Aerospace

Airbus reveals hydrogen-powered zero-emission engine

A fuel cell engine fuelled by hydrogen is being developed by Airbus

A fuel cell engine fuelled by hydrogen is being developed by Airbus. To equip its zero-emission aircraft that will go into service by 2035, the propulsion system is being looked at as one of the potential alternatives.

Airbus will start ground and flight testing this fuel cell engine architecture onboard its ZEROe demonstrator aircraft towards the middle of the decade. The A380 MSN1 flight test aircraft for new hydrogen technologies is currently being modified to carry liquid hydrogen tanks and their associated distribution systems.

Due to the fact that it produces water as its main byproduct when produced from renewable energy sources, hydrogen has been selected by Airbus as one of the most promising choices to fuel zero-emission aircraft.

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Hydrogen can be utilised as an aeroplane propulsion fuel in two different methods. To power a propeller engine, hydrogen is first used in a gas turbine, then it is converted into energy in fuel cells. In a hybrid-electric architecture, fuel cells can be connected with a hydrogen gas turbine in place of batteries.

Hydrogen fuel cells may be scaled up by increasing their power output, especially when they are stacked. Additionally, an engine driven by a hydrogen fuel cell emits zero NOx or contrails, providing further advantages for decarbonization.

Rolls Royce successfully tests the World’s first hydrogen engine in partnership with Easyjet.(Opens in a new browser tab)

Airbus has been exploring the possibilities of fuel cell propulsion systems for aviation for some time. In October 2020, Airbus created Aerostack, a joint venture with ElringKlinger, a company with over 20 years of experience as both a fuel cell systems and component supplier. In December 2020, Airbus presented its pod-concept which included six removable fuel cell propeller propulsion systems.

To find more about Airbus’ fuel cell engine and demonstrator, click here.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.