Astronaut and Axiom Space’s Director of Human Spaceflight Peggy Whitson opened AIAA SciTech Forum 2026 in Orlando with an inspirational message about the future of space as the International Space Station (ISS), in orbit for 25 years, transitions to commercially run stations by 2030.
Tag: Opens
Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 3 Opens in Virginia
Via Satellite reports, “Rocket Lab hosted the opening of its Launch Complex 3 in Virginia on Thursday. The site at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport will serve as the test, launch, and landing facility for its Neutron rocket in development. Rocket Lab built the site in less than two years after starting construction in late 2023. It is the company’s fourth launch site — the launcher has two pads at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, and also operates Launch Complex 2 at the Virginia spaceport.”
Full Story (Via Satellite)
Video
Rocket Lab hosts the opening of its Launch Complex 3
Rocket Lab; YouTube
“Live from the ISS”: 2025 ASCEND Opens with ISS Astronauts, A Sit-Down with Axiom Space CEO
FROM THE INSTITUTE
2025 ASCEND opened Tuesday to a packed room of spellbound space industry members as they watched a live linkup with NASA flight engineers – Lt. Col. Nichole Ayers, USAF, and Col. Anne McClain, USA – onboard the ISS. The conversation, facilitated by Dave Cavossa, president of the Commercial Space Federation (CSF), touched on the ISS’s contributions as an orbiting science laboratory over the last 25 years, and key lessons learned that will benefit future orbiting stations.
Full Story (Aerospace America)
Airbus Helicopters Opens 3D Printing Center
Aviation International News reports that Airbus Helicopters “has opened a new 3D printing center at its Donauwörth, Germany site, expanding in-house capacity for this technology.” The airframer now “operates three machines for components made of titanium, four for plastic, and one for aluminum.” Airbus is “using the process for serial production parts as well as for components for prototype aircraft such as the CityAirbus NextGen eVTOL and the high-speed Racer experimental compound helicopter.” Airbus Helicopters Managing Director for Germany Stefan Thomé said, “Among other advantages, 3D printing can reduce the weight of aircraft components, which leads to less fuel consumption. Such potential can bring financial benefits and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions during operations.”
Full Story (Aviation International News)