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August 2020
AEROSPACE
MALE ALLIES IN
AEROSPACE
SPACEX AMBITIONS
THE IMMORTAL DC-3
www.aerosociety.com
August 2020
TEMPEST FUGIT
HOW THE UK’S NEXT FIGHTER IS A
Volume 47 Number 8
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
Royal AeronauticaSociety
AUGUST 2020 AEROSPACE COVER FINAL.indd 1 17/07/2020 14:13
RAeS Careers Service
The RAeS Careers Team – We are here for you!
Established in 1997, The Royal Aeronautical Society Careers Team are your one-stop-shop for FREE
impartial and specialist advice. While the service has lived through many crises, Covid-19 sees the industry’s
biggest challenge yet and we are here to provide specific support. We have a vast range of resources and
materials on careers in aerospace and aviation – from civil, military, engineering and maintenance through
to pilots, cabin crew, business and operations. We are here to support anyone, whether you are new to the
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FREE 1-2-1 careers advice available online via webinar or by phone, with impartial advice on aerospace &
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Careers 5_2020 280x210 Adv FINAL.indd 1 18/06/2020 12:44
Volume 47 Number 8
August 2020
EDITORIAL Contents
Accelerating change Regulars
4 Radome 12 Transmission
The news of the cessation of Boeing 747 production should come as no The latest aviation and Your letters, emails, tweets
aeronautical intelligence, and social media feedback.
surprise, even if, after over half a century, the end of the ‘Jumbo Jet’ – an analysis and comment.
airliner that changed the world – makes many eyes grow moist. Due to 58 The Last Word
its freighter origins, the 747 outlasted its upstart rival, the Airbus A380, 11 Pushing the Envelope Keith Hayward compares
although future orders were already looking scarce – thanks to the rise of Rob Coppinger looks at the approach of the French
progress in enabling in-orbit and UK governments on
a new generation of big-twins such as the 787 and A350. However, like servicing of satellites and encouraging their national
the A380, it is the coronavirus that has accelerated and brought forward removal of space debris. aerospace industries and
promoting green initiatives.
early retirements of the 747 by operators facing evaporating demand for
long-haul air travel. Elsewhere, airlines which were marginal concerns are Features
also restructuring or cutting costs in a desperate race to survive. Oddly,
28 Harnessing allies’
SpaceX
this deadly pandemic may also be forcing through new, more agile ways of voices
collaboration and working too – as the UK’s Tempest programme (p 32) 14 Engaging men in advocating
is finding out. These changes may be painful to those involved but the end female equality and inclusion
in the aerospace industry.
result could be fitter, leaner enterprises that are more resilient and better able
to respond to the challenges of the 21st century. The impact of coronavirus,
BAE Systems
although undoubtedly a sledgehammer to aviation and aerospace, is arguably
accelerating existing trends and changes that were already inherent and Live from Mars!
SpaceX’s out-of-this-world
32
visible – whether it is the switch from four-engine airliners to twin-engine
plans to send humans to
types or increases in virtual collaboration and home working. Those Mars.
organisations already on this path will thus find it much easier than those that Tempest fugit
have been hoping that change leaves them alone. However, in this issue is 20 The immortal DC-3
How the UK-led Tempest
the one exception that proves the rule. With 172 aircraft still flying in service Some 85 years after it first future combat aircraft project
flew, the Douglas DC-3 could accelerate the pace
around the world and another 150-200 airframes ripe for conversion to still flies on in commercial of aircraft development and
turboprops, the 85-year old Douglas DC-3 (p 20) could conceivably outlast service. revitalise Britain’s aerospace
both the A380 and coronavirus. Some things never change. capabilities.
Tim Robinson FRAeS, Editor-in-Chief 24
Bristow
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com
Correspondence on all aerospace matters is welcome at: publications@aerosociety.com
Editor-in-Chief Editorial Office 2020 AEROSPACE subscription
36
Tim Robinson, FRAeS Royal Aeronautical Society rates: Non-members, £180
+44 (0)20 7670 4353 No.4 Hamilton Place Please send your order to:
Helicopters rise to the
tim.robinson@aerosociety.com London W1J 7BQ, UK challenge Turning aviation green
Wayne J Davis, RAeS, No.4 Hamilton
Deputy Editor
+44 (0)20 7670 4300 Place, London W1J 7BQ, UK. Helicopter operators adapt New aircraft designs,
publications@aerosociety.com +44 (0)20 7670 4354 both aircraft and operating operations and power
Bill Read, FRAeS
+44 (0)20 7670 4351 www.aerosociety.com aerosubs@aerosociety.com procedures to provide sources which could solve
bill.read@aerosociety.com AEROSPACE is published by the Royal Any member not requiring a print medical evacuation during the environmental challenges
Production Manager
Aeronautical Society (RAeS). version of this magazine should the Covid-19 outbreak. faced by aviation.
Chief Executive contact: membership@aerosociety.com
Wayne J Davis
+44 (0)20 7670 4354 Sir Brian Burridge CBE FRAeS USA: Periodical postage paid at
wayne.davis@aerosociety.com
Publications Executive
Advertising
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Champlain New York and additional
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partners@aerosociety.com Postmaster: Send address changes
Chris Male, MRAeS
to IMS of New York, PO Box 1518,
42 Message from our President
+44 (0)20 7670 4352 Unless specifically attributed, no
chris.male@aerosociety.com material in AEROSPACE shall be taken
Champlain NY 12919-1518, USA. 43 Message from our Chief Executive
Production Executive to represent the opinion of the RAeS. ISSN 2052-451X 44 Book Reviews
Annabel Hallam Reproduction of material used in this
publication is not permitted without the
48 New Member spotlight
+44 (0)20 7670 4361
annabel.hallam@aerosociety.com written consent of the Editor-in-Chief. 50 NAL Archive Hub
Book Review Editor Printed by Buxton Press Limited, 52 RAeS Careers Webinars
Brian Riddle Palace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire
brian.riddle@aerosociety.com SK17 6AE, UK 56 Elections/Obituaries
Distributed by Royal Mail 57 New Corporate Partners
Additional content is available to view online at: www.aerosociety.com/aerospaceinsight
Including: UK invests in OneWeb, Emergency evacuation of commercial aircraft, Why Germany
selected the Boeing F/A-18, In the July issue of AEROSPACE, Working with China, New Members’
Online Spotlight, Helicopter Covid-19 med-evac operations, Pilot error! What about pilot saves?
