Aviation Week reported that NASA pressed ahead “with upgrades to the solar power generation system aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with a Dec. 3 spacewalk by astronauts Josh Cassada and Frank Rubio for the installation of the third of six planned Roll Out Solar Arrays (iROSAs).”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Tag: Recommends
NTSB Recommends Bell 407 Inspections after Inflight Failure
Aviation Week reported that the National Transportation Safety Board, “citing the risk of a catastrophic inflight failure, is urgently recommending U.S. and Canadian regulators require ‘immediate and more frequent inspections’ of certain Bell 407 helicopter components.”
Full Story (Aviation Week)
Despite Jammed Solar Panel, Cygnus Capsule Docks with ISS
AP reports, “A Northrop Grumman capsule delivered several tons of supplies to the International Space Station on Wednesday despite a jammed solar panel.” After liftoff, only one of the craft’s two solar panels opened. Despite controllers’ best attempts to open the stuck panel, the rocket still drew enough power with the functioning solar panel.
Full Story (Associated Press)
Boeing Recommends Air Taxi Safety Standards Mirror Those for Commercial Jets
Reuters reported that The Boeing Company “urged regulators on Tuesday to subject a new generation of air taxis to the same strict safety standards as commercial jets, saying the aircraft designed for short flights on demand should not be judged on a par with small planes.” Federal regulators are innovating design and operational requirements for the eVTOL air taxis, which would allow airline passengers to bypass street traffic. “Analysts say certification standards that air taxis must meet will be make-or-break for many of the new projects vying for investment.”
Full Story (Reuters)