. The agency faulted Boeing for not ensuring the work was done properly. https://www.mbtmag.com/home/news/21142525/faa-boeing-pressured-safety-workers-at-sc-aircraft-plant Back to Top Virgin Galactic Unveils Mach 3 Aircraft Virgin Galactic Holdings on August 3 announced-in collaboration with Rolls-Royce as the powerplant provider-the creation of a new Mach 3 commercial aircraft. Virgin Galactic Holdings includes a spaceship manufacturing arm. There's no small amount of irony that Virgin Galactic made its announcement of its futuristic travel machine within hours of sister Virgin empire organization, Virgin Atlantic Airways, filing for bankruptcy over cash flow issues. In a news release, Virgin Galactic said, "The Spaceship Company announced the first stage design scope for the build of its high-speed aircraft design and the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Rolls-Royce to collaborate in designing and developing engine propulsion technology for high-speed commercial aircraft. This follows the successful completion of its mission concept review program milestone and authorization from the FAA's Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation to work with Virgin Galactic to outline a certification framework." "The basic parameters of the initial high speed aircraft design include a targeted Mach 3 certified delta-wing aircraft that would have capacity for 9 to 19 people at an altitude above 60,000 feet and would also be able to incorporate custom cabin layouts to address customer needs, including business or first class seating arrangements. The aircraft design also aims to help lead the way toward use of state-of-the-art sustainable aviation fuel. Baselining sustainable technologies and techniques into the aircraft design early on is expected to also act as a catalyst to adoption in the rest of the aviation community. "Virgin Galactic sees a range of operational scenarios for the new aircraft, including service on long-distance commercial aviation routes. The aircraft will operate to and from traditional passenger airports and is expected to integrate into the existing airport infrastructure and international airspace around the world. The company offered no timeline for future steps in the new aircraft's progress. https://www.flyingmag.com/story/aircraft/virgin-galactic-unveils-mach-3-aircraft/ Back to Top Boom Partners with Rolls-Royce for Supersonic Aircraft Engines Last week, Boom Supersonic, the company behind the Overture supersonic passenger aircraft, announced a new partnership with the engine pros at Rolls-Royce. The company is collaborating on a Rolls-Royce-built propulsion system that will hopefully fit the Overture's airframe. Teams from Boom and Rolls-Royce team will determine whether an existing engine architecture can be adapted for supersonic flight while Boom's internal team continues to develop the airframe configuration. According to Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO, his company has previously worked with Rolls-Royce to "lay the groundwork for this next phase of development." Sustainability will be at the forefront of the collaboration as both companies recognize that supersonic passenger travel must be compatible with a net-zero carbon future. While that pursuit means myriad technological challenges, the prospect of supersonic flight provides a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation. Sustainable supersonic flight is more possible than ever as a result of advancements in aircraft design, the continuing development of sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure, and the increasing availability of high-quality carbon offsetting. Boom is focused on minimizing Overture's environmental impacts, including both noise and emissions footprints. While the Overture passenger craft is the long term goal, the next step for Boom and its collaborators is the XB-1, a Mach-2.2 supersonic demonstrator aircraft that Boom plans to roll out as part of a virtual event on October 7, 2020. The XB-1 will begin its test program later this year. First flight is scheduled for 2021, but that has been previously pushed back. The Overture would fly approximately 2.6 times faster than other commercial aircraft, and carry about 55 passengers. Boom and Rolls-Royce expect to make significant progress towards finalizing Overture's aircraft configuration and propulsion system. https://www.mbtmag.com/home/video/21142405/boom-partners-with-rollsroyce-for-supersonic-aircraft-engines Back to Top Delta aviation maintenance technicians have traded in their tools for sewing machines ATLANTA - The hum of sewing machines can be heard in a room at Delta Air Lines Headquarter. Operating those machines are highly trained, FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technicians. In this world of COVID-19, George Lainhart who has been a welder for Delta for 43 years, has traded in his tools for material and thread. Lainhart and the others are making cloth masks for their fellow Delta employees. Lainhart has some sewing experience. He learned it from his mom when he was a kid. He was tapped to set up the project. He got the machines, designed the masks, and set up the workflow. Using fabric from discontinued Delta T-shirts, the crew of sewers is churning out hundreds of masks a day. Delta mechanic Keith Cook can sew two layers of the mask together in no time. "This is the beginning of it, I'm just surging them together," said Cook. "Our record is 1,380 masks in a day. We usually