Unmanned Systems Technology reports, “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has conducted the first validation flight of its MQ-9B Remotely Piloted Aircraft using Airborne Early Warning radar pods. The AEW capability is being provided through a partnership with Saab. Once the AEW sensor, named LoyalEye, is made available to MQ-9B operators and new customers, it will deliver persistent and cost-effective air surveillance capabilities in regions where it is currently unavailable.”
Full Story (Unmanned Systems Technology)
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SpaceX Polaris Astronauts Become First Private Citizens to Complete Spacewalk
The Washington Post reports, “Jared Isaacman performed the first spacewalk by a private citizen early Thursday, with a live broadcast that showed him popping his head and torso out of the hatch of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule and performing a series of maneuvers near the capsule. He was followed by Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer who is part of the four-person, all-civilian crew and also floated outside the spacecraft while tethered and holding on to handrails. The spacewalk was originally scheduled for 2:23 a.m. Eastern time Thursday but was pushed back to just before 7, when Isaacman exited the hatch. Isaacman and Gillis spent several minutes each outside the capsule.”
Full Story (Washington Post)
B-2 Stealth Bombers Complete Transpacific Flight to Australia
FlightGlobal reports, “Northrop Grumman B-2 stealth bombers from the US Air Force completed a transpacific flight from their base in the USA, making a night landing at a Royal Australian Air Force Base in Queensland on 16 August.”
Full Story (FlightGlobal – Subscription Publication)
NASA Astronauts Complete ISS Solar Power System Upgrade
Aviation Week reports that two NASA astronauts “installed a sixth and final planned ISS Roll Out Solar Array (iROSA) on the long solar power truss of the International Space Station (ISS) during a June 15 spacewalk.” Astronauts Woody Hoburg and Steve Bowen performed the procedure during a five-and-a-half-hour excursion.
Full Story (Aviation Week)