Front cover: The Tempest, an artist’s impression. (BAE Systems)
@aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com AUGUST 2020 13
Blueprint
INTELLIGENCE / ANALYSIS / COMMENT
Hydrogen
envelope
The football stadium-sized
balloon would be fi lled with
hydrogen for buoyancy and lift.
Safety
In the unlikely event of a
problem with the balloon,
the capsule will also be
equipped with a parachute
as a reserve descent system.
Live-streaming
your experience
As well as the flight itself,
Space Perspective is
promoting the capsule as
roomy enough for concerts,
weddings or corporate events,
with the connectivity to stream
these to the ground.
4 AEROSPACE
AUGUST 2020 News wjd.indd 2 17/07/2020 14:25:07
Flight profile
Total flight time aloft would
be six hours with the
pressurised capsule
spending two hours at
100,000ft. The capsule
would then recover to a
water landing.
Room with a
view
The Neptune Capsule
with eight passengers
and a pilot would launch
appropriately from
Kennedy Space Center,
Florida. As well as ‘edge
of space’ tourists, the
company is also
promoting it as a plat-
form for research and
science flights.
W
SPACEFLIGHT
A higher perspective
US company Space Perspective has announced plans to fly passengers and
research payloads to the edge of space using a ‘Spaceship Neptune’ high-
altitude balloon carrying a pressurised capsule. Carrying one pilot and up
to eight passengers, the balloon would ascend to 100,000ft where it would
remain for two hours before descending to sea level where the passengers
would be picked up by a ship. Space Perspective plans to launch the
balloon from the Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center
(KSC) in Florida. The first uncrewed test flight of the balloon is scheduled
for early 2021.
AUGUST 2020 5
AUGUST 2020 News wjd.indd 3 17/07/2020 14:25:14
Radome
COVID-19
AIR TRANSPORT AEROSPACE
Virgin Atlantic saved with Airbus to axe 15,000 jobs as it faces
£1.2bn rescue deal ‘gravest crisis’ in aviation history
Troubled Virgin Atlantic deferrals from creditors
Airways, which had and suppliers. The
been facing collapse airline expects the
due to the slump in measures announced
demand from Covid-19, to enable it to survive
has secured a £1.3bn for another 18 months
refinancing and and return to profit in
Airbus
restructuring deal. 2022. Additionally, the
The rescue package carrier is also cutting its
includes some £200m workforce by 3,150 jobs European airframer Airbus has announced a deep and widespread restructuring with up
provided by Sir Richard and streamlining its fleet, to 15,000 jobs to be shed as it grapples with a 40% reduction in commercial aircraft
Branson’s parent Virgin retiring seven Boeing activity due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Calling the downturn “the gravest crisis this
Group, with additional 747s early and deferring industry has ever experienced”, the OEM will shed 5,000 positions in France, 5,100 in
funds provided by delivery of outstanding Germany, 1,700 in the UK, 900 positions in Spain and 1,300 jobs around Airbus’ other
investors, loans and A350s and A330neos. worldwide sites. The company expects to conclude the restructuring by mid-2021.
AIR TRANSPORT GENERAL AVIATION
United warns of 36,000 workers cut GA deliveries decline in
first quarter of year
United Airlines
Figures released on business jet deliveries
27 May by the General declined by 19.1% (114
Aviation Manufacturers aircraft, compared to
Association (GAMA) 141 in the first three
show a fall in deliveries months of 2019).
of all types of GA aircraft Helicopter deliveries
during the first quarter were also down, with
US carrier United Airlines has warned some 36,000 employees or almost one-third of 2020. Piston type 85 turbine helicopter
of its workforce that they are at risk of redundancy as the Coronavirus air travel slump deliveries declined by (-18.3%) and 37 piston
continues to impact airlines. Those with jobs at risk include 15,000 cabin crew and 11.7% with 219 aircraft, helicopter deliveries
more than 2,200 pilots. The airline, together with other US airlines, is facing a stall turboprop deliveries (-43.9%). Total deliveries
in recovery of air travel as the country reports new Covid-19 cases and some states fell by 41.8% with 71 fell by 21.3% year-on-
impose quarantines on passengers from high-infection areas. aircraft handed over and year.
NEWS IN BRIEF
loss of Ringgit 803.3m 42 F-35Bs which will DA50 RG is powered by employs over 10,000
Boeing’s 737 MAX ($187.91m) for the first equip its two Izumo-class a Continental CD-300 people providing aero
completed three intense three months in 2020, helicopter carriers. engine and fitted with the engines and MRO
days of flight tests with down from a Ringgit Garmin G1000 NXi flight services around the world.
FAA regulators in late June 96.1m net profit in Q1 Israel launched an Ofek deck. Certification from
as the company aims to 2019. Revenues fell 16 military reconnaissance EASA is expected this year The International Air
recertificate the grounded 15% to Ringgit 2.31bn, Earth-imaging satellite with FAA certification to Transport Association
airliner. The company has while passengers carried on 6 July. The satellite follow in 2021. (IATA) reports that
promised EASA, as well declined 22% to 9.85m. was launched aboard a European carriers are
as Canadian authorities, Shavit 2 rocket from the German aircraft engine expected to make a
that it will incorporate Japan is set to become Palmachim air base. manufacturer MTU Aero collective loss of $21.5bn
design changes they have the second-largest global Engines has announced in 2020. Passenger
requested once the jet operator of the F-35 Diamond Aircraft unveiled plans to reduce its demand has fallen by over
re-enters service. after the US approved a its single-engine, workforce by 10-15% 50% due to the impact of
giant $23bn sale of 105 retractable gear DA50 RG – equivalent to around the Coronavirus, putting
Malaysian carrier AirAsia stealth fighters. The deal on 24 June. First flown 1,000 jobs – by the end between 6-7m aviation-
Group has reported a includes 63 F-35As and in October, the five-seat of 2021. MTU currently related jobs at risk.
6 AEROSPACE
AUGUST 2020 News wjd.indd 4 17/07/2020 14:25:15
SPACEFLIGHT DEFENCE
UAE Hope mission set to VIP Voyager breaks cover
blast off for Mars
As AEROSPACE goes lower atmosphere of Mars.
to press, the United Arab NASA and China are
Emirates’ Hope space also set to launch new
probe is set to launch from missions to Mars before
Crown Copyright
Tanegashima Space Center the launch window
in Japan using a JAXA closes on 15 August.
