Aerospace

From Runnymede to First class luxury with British Airways.

British Airways has flown Britain’s most celebrated charter – the Magna Carta – across the Atlantic today (Monday, September 21).

To celebrate 800 years since the famous document was sealed, Hereford Cathedral and the GREAT Britain Campaign are taking one of only 24 original versions on an anniversary world tour. The tour is an opportunity for thousands of people to see a globally recognised symbol of democracy. It will also showcase Britain’s influence internationally for trade and legal systems.

The tour will see the 1217 version of the document – which travelled in the airline’s First class cabin with a dedicated security guard – visit seven countries, rack up 65,000 miles and travel through 25 time zones over the next four months.

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Its first stop will be New York – where it will be exhibited in one of the city’s most prestigious museums – before it heads to Luxembourg, China, including Hong Kong, Singapore, returning to Malta and finally Lisbon.

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British Airways Captain Iain Aird, who flew the special document from London Heathrow to New York’s JFK airport, said: “VIPs regularly travel across the pond with us, but with a price tag of £24 million the Magna Carta and the King’s Writ are definitely one of the most precious pieces of cargo we’ve ever had the honour of carrying. The news that we had such an important piece of history on board certainly created a buzz in our First cabin!”

Canon Chris Pullin, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral, who was also on the flight, said: “I am delighted that our copy of Magna Carta is embarking on this global tour, which will enable more people than ever from across the world a unique and exciting opportunity to see the document close up and learn about what it represents. I hope that as many people as possible take the opportunity to visit Magna Carta and enjoy a rare glimpse of one of the most famous documents in history that has shaped our modern democracy.”

Through its joint business with American Airlines, British Airways operates 14 flights a day from London to New York.

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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.”

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.