Space
Rocket engine thrust frame proves a strong candidate for composites conversion
The engine thrust frame of a space launch vehicle, located at the bottom of a rocket stage, joining fuel tanks to engines, must deliver strength and stiffness across a range of temperatures — cost-effectively.
Read More
ESA and NASA validate Airbus Earth Return Orbiter design
Airbus and European suppliers prepare for production and assembly of the composites-intensive satellite to meet a 2025 delivery target date and 2026 launch.
Read More
Lockheed Martin, General Motors team up to further lunar exploration with autonomous moon rover design
The composite lunar rover concept will be well-equipped to travel farther distances for extended exploration and research capabilities.
Watch
ESA, ArianeGroup PHOEBUS contract paves the way for composite rocket stage development
ArianeGroup to collaborate with MT Aerospace to explore using carbon fiber to lightweight the upper stage of the Ariane 6 launch vehicle.
Read More
Mitsubishi to supply CFRP components for Dymon lunar rover
Mitsubishi CFRP components and thermoplastic materials, as well as technical support will aid the Japan-based private company’s scheduled fall 2021 launch.
Read More
Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo completes third crewed spaceflight
All-composite VSS Unity reached suborbital space at a speed of Mach 3, marking the first human spaceflight from its New Mexico home port, and another step toward commercial operations.
Read More
Stratolaunch completes second test flight
All-composite carrier aircraft successfully flew for three hours and reached an altitude of 14,000 feet in preparation for supporting the upcoming hypersonic testbed vehicle, Talon-A.
Read More
Ingenuity helicopter begins new demonstration phase
Proving its mettle at controlled, powered flight on Mars, Ingenuity’s transition to an operations demonstration phase will bring a new flight envelope, and perform aerial observations for future missions.
Read More
AeroVironment celebrates composite-intensive Ingenuity Helicopter flight on Mars
The AeroVironment team played a key role in developing the helicopter’s carbon fiber airframe and major subsystems.
Read More
NASA selects SpaceX to head human lander development for Artemis moon mission
HLS to act as final mode of transportation to take astronauts to the lunar surface for the Artemis program, with potential future travel to Mars and other destinations.
Watch
