Today's Aerospace Pulse
Blue Origin’s New Glenn suffers catastrophic engine failure during static fire
A BE‑4 methane/LOX engine on Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket failed four seconds after ignition, causing a catastrophic explosion that destroyed the first‑stage booster and damaged Launch Complex 36A. No personnel were injured. An FAA‑led investigation, supported by the U.S. Space Force, is under way.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Disciplined Growth Acquisition Corp raises $150M in IPO
Moog Technology Successfully Steers Artemis II Launch
Moog Inc. supplied the critical actuation and motion‑control systems that steered NASA’s Artemis II launch, including thrust‑vector control, launch‑abort actuators, fluid‑control hardware, and mobile launch‑pad mechanisms. The SLS rocket lifted four astronauts from Kennedy Space Center, marking a record‑setting step toward deeper lunar exploration. Moog’s components performed throughout ascent and ground operations, underscoring the company’s precision‑engineering capabilities. The success reinforces Moog’s position as a key supplier for high‑risk aerospace missions.
SAME and IndiGo Launch Cadet AME Programme to Train India’s Next Aviation Engineers
IndiGo has selected the School for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (SAME) as its official partner to launch a cadet Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) programme. The initiative will train 30 high‑potential students in the B1.1 turbine stream during the 2026‑27 intake, combining...
Does Artemis II Prove Space Tourism Might Soon Take Off?
Artemis II’s April 1 launch delivered the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo, underscoring NASA’s push for a 2028 Moon landing. SpaceX has filed confidentially for an IPO that could value the company above $1 trillion, the largest market debut ever. Virgin Galactic...
SpaceX Secures SDA-4 Launch Task Order From U.S. Space Force
SpaceX has secured a task order worth more than $178 million from the U.S. Space Force Systems Command to conduct two National Security Space Launch Phase 3, Lane 1 missions in fiscal 2027. The launches will occur from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station...
FDH Electronics Launches New Mil-Aero Ecommerce Website
FDH Aero has launched FDHElectronics.com, a dedicated e‑commerce site for its FDH Electronics division serving the mil‑aero market. The platform aggregates the company’s interconnect, wire, cable and electromechanical product lines into a single, searchable catalog. Designed with direct customer input,...
Jet2 Achieves Fuel and Emissions Savings with Lightweight Paint
Jet2.com has begun applying AkzoNobel’s lightweight aircraft paint to more than 80 of its planes, delivering a weight reduction of over 20 kg per aircraft. The paint saves roughly a quarter‑million litres of fuel each year, cutting carbon emissions by more...
US Approves Potential $83.14m GMLRS-AW Sale to Singapore
The U.S. State Department has cleared a potential Foreign Military Sale to Singapore worth $83.14 million for 45 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System‑Alternative Warhead (GMLRS‑AW) pods and related support equipment. Lockheed Martin would act as the prime contractor, delivering rockets compatible with...
Boeing, US Department of War Agree to Triple PAC-3 Seeker Output
The U.S. Department of War signed a seven‑year framework with Boeing to triple production of Patriot Advanced Capability‑3 (PAC‑3) MSE seekers, raising annual output from roughly 600 to 2,000 units. Boeing has already invested over $200 million in a new 35,000 ft²...
NASA's Artemis II Launches First Crewed Moon Mission in 53 Years
NASA launched Artemis II on April 1, 2026, sending three Americans and a Canadian on a ten‑day circuit around the Moon – the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17. The 32‑story Space Launch System rocket carried 700,000 gallons of propellant, marking...
National Geographic: Tour NASA’s New Ride to the Moon
NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft, is teaming with National Geographic to document the journey. The four astronauts will serve as photographers, videographers, and filmmakers, creating content for the magazine, social media, and a documentary....
March Land Forces Roundup: A New War Confronts the Old Drone Problem
The United States and Israel launched a series of strikes against Iranian nuclear and missile facilities in late February. Iran responded with a wave of missile and uncrewed aerial system attacks aimed at Israeli and U.S. interests throughout the Gulf,...
Phantom Space Acquires Thermal Management Technologies
Phantom Space announced the acquisition of Thermal Management Technologies (TMT), a specialist in satellite thermal components, to strengthen its in‑orbit data‑center project called Phantom Cloud. TMT will operate as a Phantom subsidiary with founder Scott Schick remaining as general manager,...
Relativity, Hermeus, Astrion and Divergent Executives Join Fortastra C-Suite
Fortastra, a Los Angeles‑based space startup, has bolstered its leadership team by hiring senior executives from Relativity Space, Hermeus, Astrion and Divergent Technologies. Josh Jetter joins as chief technology officer, Sahil Desai as vice president of product, and Arnold Nowinski...
