Aerospace

Northrop Grumman Withdraws from NGAD Fighter Program

Northrop Grumman made the decision to quit participating in the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) sixth-generation fighter programme of the United States Air Force.

Although Northrop Grumman would not compete as a prime contractor for the USAF’s NGAD programme, Kathy Warden, CEO of Northrop Grumman, made it clear that the company might work with one of the remaining bidders as a supplier for their mission systems portfolio.

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In a post-earnings conference call with investors, Kathy Warden, chief executive officer of Northrop, said, “We have informed the U.S. Air Force that we’re not planning to respond to the NGAD RFP as a prime.”

Despite avoiding the topic of the new fighter aircraft competition, Northrop claimed that the Indo-Pacific conflict and the Ukraine conflict have forced these countries’ militaries to spend more money.

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In an interview with Reuters, the CFO of Dave Keffer Northrop stated that “there is strong demand throughout Europe.” Eight potential new customers visited us to see a demonstration of our IBCS capabilities, which include our highly sought-after integrated combat management system.

A contractor for NGAD will be chosen by the Air Force in 2024, the service branch stated in mid-May. As a replacement for the F-22 air-to-air fighter, the NGAD will “include attributes such as enhanced lethality and the abilities to survive, persist, interoperate, and adapt in the air domain, all within highly-contested operational environments,” according to a service statement.

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.