Aerospace

How Etihad intends to combat contrails while crossing the Atlantic

During an Atlantic trip, Etihad is taking efforts to prevent contrails.

Etihad Airways and SATAVIA collaborate to implement contrail prevention for the first time on an Atlantic crossing

As part of the continuing collaboration with SATAVIA, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways, is implementing contrail prevention on a special NetZero flight during the COP27 event.

Etihad Airways is set to start flying to Guangzhou next month(Opens in a new browser tab)

On Sunday, November 13, the airline will fly a specially designated NetZero* flight, EY130, from Washington Dulles Airport to Abu Dhabi. This flight will demonstrate the viability of net-zero commercial aviation by utilizing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), SATAVIA contrail prevention, and other operational efficiencies.

The flight is the most recent in Etihad’s series of Eco Flights that have been conducted over the previous two years. It comes after the EY20 Sustainable Flight that Etihad conducted from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi last year, which reduced overall climate effect by 72%.

The trip will be the first Etihad transatlantic crossing to actively manage non-CO2 climate effects from contrail generation, confronting a sustainability challenge that accounts for up to 60% of aviation’s climate footprint. This builds on Etihad’s weekly contrail prevention exercises with SATAVIA.

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In addition to enabling contrail prevention in routine aircraft operations, SATAVIA undertakes post-flight climate effect analyses for conversion into future carbon credits, with a first-ever exchange via auction scheduled with Air Carbon Exchange in December 2022.

The flight is being described as NetZero rather than ‘Carbon Neutral’ as it is achieving more than off-setting the CO2 emissions. To categorize this flight as NetZero, Etihad must demonstrate the absolute maximal direct emissions reductions operations possible. This includes (but is not limited to):

Utilizing its Etihad Greenliner fleet – the Boeing 787 – with competitive fuel efficiency per passenger
Maximizing and ensuring cargo and passenger load factors to maintain efficiency
Pre-flight engine wash and aircraft cleaning for aerodynamics and engine efficiency
Use of single-engine taxiing
Intensive flight planning and direct routing, including continuous descent and reduced auxiliary power unit (APU) burn
Contrail avoidance testing with SATAVIA to reduce non-CO2 emissions and climate impact
In flight service to reduce waste production and scope 3 waste to CO2 impacts

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.