India Moves to Strengthen Aviation Workforce with Revamped AME Training
India’s aviation sector is launching a three‑year BSc programme in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) through a partnership between Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The curriculum will fuse academic theory, regulatory standards and hands‑on...
Malaysia Aviation Group Delivers Fourth Year of Operating Profit
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) posted a net profit after tax of RM137 million (≈ $30 million) for 2025, doubling its 2024 earnings and marking a fourth straight year of profitability. EBITDA surged to RM1.6 billion (≈ $356 million), up from RM788 million the prior year, helped by...
Air New Zealand Announces Flights From Western Sydney International Airport
Air New Zealand has opened ticket sales for a new trans‑Tasman service linking Auckland International Airport with Western Sydney International Airport (WSI). The three‑times‑weekly flights – Monday, Wednesday and Friday – will launch on 26 October 2026, marking the first international operations from...
Exploring Rocket Fuels Behind Artemis II’s Moon Launch
With Artemis II blasting off to the Moon, here's a look at the different fuels used to get rockets off of the ground in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in C&EN: https://cen.acs.org/physical-chemistry/astrochemistry/Periodic-Graphics-Fuels-space-travel/100/i43
Poland’s Refusal to Send ‘Patriots’ to Middle East Shows Europe’s Air-Defence Anxiety
The United States asked Poland to send one of its two Patriot batteries to the Middle East, but Warsaw refused, insisting the systems protect Polish and NATO eastern‑flank skies. The request highlights a severe shortage of Patriot interceptors, as Israel...
Loganair and BETA Technologies Plan Expanded Electric Flight Trials in Scotland
Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA Technologies completed a ten‑day electric flight trial across Scotland, operating BETA’s ALIA CTOL aircraft on 23 legs that covered 1,006 nautical miles. The flights demonstrated an energy consumption of 1.37 kWh per nautical mile and speeds...
Aviation Materials and Sustainability: What Science Actually Shows
Aviation is rapidly embracing sustainable materials as regulators and airlines push for lower emissions. Advanced composites now make up more than half of the structure in modern jets such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, delivering 15‑20% fuel savings...
Artemis Rockets at 28,000 Km/H—Mind‑blowing Speed
Literally every stat of the Artemis mission is mind blowing, because WHAT DO YOU MEAN they travel speeds of 28,000km/h. That’s incredible and terrifying #artemis #nasa #moon
Batik Air Trims Capacity 35% Amid Fuel Price Spike
Batik Air Malaysia has temporarily cut its capacity by 35 per cent until April 12 as part of a short-term capacity management strategy amid fuel price volatility and global economic uncertainty, the airline’s CEO tells me when contacted today. Read...
Why NASA Put a First Responder Knife in Every Spacesuit
Artemis II launched on April 1, 2026, marking NASA’s first crewed Moon flight since 1972 and testing systems for future lunar missions. Each Orion spacesuit now carries a Benchmade 916SBK‑ORG Triage, a folding rescue tool originally built for first responders. The knife’s large grip,...
Amazon Targets Globalstar Amid Apple Stake Complications
Macro: LEO consolidation accelerates as Amazon eyes Globalstar (GSAT +12%). Key: Apple’s 20% stake complicates talks; SpaceX competitive pressure. Risk: deal uncertainty, regulatory review. Trade: buy on confirmed deal. — Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA More insights: t.me/si14Kopylov
Moon‑bound Power: Artemis II Launches Astronauts Home
This is the power It takes to launch astronauts To the moon and back. #artemisii #haiku #artemisiihaiku #nasa #rocketlaunch
FAA Publishes Special Conditions for ZeroAvia’s 600kW Electric Engine
The Federal Aviation Administration has published special conditions for ZeroAvia’s 600 kW electric engine, issuing a Final Rule in the Federal Register. The move marks a major step toward type certification of the company’s hydrogen‑electric powertrain intended for 10‑20‑seat commercial aircraft....
Progress MS-35 Cargo Ship Heads to Baikonur for Sep 9 Launch
Progress MS-35 cargo ship, with a projected launch date of September 9, is on its way to Baikonur Cosmodrome after completion of assembly, according to Roskosmos. Context: https://t.co/kJIE9Wqspo https://t.co/pmHoAslwPB
Artemis II Crew Witnesses Rare Earth Sunset From 44,000 Mi
On their first apogee, nearly 44,000 miles from Earth, the Artemis II crew is getting a look at home unseen in 53 years. Here's Christina Koch describing her view of sunset in India a few minutes ago. https://t.co/uBZmQjCoFt
Will Gulf Airlines Make A Full Recovery From Iran Attacks? If So, When?
Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran provoked Iranian drone attacks that hit key Gulf infrastructure, including Dubai International Airport and the Burj Al Arab. Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have curtailed schedules and grounded flights,...