H-2A rocket. The UAE NASA is aiming to land
Mars Mission is the first its Perseverance Rover
ever Arab mission to the on Mars in early 2021, The UK MoD has revealed a striking new livery for a RAF A330 MRTT Voyager tanker-
Red Planet, with the Hope which will also carry a tiny transport assigned to the VIP transport role as part of its mission. The new £900,000 paint
spacecraft expected to helicopter. China is also scheme, completed by Marshall of Cambridge, ditches the grey camouflage worn by the rest
arrive at Mars in February set to imminently launch of the Voyager fleet for a white fuselage, Union Jack tail fin and gold lettering with ‘United
2021. Once there, it is set its Tianwen-1 lander and Kingdom’. The aircraft, which is equipped with a forward VIP cabin, retains the refuelling
to study the upper and rover. pods for its core mission of AAR.
AEROSPACE AIR TRANSPORT
Airbus H160 receives certification PIA grounds one-third of
pilots for ‘fake licences’
Pakistan International approach to landing, then
Airlines (PIA) has attempted to perform a go-
grounded 150 of its around after skidding down
450 pilots for having the runway on the engines.
‘suspicious licences’ amid Meanwhile, on 30
a safety clampdown. The June, the European Union
move comes as part of a Aviation Safety Agency
Airbus Helicopters
preliminary report into the (EASA) placed Pakistan
crash of a PIA A320 on International Airlines (PIA)
22 May in Karachi, which on a blacklist, banning
killed 97 people when the it from operating to EU
On 1 July Airbus Helicopters announced that its new medium H160 helicopter has crew raised the gear on destinations for six months.
been awarded type certification by EASA, after a 1,500hr flight test campaign. FAA
certification is to follow shortly, says the manufacturer, with a delivery to a first unnamed Read ‘PIA PK8303 crash – just the tip of the
customer in the US before the end of the year. iceberg?’on the AEROSPACE Insight blog
Zealand failed to make (NBAA) has cancelled the Autonomous Taxi, Take- airline, Nolinor Aviation,
Airbus Defence and orbit, with satellites 2020 Business Aviation Off and Landing (ATTOL) will launch services to
Space has received a onboard with Electron Convention & Exhibition project, it uses on-board Cuba in November using
contract to integrate rocket deemed lost. (NBAA-BACE) which image recognition a fleet of three Boeing
115 Captor-E AESA The vehicle was lost was due to be held on technology to enable 737-400s configured with
radars with German and after around five minutes 6-8 October in Orlando, autonomous taxiing, 158 economy seats.
Spanish Eurofighters. and 40 seconds into Florida. The next NBAA take-off and landing of
The new radar will the flight. Onboard were convention is scheduled a commercial aircraft As AEROSPACE goes
equip Tranche 2 and 3 satellites from Canon for 12-15 October 2021 through fully automatic to press, a US Navy
Typhoons, with 110 sets Electronics, Planet Labs in Las Vegas. vision-based flight tests. amphibious assault ship,
for the Luftwaffe and five and In-Space Missions. the USS Bonhomme
for the Spanish Air Force. It was the 13th launch Airbus has concluded A new Canadian airline, Richard, is burning after
The upgrade is scheduled for the smallsat launcher a two-year research OWG (Off We Go) has catching fire at the dock
to be completed by 2023. company. programme to enable been revealed, with Cuba in San Diego on 11 July.
large commercial aircraft as its first destination. The ship’s air group can
On 5 July Rocket Lab’s The National Business to take off and land The airline, a subsidiary include F-35Bs, V-22
latest launch from New Aviation Association autonomously. Named the of Quebec-based charter Ospreys or AH-1Zs.
AUGUST 2020 7
AUGUST 2020 News wjd.indd 5 17/07/2020 14:25:17
Radome
AIR TRANSPORT DEFENCE
Lufthansa announces Australia reveals new strategic update
more cost-cutting
German flag carrier also limit new aircraft
Lufthansa has announced deliveries to 80 until 2023
a second set of cost- and has announced that it
cutting measures as has a calculated personnel
part of a restructuring surplus of at least 22,000
programme in the wake of full-time positions. The
Australian DoD
the Coronavirus outbreak. airline plans to return an
As well as the already additional 200 aircraft
announced decision to back into service by the
reduce the airline’s fleet end of October, by which The Australian Government has published a new Defence Strategic Update and Force
by 100 aircraft and to time the airline will be Structure Plan for the next ten years, reflecting a more uncertain and unstable world.
suspend flight operations operating 380 aircraft, The $270bn plan sees investment in hypersonics, long-range strike missiles, ‘Loyal
at its Germanwings equivalent to 50% of its Wingmen’ drones, sovereign satellite capability and replacements for its E-7 Wedgetail
subsidiary, Lufthansa will fleet. and C-130J in 2030.
GENERAL AVIATION AEROSPACE
Stratos 716X makes first flight After 50 years, end of the
runway for 747
After half a century, cargo model, will roll out
Boeing is to finally cease in two years’ time, with
production of the 747 the last long lead items
jumbo jet, according now having been ordered.
to Bloomberg, as the Sixteen aircraft are still in
Stratos Aircraft
Coronavirus accelerates the production backlog,
its retirement from airlines including 12 747-8F
including British Airways, freighters for UPS. The
Stratos Aircraft has flown its new 716X single-engine VLJ (very light jet) for the first KLM, Qantas, Virgin final airframes also include
time, with a 22 minute flight from Roberts Field Airport, Oregon, on 2 July. Powered by a Atlantic and Corsair two ex-Transaero -8s that
Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5, the all-composite six-seat 716X is expected to have a International. The news are set to be converted to
cruise speed of 400kt. The 716X will be offered as an experimental kit build aircraft, with outlet reported that the VC-25 Presidential Aircraft
a 716 certificated as the production version. final 747, likely a -8F for the US Air Force.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Cassio hybrid-electic constellation. The satellite
Leicester has been Embraer has delivered the aircraft in the next two At the RAF Chief of Air was launched from the
chosen as the location first enhanced Phenom years. The Cassio will Staff Air and Space Power Xichang launch centre
for a new £100m 300E very light jet to have a range of 800nm virtual Conference on 15 aboard a Long March 3B
European Space Agency Texas law firm Dunham and carry four-to-ten July, Secretary of State for rocket on 23 March.