average between 800 to a thousand," said Lainhart. They've made 20,000 masks in all, and they have tens of thousands more to go. "They go out all over the whole Delta system. Flight attendants, pilots, gate agents, ramp personnel, and all personnel here at Tech Ops," said Lainhart. Delta asked for volunteers, no sewing experience required. Employee Dean Doster didn't know anything about sewing, but can now make an entire mask from beginning to end. He said it gives him a sense of accomplishment. "I've been here for 30 years, and whatever it takes to get the job done that's what we're going to do," said Doster. Everyone who is part of the mask production said it's an amazing experience knowing they're helping their co-workers stay safe. "I never knew I was going to affect and help so many people with a sewing machine," said Lainhart. Some of the masks will be displayed in the Delta Museum because the coronavirus and everything that surrounds it will be a significant part of Delta's history. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/delta-aviation-maintenance-technicians-have-traded-in-their-tools-for-sewing-machines Back to Top FAA: DCC airport hangar under construction creating safety concern Dutchess County and the Federal Aviation Administration are discussing how to resolve what is being referred to as a "serious safety concern" at Hudson Valley Regional Airport created by the construction of the Dutchess Community College Educational Facility Hangar. In a letter sent to Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro dated July 28, the FAA wrote "the frame of the building has been completed and it is clearly blocking the view of the air traffic control tower." The FAA claims the county did not get its final approval how the building would impact visibility before constructing the roughly $15 million project, which DCC plans to use to house classrooms for its aviation maintenance program. The county said it believes all approvals were obtained by its consulting partner, after submitting the proper analysis of airspace in January 2018. The county engaged in a virtual FAA Safety Risk Management Panel on Tuesday to discuss the FAA's concerns. Colleen Pillus, spokesperson for the county executive's office, said the meeting was cut short due to concerns stemming from Tuesday's storm, and it will be completed later this week. Prior to the meeting, Pillus said they aimed to discuss with the FAA its concerns to determine short- and long-term solutions. She also said construction continues at the hangar, and it "would be premature and speculative to discuss" possible solutions. "Some work has been temporarily suspended on a portion of the building where the FAA has expressed a concern as construction has progressed," Pillus said. The county broke ground on construction of the hangar in September 2019. The county said at the time that it was investing $7.1 million into the hangar to build "on the talent pool in Dutchess County" help attract new businesses to the airport. The project was also expected to receive $7.1 million from the SUNY Capital Fund and $1.5 million from the Empire State Development. Dutchess Community College leadership did not respond to Journal inquiries. FAA concerns, reasons In the letter, the FAA wrote it approved an Aeronautical Study on Nov. 1 that showed an illustration of the line-of-sight running 10 feet to the side of the building, not blocking the view from the control tower. The submission also showed the height of the building at 35 feet. In order for construction to begin, an airspace case should have been submitted to the FAA 45 days before, it wrote. The FAA conducts aeronautical studies to ensure efficient use of navigable airspace and promote air safety, according to the administration's website. The FAA said in the letter the case submitted for this development was filed in 2018 and premature, as the Airport Layout Plan, or ALP, Pen-and-Ink change wasn't approved. An ALP is a scaled drawing of existing and proposed land to operate and develop. While a Pen-and Ink change means the ALP is to change development to an existing development. "Those cases were incorrect and revised airspace cases were not filed with FAA," the letter read. "Therefore, FAA did not issue a determination for the hangar's final design and construction nor for the temporary structures, such as cranes required to construct the hangar." If an updated Airport Layout Plan was submitted to the FAA with the current construction plan, the FAA wrote it would have found that the line of sight was impacted. It wrote the county will have to submit an airspace case based on its final design as soon as possible. Bob Balkind, Department of Public Works Commissioner, was joined by other officials on July 1 and 6 in meetings with the FAA, in which the county was notified that the frame was blocking the control tower's view of the end approach and departure of runway 6. It also was blocking Taxiway A from the Hold Short line to the runway entrance. A taxiway is the path to connect an aircraft to connecting runways, hangars, terminals and facilities. While the Hold Short Line is the markings to show where an aircraft should stop. County claims Ballkind said in a statement to the Journal Tuesday afternoon that an airspace analysis was submitted to the FAA in January 2018 through its airport consultant C&S Engineers. The consultant was hired to "provide building planning, permitting and design services" for the hangar. "It was the