Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.

Aerospace

Boeing Upholds Strong Confidence in Starliner’s Crew Return

NASA’s management is currently grappling with a critical decision regarding the return of astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule.

Amid ongoing discussions, the agency is weighing the option of sending the Starliner back empty and utilizing SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for crew return. This dilemma highlights the complexity of the situation and the varied factors at play, leading to an unpredictable outcome.

This week, NASA and Boeing have intensified their efforts to address the issues surrounding the Starliner spacecraft. To better understand and resolve the recent problems, NASA and Boeing conducted rigorous ground tests on a similar thruster to simulate flight conditions and assess potential issues. Additionally, a former service module was examined to help pinpoint the cause of the helium leaks that have been a concern.

Boeing’s X-66 Modification: Engine Removal & Adding Scanning Technology:Click here

In a recent development, teams completed a second hot fire test of 27 out of the 28 thrusters on the Starliner. The test aimed to verify the thrusters’ functionality and recheck helium leak issues.

According to Boeing, this hot fire test was successful, contributing to the growing confidence in the spacecraft’s readiness for a crewed mission. NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich indicated that the review of the test data is crucial before proceeding to a higher-level return readiness review.

Although this review was initially expected to take place late this week, it has been postponed to allow for a thorough analysis of the new data. Boeing has provided NASA with several potential return dates throughout August, underscoring their commitment to ensuring a safe return for the Starliner crew.

Despite the challenges, Boeing remains optimistic about the Starliner’s performance. The company has emphasized that the spacecraft’s propulsion system is functioning well, with 27 of the 28 RCS thrusters operating at full capacity. Helium levels are stable, and the data supports both the root cause assessment of previous issues and the rationale for the spacecraft’s crewed return.

Boeing’s confidence in the Starliner’s capability to safely return its crew is reinforced by the extensive testing and analysis conducted thus far. The company continues to collaborate closely with NASA, addressing all requests for additional testing, data, and reviews to ensure the spacecraft’s safe undocking and landing.