Aviation

NASA’s Talks with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Could Restore Crew Return Capabilities

Ongoing discussions with Elon Musk’s SpaceX about the Dragon spacecraft could provide a new alternative for bringing astronauts back from the space station. NASA is exploring more possibilities with SpaceX

Boeing is facing a deepening crisis with its Starliner crew vehicle, which is currently stuck at the International Space Station (ISS).

Boeing and NASA are trying to figure out how to bring the astronauts back to Earth safely. What was supposed to be a short mission has stretched beyond a month due to problems with Starliner’s propulsion system, raising concerns about the spacecraft’s safety.

NASA said that if Starliner remains unsafe, the astronauts might return on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon in February 2025. NASA is discussing with SpaceX the possibility of reserving two seats on a Crew Dragon flight for the astronauts who flew on Starliner.

Starliner’s mission was initially planned to last about eight days but has been extended due to issues with its propulsion system. Boeing believes the spacecraft is safe, but if needed, they are ready to prepare Starliner for an uncrewed return.

Using a SpaceX spacecraft to bring the astronauts back would be a significant setback for Boeing, which has struggled to compete with SpaceX.

Problems with Starliner’s thrusters and helium leaks have led to extensive testing to resolve these issues. Recent test results have raised more concerns about the spacecraft’s ability to return safely.

Starliner has been docked at the ISS for 63 of its 90 allowable days and occupies the docking port that Crew Dragon will need for its upcoming mission.

Aviation

China Eastern Receives Its Ninth C919 Aircraft, Marking a New Milestone

China Eastern Airlines (CEA) has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its ninth COMAC C919 aircraft, continuing its lead as the launch customer for China’s domestic narrow-body airliner.

On Thursday, the airline received the latest addition to its fleet, registered as B-657T, marking another step in China’s ambitious efforts to establish itself as a key player in the global aerospace market.

Virgin Australia Launches Black Friday Sale on Flights Worldwide

This delivery is part of a major achievement for COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), which has now delivered a total of 10 comac c919 in 2024 alone, a remarkable increase from just three jets delivered by the end of 2023.

The C919 program represents China’s entry into the competitive market for commercial aircraft, aiming to rival the dominance of manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing in the narrow-body sector.

These 6 Airlines Are Giving You Free Wi-Fi on Your 2025 Flights

One standout feature of the c919 is its innovative in-flight technology, particularly its Wi-Fi system. Developed by the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), this system allows passengers to connect to the “CEAIR-WIFI” wireless hotspot, providing seamless access to in-flight entertainment.

Through the website www.muflyer.com, travelers can enjoy a range of features including “Air Cinema” and “Air Games,” which enhance the flying experience.

Looking ahead, COMAC’s ambitions are not limited to narrow-body aircraft. At the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, c919 aircraft price made waves with the announcement of over 100 new aircraft orders.

A significant highlight was a high-profile agreement with Air China for the development of the C929, a widebody aircraft set to compete c919 vs a320 and c919 vs 737 with these models.