Aerospace

China’s TP500 freight drone makes its maiden flight.

According to Chinese media, The TP 500 cargo unmanned aerial vehicle has flown for the first time in China. The First Aviation Institute-developed device took off early in the morning and flew for 27 minutes. The first flight was deemed successful. The test’s location is not stated.

The new general-purpose freighter drone can fly roughly 500 kilograms (1,102 lbs) of cargo and has a maximum range of up to 1,800 kilometers (more than 1,118 miles). The UAV has a special tail that folds to allow easier access to the cargo compartment inside it, which speeds up the loading procedure.

#China's homegrown #TP500 unmanned #freighter completed a successful maiden flight recently. The TP500 is a general-purpose unmanned transport platform with a large load &can transport cargo to as far as 500 km, carrying the standard 500kg laod. pic.twitter.com/NSOIGi9z3f
— Ambassador Hou Yanqi (@China2ASEAN) June 20, 2022

The initial flight, which lasted around 27 minutes, represents another significant step forward in the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) development programme for large-scale unmanned air transport.

Primo volo dell’#aereo #cargo cinese senza pilota #TP500 della #Avic First Aircraft Institute #drone #cargodrone pic.twitter.com/TqNwvNKSLZ
— Maurizio (@mauriziog) June 18, 2022

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.