Aerospace

World’s biggest plane Antonov An-225 to be built again, design work for the aircraft begins

Ukraine begins work on a new Antonov An-225.

The AN225 will take flight once more. Will Airbus and Boeing join the project? with modern Technolgy

One of the most significant losses to the Ukrainian aviation industry during the initial stages of the Russia-Ukraine war was the Antonov An-225, the largest aircraft in the world. The development of a second Antonov An-22 cargo aircraft has been announced by Antonov. The company stated on social media platforms that “currently, design works in this direction have begun.”

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The manufacturer Antonov shared the information on Twitter with the following statement: “In the presentation of information with reference to the acting of the General Director of the “ANTONOV” State Enterprise regarding the construction of the new “Mriya,” published by the “Bild” publication and some Ukrainian mass media, an error was admitted.” They clarified, “At this time, design work has started in this direction.”

However, there are many issues surrounding the building of a new Antonov An-225. The funding required to construct the plane is the main issue following the ongoing conflict. According to Antonov, the company will require around 500 million euros to construct the largest plane ever.

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When the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022, the airplane was being stored at Hostomel Airport, the location of the Antonov Company. The airport, which is close to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was attacked on the first day of the invasion. Russian paratroopers were supposedly sent to the area to create a bridgehead so that more troops could be airlifted in. Mriya suffered severe damage during the conflict for Hostomel’s control.

The An-225’s second unfinished airframe, which was initially intended for ground testing, was kept at Hostomel. Its current location is unknown.

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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.