Business Incubation & Jones. The aircraft was passengers. Defence, Ben Wallace MP,
Centre for UK start- handed over in late June at announced that General Russian Helicopters has
ups aiming to develop a ceremony at Embraer’s Norwegian Air is reported Atomics-ASI had been produced the first variant
technology and ideas Global Customer Center to have cancelled orders awarded a £65m contract of its Mil Mi-8AMT military
for the space sector. in Melbourne, Florida. for 92 Boeing 737 MAXs for the first three Protector helicopter designed
Space Park Leicester and five 787 Dreamliners. RG1 UAVs for the RAF of for civilian use in the
will open in 2021 and French-based hybrid- The airline has also a total acquisition of 16. Arctic. Manufactured at
aims to create a cluster electric developer cancelled its GoldCare The platform is expected the company’s Ulan-
in research, earth VoltAero has partnered service contract and also to enter service in 2024. Ude Aviation Plant, the
observation, data and with regional point-to- has filed a lawsuit against helicopter is equipped
space-enabled business. point travel start-up the US manufacturer China has launched with a transmission
It is expected to create KinectAir to offer on- to reclaim pre-delivery the final satellite for its heating unit, a system
some 2,500 jobs. demand flights on its new payments for the aircraft. Beidou satellite navigation for cargo compartment
8 AEROSPACE
AUGUST 2020 News wjd.indd 6 17/07/2020 14:25:19
AEROSPACE AIR TRANSPORT
Bootleg helicopter Hat-trick of deliveries for ARJ21
factory closed down
A secret factory making was located in the Criuleni
illegal copies of Kamov area near the Dniester
Ka-26 helicopters for river, after law enforcement
sale on the international officers raided the
market has been closed complex. The factory had
down by authorities in the been illegally producing
breakaway Transnistrian helicopters for unnamed
COMAC
region of Moldova. customers in post-Soviet
Over ten examples of republics. A criminal case
the light civilian coaxial has now been started by On 28 June China’s COMAC delivered three examples of its delayed ARJ21 90-seat
rotorcraft were found Moldovan prosecutors, regional airliner to the ‘big three’ of the country’s airlines: Air China, China Eastern
in various stages of with sentences that could Airlines and China Southern Airlines. After taking delivering of their first ARJ21s, the
assembly at a clandestine range from three to ten carriers will receive a further two examples each in 2020. The three airlines each ordered
production plant which years. 35 ARJ21s in August 2019.
SPACEFLIGHT DEFENCE
UK wins auction for OneWeb Boeing gets $23bn for
F-15EX
Boeing has been awarded for the first eight F-15EXs,
a $22.89bn indefinite with the first airframe to be
date/indefinite quantity rolled off the production
deal to supply up to 200 line in 2021. The two-seat
OneWeb
of its upgraded F-15EX F-15EX features fly-by-
Advanced Eagles to the wire, advanced glass
The UK Government has won a £400m auction to acquire a stake in the bankrupt US Air Force over the next cockpit and upgraded
broadband mega-constellation provider OneWeb. OneWeb, which was aiming to roll ten years, with the service payload allowing it to carry
out a constellation of 648 LEO satellites, went bankrupt earlier in March. The UK, as looking at a minimum fleet larger hypersonic weapons
part of a consortium including India’s Bharti Global, is interested in potentially using the of 144 aircraft. The first in development. Aimed at
constellation to piggy-back additional navigational payloads which could provide an new build procurement supplementing F-35s, the
alternative to Europe’s Galileo system and augment US GPS positioning. of F-15s for the USAF in F-15EX will also replace
decades, the deal includes F-15C/Ds flown by the US
Read ‘OneWeb and the UK – a wise investment?’ on the AEROSPACE Insight blog an initial $1.2bn contract Air National Guard.
thermal protection, heat- Chapter 11 voluntary being released from the
insulating blinds and bankruptcy protection, mothership VMS Eve at ON THE MOVE
cockpit doors and frost- becoming the latest 51,000ft. Unity completed
resistant Teflon hoses. carrier to fall victim to the multiple test points before Kathy Lueders has been Former Disney theme-park
Coronavirus crisis. touching back down appointed as NASA’s Head exec Michael Colglazier
Hybrid-electric aircraft The airline is the third Latin smoothly for a runway of Human Spaceflight is the new CEO of Virgin
developer Faradair has American airline to file landing. Operations. Galactic, replacing George
announced that it is for bankruptcy, following Whitesides, who becomes
relocating its HQ and Chile’s LATAM and Bye Aerospace has Chansin Treenuchagron Chief Space Officer.
development of its STOL Colombia’s Avianca. announced that it has is to be Acting President
BEHA (Bio Electric Hybrid . commenced the next of Thai Airways replacing Becky Yoder is now SVP
Aircraft) to Duxford Airfield On 25 June, Virgin phase of flight tests for Chakkrit Parapuntakul. Finance and Business
in Cambridgeshire. A Galactic conducted the its two-seat all-electric Operations at Astroscale
first flight is targeted for second SpaceShipTwo eFlyer 2 technology AAR Corporation has US.
2023/24. test flight from Spaceport demonstrator. The tests elected Robert F Leduc,
America. The test involved are to focus on collecting retired President of Pratt Rob Holmes is the new
Mexican airline a glide flight and landing engineering data for & Whitney, to its Board of VP Aerospace at Hardide
AeroMexico has filed for of VSS Unity after propeller choice. Directors. Coatings.
AUGUST 2020 9
AUGUST 2020 News wjd.indd 7 17/07/2020 14:25:20
17/07/2020 14:25
BAE Systems reveals Tempest factory of the future
Source: BAE Systems
Future Combat Air Digitally
Driven
Production
Transformation
Industry 4.0
A first of its kind factory drives digital capability
into next generation manufacturing
Data Driven
Smart Office
Advanced
Manufacturing Robot Assisted Live data flow from the
Technologies Assembly factory provides ‘at a glance’
Exploiting the latest snapshot of performance,
A re-configurable and flexible enabled by Internet of
additive manufacturing assembly approach replaces
technologies and developing Things connectivity.
need for traditional fixed
new material joining tooling.
processes to build a
range of detailed
aircraft parts.
Understanding the world of Aerospace through data
By the Numbers
Intelligent
Intelligent Workstation
Logistics Systems
Autonomous Human-augmented
Connected supply chain and Mobile Robots technology guides operators to
intelligent store deploys drive efficiencies and minimise
tools and materials into Performing autonomous process deviation. Digital
the factory. multi-functional assembly work instructions deployed
operations and parts from connected
delivery. engineering toolsets.
