Developing a linerless, all-composite, spherical cryotank
Infinite Composites Technologies’ Type V pressure vessel for storing cryogenic space launch vehicle propellants shows promise for eliminating elusive microcracking issues.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
SpaceShipTwo completes second test flight
The VSS Unity’s second glide test continues collecting system evaluation and vehicle performance data to prepare the aircraft for powered spaceflights.
NASA rocket motors arrive at Kennedy Space Center for Artemis program
The composites-intensive rocket motors are the next step toward NASA’s Artemis I space launch in 2021.
Northrop Grumman awarded first crew module contract
The HALO module design is adapted from the Cygnus spacecraft designed by Northrop Grumman, and will serve as both crew habitat and docking hub for cislunar spacecraft.
Successful tower extension test for James Webb space telescope
The test ensured the tower extensions on NASA’s composites-intensive telescope would keep the structure cool enough to detect infrared light.
Anomalies force Virgin Orbit to terminate LauncherOne test
Despite the termination, the test flight provided data necessary to make adjustments for future launches.
Siemens Gamesa launches 14-MW offshore direct drive turbine
The SG 14-222 DD wind turbine 108-meter blades, a lightweight nacelle and more.
Boron fiber: The original high-performance fiber
History and future developments for high-performance boron fiber.
SpaceAM announces preliminary lineup for September event
A conference and exhibition highlighting the use of advanced materials in space technology is scheduled to take place Sept. 15-16, 2020 in Leicester, U.K.
Virgin Galactic, NASA sign space agreement
The Space Act Agreement (SAA) represents a partnership between Virgin Galactic and NASA for the development of high-speed, and environmentally sustainable, aviation technology.
Boeing-built X-37B launches in second mission for U.S. Space Force
The May 17 launch is the sixth mission for the autonomous spaceplane, and includes added payload capacity for support a variety of experiments.
NASA extends SLS rocket engines contract with Aerojet Rocketdyne
Under the $1.79 billion contract, Aerojet Rocketdyne will manufacture 18 additional Space Launch System (SLS) RS-25 rocket engines for Artemis missions.
NASA names companies to develop human landers for Artemis
Blue Origins, Dynetics and SpaceX are developing human landing systems concepts for Artemis’s 2024 moon mission.
Firefly, Spaceflight Inc. sign launch services agreement
The agreement promotes a long-term strategic collaboration between Firefly Aerospace and Spaceflight Inc. to address increasing demand in the commercial small-satellite market.
Satellite deployer redesign supported by 3D-printed composites
A Scottish technology company employs additive manufacturing and CRP Technology composite materials for a lighter, more manufacturable PocketQube deployer.
Hannah Mason
Associate Editor, CompositesWorld
SpaceShipTwo completes New Mexico glide test
The VSS Unity’s successfully completed its first flight to test performance and handling characteristics, preparing for eventual commercial use.
Tooling, precision enable composites in satellite subsystems
Tight tolerances drive design and engineering of large-format composite component and dishes to create unique satellite structures.
NASA, SpaceX to launch second Crew Dragon demo on May 27
Demo-2, which will carry two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station, will be the first crewed mission for SpaceX’s crew capsule.
Composites in the race to space
Advanced materials use in current and upcoming NASA missions.
Orion spacecraft successfully completes major testing
In preparation for the Artemis I mission, NASA’s Orion spacecraft has recently completed systems-level testing in a simulated space environment.
Rocket Launch awarded NASA contract for lunar CubeSat launch
The CAPSTONE CubeSat is scheduled for launch from Virginia, U.S. in 2021.
Plant tour: Hexcel, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
The scale, precision, speed and quality of carbon fiber manufacture has evolved substantially since the material’s modern introduction in the late 1960s. Hexcel offers a glimpse of the state of the art today.
Jeff Sloan
Editor-in-Chief, CompositesWorld
Carbon fiber cryotank research receives $3 million funding boost
A consortium of industry and academic partners receives support from the Australian government for design and manufacture of lightweight rocket fuel tanks.
SAMPE Summit 20 Paris agenda finalized
Dan Hart, president and CEO of Virgin Orbit, will be a featured speaker. CW readers qualify for a discounted registration.
Solar Orbiter embarks on its mission to study the Sun
Solar Orbiter’s carbon fiber composite, titanium layered solar shield guides heat away from the spacecraft and can withstand up to 970º F (521º C).
3D printing, composite materials enable motorsports design flexibility
A collegiate Formula SAE racing team used Windform carbon fiber-filled composite materials and laser sintering technology to streamline part design.
JEC announces finalists for 2020 Innovation Awards
JEC Group has announced its JEC Innovation Awards finalists, 33 total from 11 categories. Winners will be announced at JEC World 2020 on March 4.
Plant Tour: RUAG Space, Decatur, Alabama, U.S.
Out-of-autoclave composites manufacturing facility comes of age with first U.S.-made composite structures for the Atlas V launcher, and qualification parts for the Vulcan.