Aerospace

Third Runway at Hong Kong International Airport Commissions

#HongKong International Airport (#HKIA) into a three-runway system with the official commissioning of the Third Runway

Today marked a significant turning point in the evolution of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) into a three-runway system with the official commissioning of the Third Runway (3RS).

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The commissioning ceremony, which took place at the new Integrated Airport Centre of HKIA, was presided over by Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR); Yin Zonghua, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in HKSAR; Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in HKSAR.

Civil Aviation Administration of China, delivered his congratulatory remarks through a video. Other guests attending the ceremony included Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury; Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security; other government officials; AAHK Board Members; business leaders; representatives of home carriers and major airport companies.

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The construction works of 3RS started in August 2016. The formation of 650 hectares of land (equivalent to 34 Victoria Parks) through reclamation was completed in around four years. The 3,800m-long runway started operation in July 2022. The expansion of Terminal 2, construction of T2 Concourse, a new baggage handling system and automated people mover system are scheduled for completion in 2024 on time and within budget.

Related Topics:Hong Kong International Airport

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.