Aerospace

Boeing to begin modifying MD-90 to test Truss-Braced Wing configuration

Boeing has transported an MD-90 aircraft to the site where it will be modified to test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) configuration as part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project.

Boeing, NASA, and community officials gathered at the company’s site today to commemorate a significant milestone in the construction of the experimental X-66A aircraft. Boeing also released images of the jet’s voyage from Victorville, Calif., to Palmdale.

NASA may build a new narrow-body Boeing aircraft wing that would cut emissions by 30%.(Opens in a new browser tab)

The X-66A is NASA’s first experimental aircraft designed to assist the United States in reaching its objective of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions. The modification process will shortly start, and testing on the ground and in the air should start in 2028.

Boeing Chief Technology Officer Todd Citron said, “This marks a critical step in the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project, advances Boeing’s commitment to sustainability, and puts us closer to testing and verifying the TTBW design.

Will Boeing use NASA’s TTBW prototype to begin building short haul aircraft?(Opens in a new browser tab)

The TTBW design and other anticipated technology advancements could result in fuel use and emissions reductions of up to 30% with ultrathin wings reinforced by struts with bigger spans and higher aspect ratios. Through the Subsonic Ultra Green Aircraft Research (SUGAR) Programme, Boeing and NASA have worked together on the idea for over a decade.

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.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

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.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

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.