Aerospace

At 18000 mph “out of control” rocket traveling towards the earth

At 18000 mph “out of control” rocket traveling towards the earth: No, it’s not the end of the world, however, the odds aren’t zero. After launching a section of China’s new space station last week, a section of the country’s largest rocket, the Long March 5B, is tumbling out of control in orbit. On Saturday or Sunday, the rocket is supposed to crash to Earth in what is known as an “uncontrolled re-entry.”

Why China’s space program let this happen? it is unknown, whether it splashes harmlessly in the ocean or affects the land where people live. Given China’s expected launch schedule, further uncontrolled rocket re-entries are likely in the coming years.

In the last six months, China’s space program has accomplished a number of significant milestones in spaceflight, including returning moon rocks and placing a spacecraft in orbit around Mars. Despite this, it continues to pose a threat to people all over the world by failing to monitor the trajectory of the rockets it launches.

The core booster stage of the Long March 5B, which was intended to lift the massive, heavy parts of the space station, would be falling out of the sky somewhere. The lower stages of most rockets return to Earth almost immediately after launch. After releasing their payloads, upper stages that enter orbit normally fire the engine again, leading them for re-entry in an unpopulated region such as the middle of an ocean.

That could be anywhere between 41.5 degrees north and 41.5 degrees south latitude for the Long March 5B booster. That means Chicago, which is a fraction of a degree north, is secure, major cities like New York could be struck by debris.

The Aerospace Corporation, a nonprofit that conducts research and analysis and is primarily funded by the federal government, predicted re-entry on Saturday at 11:43 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday. If this is right, debris could fall over Sudan and northeastern Africa.

Our latest prediction for CZ-5B rocket body reentry is:
?09 May 2021 03:43 UTC ± 16 hours
Reentry will be along one of the ground tracks shown here. It is still too early to determine a meaningful debris footprint. Follow this page for updates: https://t.co/p2AU9zE3y2 pic.twitter.com/MgzRAOTJnk
— The Aerospace Corporation (@AerospaceCorp) May 6, 2021
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The time — give or take 16 hours — and position remain highly uncertain. Aerospace had predicted re-entry over the eastern Indian Ocean more than an hour earlier the day before.

At 18,000 miles per hour, the booster moves the debris hundreds or thousands of miles in a matter of minutes. The forecasts become more accurate just a few hours before re-entry.

Related Topics:chicago chinese long march 5b Newyork rocket

Rob Ryan

Aerospace

Indigo will soon launch Air Taxi Service in India

Image:Archer Aviation

InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent brand of IndiGo, is set to revolutionize travel in India with its upcoming air taxi service.

Scheduled for a potential launch in 2026, this innovative venture promises a seamless journey for passengers between two bustling hubs. Delhi and Gurgaon in Haryana. The forthcoming service is projected to revolutionize the daily commute, offering passengers a swift aerial journey covering the distance in a mere 7 minutes.

This remarkable efficiency contrasts starkly with the conventional 90-minute drive, underscoring the immense time-saving potential for commuters. The anticipated fare, ranging from Rs 2,000-3,000, makes this innovative mode of transport not only swift but also remarkably competitive in pricing.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a strategic partnership with Archer Aviation, a pioneer in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology. Under this collaboration, Archer will supply 200 state-of-the-art eVTOL aircraft, representing an investment of US$ 1 billion. These cutting-edge aircraft, capable of accommodating up to four passengers alongside the pilot, epitomize the future of sustainable air travel.

Powered by six battery packs, Archer’s eVTOL aircraft boast rapid charging capabilities, enabling a swift turnaround between flights. With a charging time of just 30-40 minutes, these eco-friendly aircraft ensure minimal downtime, maximizing operational efficiency.

Similar services are anticipated to be introduced by the joint venture in Bengaluru and Mumbai as well. Nevertheless, the service rollout period has not yet been made public by the company. Next year, it is anticipated to get its certification. Following this, the company will start the certification procedure with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.