Aug 2020 By the Numbers.indd 2
baesystems.com
AEROSPACE
PMCS1484.06.07.20
10Pushing the Envelope
Exploring advances on the leading edge of aerospace
Robert Coppinger
In-orbit servicing
A
s AEROSPACE goes to press, an Docking and cleaning
Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket is
scheduled to launch from Kourou The United States’ Defense Advanced Research
in French Guiana at the end of Projects Agency’s Orbital Express mission
July with the Northrop Grumman demonstrated docking during its four-month flight from
Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV)-2. It will dock March to July 2007. At the same time, the UK-based
with its customer Intelsat’s 1002 satellite early next Orbital Satellite Servicing company was proposing its
year to extend its life. For decades after the Soviet SMART-OLEV vehicle to service spacecraft. Since
Union’s launch of Sputnik in 1957, satellites were then, in parallel to the US progress, the European
untouchable once the rocket ascended from the Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA)
launch pad. Racing around the planet at more than have funded research and a mission to demonstrate
17,500mph, they worked until they malfunctioned, or debris removal techniques, another market for space
the Earth’s gravity pulled them down to a fiery end. services. The EU-funded REMOVEDEBRIS project
In 1984 this fateful solitude ended when began in 2013, its test spacecraft was launched in
NASA’s space shuttle Discovery brought the first June 2018 and the project ended last year, having
telecommunication satellites back from orbit. The completed its technology demonstration.
shuttle also serviced the Hubble Space Telescope Airbus subsidiary Surrey Satellite Technology
(HST) five times but, for the more than 2,600 satellites (SSTL) designed and built the REMOVEDEBRIS
the Union of Concerned Scientists says were flying in spacecraft. It had three technologies for debris
space up to 1 April this year, only software changes removal: a net, a harpoon and a vision-based
could be beamed to these spacecraft; nothing else
navigation system to rendezvous with debris. The
could be done to maintain them.
harpoon punctures the thin wall of a spacecraft
fuselage, while the net wraps itself around a portion of
Satellite care the satellite. SSTL is now working with Japan-based
satellite servicing company, Astroscale. It is aiming to
Now, in 2020, Northrop stated that its MEV is
provide mission extension services and active debris
the space industry’s first satellite servicing vehicle
removal, among other solutions. SSTL International
designed to dock with geostationary spacecraft.
Business Development Manager, Alex da Silva Curiel,
Like other satellite mission extension concepts, the
MEV docks with the target’s apogee motor, which is explained that if one spacecraft could de-orbit multiple
used to put a spacecraft into its final geostationary satellites, the debris issue could begin to be tackled.
orbit trajectory. The basic service that can be offered
with this concept is station keeping. Satellites use The long view
propulsion to keep themselves in the right position to
aim the antennas correctly. When the fuel runs out, the The in-orbit services beyond life extension and
de-orbiting will require more advanced robotics and
THE
orientation becomes inaccurate and the mission ends. REMOVEDEBRIS
Northrop Grumman subsidiary Space Logistics’ artificial intelligence, according to da Silva Curiel. One
Operations Business Development Vice President, Joe concept being funded by the German Aerospace SPACECRAFT
Anderson, said that the capture technology, or how the Center, DLR, and called iBOSS, is a geostationary ... HAD THREE
servicing spacecraft grabs the customer, was the key satellite made up of modules that can be reconfigured TECHNOLOGIES
technology development for the MEV. The company’s using robotics. Another idea da Silva Curiel refers FOR DEBRIS
first MEV, called MEV-1, was launched in October to is the in-orbit assembly of a space telescope, REMOVAL: A NET,
last year and docked with the customer Intelsat which could be far larger than HST or the James
A HARPOON AND
IS-901 spacecraft in February this year. Northrop Webb Space Telescope. The huge telescope would
said that this marked the first time two commercial be built by autonomous robots from parts launched A VISION-BASED
satellites had docked in orbit. IS-901 resumed its by separate rockets. While the HST was serviced NAVIGATION
telecommunications services in April. In-orbit servicing by astronauts, like so many Earthly tasks, dull and SYSTEM TO
has seen a number of demonstration missions and dangerous work, carried out as part of a low Earth orbit RENDEZVOUS
start-up companies in the past 20 years. economy, could be done more safely by robots. WITH DEBRIS
AUGUST 2020 11
In Orbit servicing.indd 1 17/07/2020 14:28Transmission
LETTERS AND ONLINE @aerosociety i Find us on LinkedIn f Find us on Facebook www.aerosociety.com
i
Voyager flies the flag
number of new US-built
RAF
RAF aircraft rely on boom
refuelling, which means they
either cannot air refuel at
all, lacking a probe, or must
rely increasingly on boom-
tanking support from friendly
nations. Although the RAF
was the Voyager’s launch Covid-19 statement
customer, this operational Oshan De Alwis [On RAeS
restriction does not apply statement on Covid-19 and
to the boom-equipped changes to the aviation and
Voyagers in service with aerospace workforce(4)] Great
Australia, France and other initiative!
Nice to know the Air Tanker only a proportion of Voyagers boom aerial refuelling and allies flying this impressive
owned Voyager MRTT equipped for air-to-air military transport. Voyager machine. With ongoing QRA
allocated to Boris and other tanking without adaption is clearly the best tanker- stand-by support required Alan Paterson Fantastic
VVIPs is being repainted by work (which can take several transport in the world, but for UK and Falklands-based support at an extremely
Marshalls in a less dowdy weeks for the five earmarked although it is very modern, Typhoons, plus NATO and difficult time in our aviation
colour scheme. The old RAF for commercial hire from capable and flexible, and other global deployments, the industry. Well done to all at
VC10s of No 10 Sqn in high its total of 14), the French much bigger, the RAF current RAF tanker fleet is RAeS.
gloss Air Support Command Air Force is to expand its strategic tanker-transport undoubtedly under-strength,
white, blue and grey colours, own MRTT fleet with three fleet is far smaller than when if it is required to also support
looked superb – a scheme additional aircraft, bringing it had nearly 30 VC10s and unexpected emergency Anooshiravan Maleki
guaranteed to project a its total to 15, fully Service- TriStars – and individual operations overseas. Great initiative and support!
confident and capable UK. owned and equipped for aircraft can only be in one Thanks to all at RAeS!
