Aerospace

Is China’s mysterious space plane about to return to Earth?

The mysterious Chinese spacecraft’s most recent orbital mission may be coming to an end. According to astronomer and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the hidden vehicle, which was launched into Earth orbit on August 4, ejected something on Oct.31.

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According to McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, the recently released object “may be a service module, possibly indicating an upcoming deorbit burn.” McDowell made this statement on Twitter on Monday.

The Chinese spaceplane launched on Aug 4 was in a 597 x 608 km x 50.0 deg orbit as of Oct 31; at around 1200 UTC it ejected an object (52418) that may be a service module, possibly indicating an upcoming deorbit burn
— Jonathan McDowell (@planet4589) November 1, 2022
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“Small companion satellites called “Banxing” were previously launched by Chinese crew capsules for surveillance purposes. It might also serve as a trial for placing tiny satellite payloads in orbit.”

Whatever the object is, if one previous data point is any indication, it will likely signal the mission’s impending end. The Chinese spacecraft has completed only one other orbital mission, a two-day excursion in September 2020 that came to an abrupt end following a similar ejection, as Jones pointed out.

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“Reusable and in-orbit service technology verification will be carried out as planned during the test spacecraft’s time in orbit before returning to the planned landing site in China to provide technical support for the peaceful use of space,” the statement reads.

The program’s sixth-ever mission took off on May 17, 2020, so the X-37B has been in the air for a while now. When the X-37B will land on Earth again is unknown.

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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.