county's understanding that upon commencement of construction, all FAA reviews and approvals were obtained by C&S Engineers, and there was no notice to the contrary offered from C&S Engineers or FAA to Dutchess County," Ballkind said. "Only after the steel building frame was erected did FAA staff in the Poughkeepsie Air Traffic Control Tower raise the concern about an obstructed view of Taxiway Alpha." According to the letter, C&S suggested cameras to be installed that can show a view of said obstructed spaces. However, the FAA said this practice to actively control an aircraft is not approved. "...when you accepted federal grant funds including property conveyance under the Surplus Property Act, you agreed to operate the airport at all times in a safe and serviceable condition," the FAA said. If the county does nothing about the line-of-site issue, the FAA said an investigation will be prompted and federal grant funding may be withheld until the airport is in compliance. "Safety remains our top concern, and we are confident we can collaborate with the FAA to find a reasonable solution to address the FAA's concerns while maintaining the economic viability of the Hudson Valley Regional Airport," Pillus said. "We have been told by our designer/consultant, C&S, that such mitigation strategies are available that are proven in use at other airports. Mitigation will be responsibility of C&S Engineers." https://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/news/local/2020/08/05/faa-dcc-airport-hangar-under-construction-creating-safety-concern/5571328002/ Back to Top SpaceX's Starship SN5 Prototype Soars in First Test Flight SpaceX just flew a full-size prototype of its Starship Mars-colonizing spacecraft for the first time ever. The Starship SN5 test vehicle took to the skies for about 40 seconds this afternoon (Aug. 4) at SpaceX's facilities near the South Texas village of Boca Chica, performing a small hop that could end up being a big step toward human exploration of the Red Planet. "Mars is looking real," Musk tweeted shortly after today's test flight. The stainless-steel SN5 rose into the air at 7:57 p.m. EDT (2357 GMT; 6:57 p.m. local Texas time). It traveled sideways a bit during the brief, uncrewed flight, which Musk had previously said would target a maximum altitude of about 500 feet (150 meters). The spacecraft deployed its landing legs as planned and stuck the landing. The SN5 is just the second Starship prototype to get off the ground, and the first to do so in nearly a year. A squat and stubby vehicle called Starhopper took a few brief flights in the summer of 2019, retiring after acing its own 500-foot-high hop that August. Ending this flight lull fell to the SN5 after several of its predecessors were destroyed during pressurization or engine-firing tests. Starhopper and the SN5 both feature a single Raptor, SpaceX's powerful next-generation engine. The final Starship vehicle will sport six Raptors, stand about 165 feet (50 m) tall and be capable of carrying up to 100 people, Musk has said. The operational Starship will launch from Earth atop a gigantic rocket called Super Heavy, which will have 31 Raptors of its own. Both vehicles will be fully and rapidly reusable, potentially slashing the cost of spaceflight enough to make crewed trips to and from the moon, Mars and other deep-space destinations economically feasible, Musk has said. Super Heavy will land back on Earth after each liftoff; Starship will be powerful enough on its own to get itself off Mars and the moon, both of which have much weaker gravitational pulls than our planet does. Musk is particularly keen on the Red Planet, stressing repeatedly over the years that he founded SpaceX back in 2002 primarily to help humanity colonize Mars. If all goes well with the development of Starship and Super Heavy, the spaceflight system could enable our species to get a million-person city up and running on the Red Planet in the next 50 to 100 years, the billionaire entrepreneur has said. A lot of development still needs to get done, of course. SpaceX will iterate repeatedly before arriving at the final Starship design, which will then need to be tested. And then there's Super Heavy, no version of which has yet been built, let alone gotten off the ground. But if all goes well, we could see Starship and Super Heavy flying together soon, on exciting and important missions. The SpaceX system is a contender to land NASA astronauts on the moon in the mid-2020s and beyond, for example. And Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has booked a crewed Starship trip around the moon, with a targeted launch date of 2023. In the much nearer term, however - the coming days and weeks - we should expect a few more short test hops like the one we saw today. "We'll do several short hops to smooth out launch process, then go high altitude with body flaps," Musk said in another tweet today. ("High altitude" could be around 12 miles, or 20 kilometers, up, if previous Musk tweets are any guide.) Today's Starship milestone comes just two days after another big moment for SpaceX. On Sunday (Aug. 2), the company's Crew Dragon capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast, bringing an end to Demo-2, SpaceX's first crewed mission. Demo-2, a key test flight for the system, sent NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station for two months. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/spacexs-starship-sn5-prototype-soars-in-first-test-flight/ Curt Lewis