However, while the UK has hose-and-drogue, as well as place at a time. An increasing Richard Gardner MRAeS
f
Saving graces Simon Ludlow A good
article. Sydney Dekker
Emergency evacuation
commented that we Richard Wiggins [On RAeS The same applies to duty-free
Charlie Jeffs [On Pilot error!
concentrate on when things Passenger Evacuation Paper(5] purchases in terminal (far
– What about pilot saves?(2)]
go wrong. But how about It needs an international legal more availability to purchase
Yes, good thinking, we are all
examining when things go standard for restrictions to consumer goods bigger than
too mercenary when it comes
right? uplift cabin bags. Right now it is and heavier than alcohol and
to aviation catastrophes, a bit
dependent on class of travel/ cigarettes) and expect these
like football, the focus is on
Flying on Mars aircraft cabin size and pax to be also uplifted in cabin. An
the player scoring goals, never
seating density/percentage example of nil cabin baggage
the goalkeeper saving goals.
of cabin occupancy/length allowed was BA shuttle LHR/
NASA
F-35 lecture And this breeds cynicism.
of journey requiring access or BFS during ‘The Troubles’ era
Pilots are of course paid high
not to lap tops and cabin bag/ when 100% of cabin bags had
Air Source Military/YouTube
salaries, not for mundane
commercial revenues either to be belly stowed and retrieved
non eventful ‘dial-a-route’
for charging to carry extra bag on arrival from aircraft steps
flying but their response and
in cabin or taking bag into side. It was a legal national
reaction to an emergency,
cabin to avoid suitcase fees security mandate so nobody
many of which could not have
Curiosity Mars Rover and Flyer. or waiting around at arrivals challenged it and the system
been rehearsed or practised
baggage belt on terminal. worked for short sector one-
before. So let’s hear more
Locking lockers before landing hour flights!
Kevin Bowen [On F-35 of the crew that saved the Jason Nicholson [On
would just make passengers’
Lightning II Test Flight audio souls unselfishly, rather than podcast of Classic Lecture
human actions more devious – Laszlo Molnar The future
lecture(1)] What a mess of those that did not make it. But – Curiosity, The Next Mars
to hide cabin bag under seats could be better than that.
doors and bendy nozzliness. let’s keep the comments and Rover(3)] Our name is aboard
to ensure access upon landing. 43 benefits, four safety
Harrier did the biz in a much analysis fair, not speculative or it and with the possibility of
It is really for IATA and ICAO to improvements is the innovation
more classy way! over reaction. Remember the aviation history being made
legalise the standard globally of the 21st century. Evacuation
life the pilot is trying to save with the first heavier-than-air
and not for airlines’ commercial without slide landing on water
when he is avoiding built up flight on another planet. It’s
departments to forecast and eventually take-off. Initial
Chris Walker Yes. Via bicycle areas while crashing, is his one mission I will be watching
ancillary revenue opportunity. model is for sale.
chains! own, so no over-dramatisation. closely.
12 AEROSPACEOff to a Flying Start i @beaver_paul
From the RAeS [On new photo archives
Journal of Aeronautical History
RAeS/NAL
paper on Alcock and Brown’s
competitors(6)] Excellent
scholarship.
@Solsticenator [On what
will be the ‘new normal’ for
air travel post Covid-19?(7)]
Permanent anti-microbial/viral
coatings.
Print a fighter
@CamberandChord [On @StTim How does banning
BAE Systems aims to 3D carry on work for people
print 30% of the Tempest] travelling with a laptop? They
No reason this shouldn’t Joseph F Corrao can’t go in the hold.
Raphael D. [On RAeS Britten-Norman Cushioncraft CC-2, CC2-002, being fuelled
be possible, especially with Excellent! The beginning of a @ProfAtkin [On Gender
Member Maleha Khan at a BP Service Station at Bembridge, Isle of Wight. This was
companies like Rocket Lab doubtlessly brilliant career! All diversity on RAeS Council]
winning a British Women one of a series of air cushion vehicles used to investigate
showing what is possible with the best, Maleha!
Pilots’ Association Flying Start the possibility of a breakthrough in transportation techniques
3D printing.
scholarship(7)] Congratulations which could accelerate the pace of development in territories
Maleha! where roads were non-existent and costly to build and rivers
BAME seminar Dr Eur Ing Bishnujee
seasonally unnavigable.
@tallbeanie [On RAeS Callum H Congratulations. Singh Congratulations and
BAME seminar(6)] Goodness? Flying an aircraft is the best RAeS playing key role in
What on Earth is going on – thing since sliced bread. nurturing brilliant talent with New civil aircraft? Electric aircraft safety
deliberate segregation? Surely After doing all my training exciting career ahead!
at EGBW (where I think the @gethinsinflight [COMAC @tomhajjar [On electric
not?
picture is), it’s a shame to see Stuart G Smith Well done Assistant Chief Designer GA aircraft – the pilot’s
greedy landlords selling this Maleha – it’s a fantastic world bemoans lack of civil airliner perspective(10)] The same
magnificent field for houses. up here ! projects in RAeS webinar(9)] people who barely maintain
@RichardGearing Giving an
To say that during a pandemic their cars, boats and small
under-represented community
makes no sense. There are planes will do the same with
a voice is not segregation – it’s
hundreds, if not thousands, electric models. The batteries
an opportunity for us to hear RAF Voyager repaint UK to acquire OneWeb of commercial aircraft parked will not have the same
the amazing things they do in sat nav system
@combat_boot [On RAF around the world that may protective measures of a land-
our sector and the challenges
reveals VIP Voyager repaint] never fly again due to Covid. based design due to weight.
they and others may face, @percymerlin [Has the UK
£900k for some paint? I am in New aircraft programmes The damaged batteries will
especially at this time. I would bought the ‘wrong satellites’
the wrong business. will need to respond to a new incinerate on impact...
encourage everyone to join for a satellite navigation sustainable reality post-
this webinar to learn more. system with OneWeb?(8)] Covid. We need radically new
There are two issues with concepts to take travellers into
@davidhearn Most of Indian women pilots
OneWeb as a navigation a totally sustainable, ie carbon-
@brazilinsight I graduated the £900k was apparently
system. First, it has no chance free, future. @nivedita_bhasin [On
in aerospace with a black standard scheduled routine
of seeing four stats at the Indian aviation – the hidden
student. We both joined the checks/maintenance and
same time with current orbits, force(11)] 50 years of women
RAF. He, being outstanding, the likelihood was that a
to use current technology. @Ridgley_Vefand In what pilots in India woven in a flying
won the Sword of Honour repaint (in grey) had also been
Second, it would have to use a market space would a new carpet by @neelammathews.
and rose to air rank. He was required at normal intervals,
totally different type of system programme bring meaningful A lovely article and a must-
not unusual in the military I so the actual cost of changing
like the old US Transit sat and benefits? The famous NMA read.
knew, or in aerospace. In both the design was more like just
that would take a longer time where Boeing didn’t manage to
sectors what matters is ability, the additional white/blue/red
to get a location fix. Accuracy? extract a business case from?
not the colour of your skin. paint and design work.
1. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/audio-classic-lecture-f-35-lightning-ii-flight-test-update-by-graham-tomlinson/
2. AEROSPACE, June 2020 p 20, Pilot error! What about pilot saves?
3. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/audio-classic-lecture-curiosity-the-next-mars-rover-by-dr-matt-wallace/
4. https://www.aerosociety.com/media/14112/2020_07_01_statement_covid-19_changes_to_workforce.pdf
5. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/updated-raes-passenger-evacuation-paper-now-available/
6. https://www.aerosociety.com/events-calendar/bame-perspectives-on-aerospace-and-aviation-shaping-the-future/
7. https://bwpa.co.uk/scholarships/scholarship-winners-archive/
8. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/oneweb-and-the-uk-a-wise-investment/
9. https://www.aerosociety.com/news/working-with-china/
10. AEROSPACE, July 2020 p 26, Electric flight – a pilot’s eye view
11. AEROSPACE, July 2020 p 22, Indian aviation’s invisible force
@aerosociety i linkedin.com/raes f facebook.com/raes www.aerosociety.com AUGUST 2020 13SPACEFLIGHT
SpaceX strategy
Live from Mars!
PAT NORRIS FRAeS (member of the RAeS Space Specialist Group Committee)
assesses the ambitious plans of SpaceX and its charismatic CEO, Elon Musk, to send
humans to Mars and to provide broadband links here on Earth.
O
n 30 May 2020 Doug Hurley and Bob In the intervening nine years the US has paid
Behnken were the first astronauts in Russia for 35 separate seats in the regular Soyuz
almost nine years launched into space launches taking cosmonauts to the ISS. The current
on an American rocket at the start sticker price for each seat (round trip) is about
of a 19hr journey to the International $90m and the political costs have also been high,
Space Station (ISS). Hurley had been on the previous since being dependent on Russia for anything is
such flight, Space Shuttle mission No. 135, when not good politics in the US at the moment.
it took off from the exact same spot – Pad 39A at The Crew Dragon spacecraft into which Hurley
Cape Canaveral in Florida – its launch on 11 July and Behnken were strapped and the Falcon
2011 bringing the Space Shuttle programme to a 9 rocket that blasted it into space were both
close. The same pad was the starting point for all of designed and built by SpaceX. The design of all
the Apollo Moon landing missions. previous crewed space rockets had been managed
by governments – and just three of those: Russia
(Soviet Union), US and China – so this was a first
for a commercial company. The private sector
origin of the technology was especially visible in
the sleek, designer-style spacesuits worn by the
astronauts, in contrast to the baggy ‘pumpkin’ suit
of previous missions.
Returning the US among the stars
Republican Congressman turned NASA
(MUSK) TOLD Administrator, Jim Bridenstine left it to his bosses,
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike
AN AUDIENCE
Pence, to blow the ‘America is great’ trumpet at
AT THE ROYAL the Cape Canaveral launch. Bridenstine will use
AERONAUTICAL the success to persuade Congress to increase the
SOCIETY IN NASA budget. The approximate $50m SpaceX
charges NASA for an astronaut launch is, of course,
LONDON IN also a welcome price reduction.
2012 THAT HE The man most applauded for the event was
WOULD LIKE Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX. Musk
TO DIE ON is an eccentric billionaire who has built his
SpaceX business from the ground up into a
MARS “BUT NOT company valued at more than $30bn in just
DURING THE 18 years. He is perhaps better known for also
LANDING.” Elon Musk speaking at the RAeS in 2012. creating from nothing, the electric car company,
14 AEROSPACE
Space X Mars.indd 2 17/07/2020 14:22Tesla, and his Twitter musings have sometimes science fiction movie. NASA insisted on using a
made headlines for the wrong reasons. pristine first stage for the 30 May flight but has
Musk’s eccentricity was highlighted in his since agreed to allow the use of boosters that have
statement after the launch that it was “the first step previously flown. The cost of preparing an already
toward a civilisation on Mars”. The stretch from two flown booster for reuse has not been disclosed and
astronauts on the ISS to having a civilisation on it is not clear how much of a saving it provides. One
Mars seemed ridiculous to most people. However, major cost incurred is the need to preserve fuel
Musk founded SpaceX to go to Mars, so for him during the flight so that the first stage can power its
it seemed natural. He sees Mars as a backup to way back to a landing, thereby reducing the payload
Earth in the event of a third world war, and also as it can carry into orbit by a reported 30%.
an extraordinary adventure. He told an audience at The latest variant (Block 5) of the nine
the Royal Aeronautical Society in London in 2012 Merlin engines used in the Falcon 9 first
that he would like to die on Mars “but not during the stage is designed to be re-used ten times with
landing”. minor processing and up to 100 times with
This is not the first time the US has got itself refurbishment. Five launches is the most any
into the pickle of mothballing its only astronaut- booster has so far achieved, allowing the first 35
rated launcher and having to wait several years for Block 5 launches to be made with a total of just 17
the replacement to be ready. After the last launch different Block 5 engines.
of an Apollo-era rocket in July 1975, it was almost SpaceX also recovers the fairing that protects
eight years before the next American astronauts the payload on top of the rocket and reuses it. The
made it into space on the first flight of the Space fairing floats down on parachutes to be recovered
Shuttle in April 1981. The gap this time round was at sea. Musk told the RAeS audience that each
supposed to be four years, 2011 to 2015, but this fairing costs about $5m, so it’s worth trying to
had slipped to 2017 by the time parallel contracts reuse them. Note that no other space rocket
were placed with Boeing and SpaceX. Further manufacturer anywhere in the world is able to
slippage ensued: to 2020 for SpaceX and probably recover and reuse its rockets, putting SpaceX truly
2021 for Boeing – leading Musk to declare on in a class of its own.
30 May that the pace of development needed to
accelerate if humans were to get to Mars in his Falcon Heavy
lifetime.
Another of SpaceX’s unique products is the Falcon
Re-using the rocket Heavy launcher which can carry into orbit more
payload than any other launcher in the world – a
SpaceX has undercut all of the world’s rocket lot more! It can place about 64 tonnes into orbit,
suppliers by being commercially-focused. The which is more than double the capacity of the next
technology is chosen for cost and reliability, not most powerful rocket, the Delta IV Heavy. It has
because it is hi-tech. The manufacturing is mostly been launched three times and is very competitively
done in-house, enabling trade-offs and design priced.
changes to be made more easily than with a long It helps to be based in the world’s biggest
supply chain. economy. Since its first flight in 2010, 38%
In his talk at the RAeS, Musk noted that the of Falcon 9 launches have been for the US
cost of the fuel was less than 2% of the overall Government – initially for NASA but, since 2015,
launcher cost, hence his decision to recover the also for the Department of Defense. In the same
rocket’s first stage instead of letting it fall into period, only 14% of the launches of Europe’s Ariane
the ocean. After boosting the second stage and 5 rocket (Falcon 9’s main commercial competitor)
its payload towards space, the first stage of the have been for government agencies. However,
Falcon 9 navigates itself back to a platform floating Europe funded the cost of developing Ariane 5
in the ocean and lands vertically on it – for most while Musk used his own money to pay for most
observers this is like watching a scene from a of the development of both the Falcon 9 and
AUGUST 2020 15
Space X Mars.indd 3 17/07/2020 14:22SPACEFLIGHT
SpaceX strategy
the Falcon Heavy, getting the rocket close to an the Saturn V of the Apollo era, ie. able to loft in the
operational state before bidding for and winning region of 150 tonnes into orbit around the Earth.
contracts from NASA and the commercial market. However Saturn V was an expendable rocket with its
Building both the rocket and the spacecraft on parts ending up at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean
top of it is an important SpaceX feature. Musk’s or as space junk. Musk reckons that, if Starship were
dream of flying to Mars requires a very powerful expendable, its payload capacity would be doubled.
rocket (about which more in a moment) and a Setting a development timescale of just three to four
sophisticated vehicle to reach and land on Mars years and a budget of about $5bn (“between $2bn
– and then to take off again and return to Earth. and $10bn” says Musk) means that the technical
The Crew Dragon capsule that carried Hurley and challenges are enormous. So far, development
Behnken to the ISS on 30 May is the first SpaceX of a prototype of a scaled down first stage has
vehicle certified to carry humans. However, the been ‘exciting’ with explosions and other mishaps
cargo version, called simply Dragon, has carried fuel, destroying or damaging most of the early test
water, food and supplies to the Station 20 times articles. SpaceX has put in place a manufacturing
in the past eight years and brought cargo safely process for the rocket that underpins a ‘build-a-little-
back to Earth. Dragon is the only spacecraft able to test-a-little’ approach, so that the design of the final
return a significant amount of cargo (3½ tonnes) – product evolves as the testing progresses.
the Russian Soyuz can bring back just 50kg along Musk admits that success of the development
with three passengers (150kg if there are only two is not assured given the many technical hurdles to
passengers). All the other cargo vehicles (Russian, be surmounted. His confidence has been boosted
American, Japanese, European) that bring supplies by NASA selecting Starship as one of three
to the ISS burn up on re-entry into the Earth’s contenders for its return to the Moon – the other
atmosphere. contenders are Dynetics, a 2,000 personnel hi-tech
company based in Huntsville, AL, and a team led
Starship – even bigger by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin that includes Lockheed
Martin and Northrop Grumman. NASA will give
With his vision of Mars in mind, Musk has been SpaceX $135m to design a lunar landing variant of
investing heavily in a new generation of launchers Starship and a similar contribution has come from
and spacecraft. He has been expected to enhance Japanese fashion retail billionaire Yusaku Maezawa
the successful Falcon Heavy rocket but instead has who paid for a trip with eight friends around the
gone back to the drawing board and is developing Moon and back.
a colossal rocket/spaceship combination called the To send the Apollo astronauts to the Moon
Starship system. The second stage is called Starship required the Saturn V to be five or six times
and, as well as a rocket, it is a crew and cargo more powerful than was needed for any other
vehicle capable of long duration missions, eg. to space mission, so it was uneconomic for anything
Mars. The first stage is currently called Super Heavy. except a Moon landing. SpaceX is planning to
Everything in the Starship system will be turn this argument on its head with Starship. Its
recovered and reused – not just the first stage. full reusability will make it so cheap that it will be
Starship will be comparable in carrying capacity to suitable for launching normal satellites, in other
16 AEROSPACE
Space X Mars.indd 4 17/07/2020 14:22words replacing the workhorse Falcon 9. That as of June 2020, with expansion plans already
at any rate is the commercial logic espoused by announced to increase that to 10,000. In response
Elon Musk. A sceptic might say that a competitor to astronomers’ complaints, SpaceX is applying a
could develop a smaller reusable rocket that would low reflectivity coating to the satellites and is testing
provide even cheaper launches and thus undercut a sunshade that would be deployed to reduce
Starship. reflected sunlight. Each satellite weighs about
So the challenge for SpaceX is 250kg with an ingenious flat design about the size
not only to complete the ambitious of a 20cm thick ping-pong table which is packed
Starship development in a timely and with electronics and includes a solar panel that
affordable way but also to ensure unfolds once in orbit. They are launched on a Falcon
that it is commercially competitive in 9 in batches of 60 using a clever packing strategy
operation. inside the rocket fairing.
SpaceX is funding the development and launch
Making the sky bright of the satellites from internal funds, with the total
cost of the initial constellation said to be about
The Crew Dragon launch is $10bn. Orbiting the Earth at an altitude of about
not the only headline SpaceX 550km, the Starlink satellites move rapidly across
has made in recent months. the sky. A broadband user therefore has to track
Astronomers have been the satellite as it moves, and switch to another
critical of the several hundred one when it goes over the horizon. Most current
Starlink satellites that SpaceX telecommunication satellites are at an altitude of
has built and launched 35,000km in the so-called geostationary orbit,
into orbit round the Earth making them appear fixed in place to the user –
intended to provide global hence the unmoving satellite dishes on the side of
broadband services. The houses. The lower altitude orbit makes the round-trip
satellites reflect sunlight signal delay time much shorter than for geostationary
before dawn and after dusk, satellites. This ‘low latency’ can be important for
and are so numerous that some applications such as real-time gaming as well
the accumulated ‘light as to avoid the embarrassing pauses often seen
pollution’ is significant – on TV news feeds. But the downside is the need
one American astronomer for higher cost user equipment that can track the
reckons about 30% satellites – the Starlink user’s antenna is expected
of her images will be to be flat and about the size of a medium-sized pizza
contaminated. box which tracks the satellites electronically and
The initial thus avoids any physical movement, although the
constellation of Starlink early beta versions are dishes that move to track
satellites will number the satellites. Sceptics point out that the greatest
about 1,500, of which potential for new Internet users is in emerging
about 500 are in place markets but they have little need for low latency.
Artist’s rendering of the
SpaceX Starship concept.
AUGUST 2020 17
Space X Mars.indd 5 17/07/2020 14:22You can also read