Airlines Scramble as Jet Fuel Scarcity Hits Markets
New Episode: For aviation, a “No Jet Fuel Left” reality is around the corner in several markets, as airlines try to outbid each other for the little Jet A-1 fuel remaining. 🛢️ Here’s what’s happening 👇🏽🎧 #OnAir (available on all...
Three Crews in Space, Artemis II Heads to Moon
In the unique moment in history, three crews are in space, including two on Earth-orbiting space stations and, for the first time, one simultaneously heading to the vicinity of the Moon. But things are not good on Earth, so only...
Icelandair Keen On Acquiring Stake in Fly Play’s Maltese Entity
Icelandair disclosed a letter of intent to acquire a 49% stake in Fly Play Europe, the Maltese‑registered entity that retained an Air Operator Certificate after the Icelandic low‑cost carrier’s bankruptcy. The transaction is contingent on due‑diligence and creditor approval. By...
Artemis 2 Crew Cleared for Launch After Troubleshooting
From last night: after some troubleshooting, the Artemis 2 crew is go to, ah, go. https://t.co/ckl9ScopAj
Ukraine Strikes Crimea Hangars Housing Drones, Radar
Video of FP-2 strikes by Ukraine’s GUR and Unmanned Systems Forces on hangars with Orion / Inokhodets UCAVs, An-72, and P-37 radar in Crimea. https://t.co/TOsNR7SZ42 https://t.co/6NtagYqgYs
How Many Aircraft Has the US Lost in Iran War?
Since late February 2026 the United States has been conducting over 12,000 combat flights in support of Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Reported losses include three F‑15 fighters, one E‑3D AWACS (with another damaged), and an estimated sixteen MQ‑9 Reaper...
Envisioning Space's Future with AI, Autonomy, Quantum
Thanks CU Boulder for hosting the National Academy of Engineering last week. I had a great time and enjoyed sharing a vision of the future of Space with AI, Autonomy, and Quantum. (Nice shots Jesse Petersen, University of Colorado) https://t.co/2AyzXK4fn5
Artemis Crew to Witness Lunar Total Solar Eclipse
While on the far side of the Moon, the orbit of the Orion capsule will just happen to align with the Sun and the Moon, treating the Artemis astronauts to a total eclipse. The Sun's corona will be visible. Should...
Norway Revitalises Effort to Acquire a Tactical-Class UAV with $103 Million Competition
Norway’s Defence Material Agency has relaunched a procurement for a tactical‑class unmanned aerial vehicle, issuing a pre‑qualification notice on 31 March 2026. The framework agreement is valued at up to NOK 1 billion (approximately US $103 million) for a four‑year term, with options to extend...
Logistics, Not Tactics, Determines Missile Priority Amid Chinese Supply Crunch
More evidence US and Israeli interceptor missiles are running down faster than Iranian offensive weapons US, Israel, & Iran are all dependent on China’s factory base to replenish their missiles. Who gets priority? Logistics > tactics.
Joan Ochuodho Leads 1,400 at RAF Wittering
Serving as the newly appointed Station Commander at @RoyalAirForce Wittering, Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho is in charge of a base that employs 1,400 personnel and is populated by expert units fulfilling critical flight-training roles. Her inspiring story: https://t.co/cLkI6HGxuL https://t.co/efxSQOnKMR
China’s 7‑Ton CY‑8 Drone Completes First Flight, Boosting Heavy‑Lift UAV Capabilities
China’s Beijing Northern Changying UAV Technology successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its Changying‑8 (CY‑8) cargo drone, a 7‑tonne payload platform with a 1,850‑mile range. The test in Zhengzhou validates the drone’s short‑runway performance and marks a milestone in heavy‑lift...
SpaceX Accuses Amazon of Unsafe High‑orbit Satellite Deployment
.@SpaceX @Starlink tells @FCC it was forced to perform 30 collision-avoidance maneuvers after @Amazonleo's Feb 12 launch w/ @Arianespace because sats were released at 480 km, 50-90 km higher than authorized, and did not warn other operators beforehand.
Artemis II Poised for Engine Burn, Mission on Track
All things considered the Artemis II mission seems to be going splendidly. Big moment for today comes this afternoon with the go/no go decision to burn Orion’s engines for the Moon.
U.S. Deploys $35,000 LUCAS Drone in Combat, Marking First Large‑Scale Use of Low‑Cost UAVs
The United States has field‑tested the Low‑Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS), a one‑way attack drone priced at $35,000, in combat operations for the first time. Admiral Brad Cooper praised the system as “indispensable,” highlighting a new tactical emphasis on...
OneWeb
1st of 440 @Eutelsat OneWeb sats built by @AirbusSpace launch this yr on @SpaceX; the balance 2027-31 on @MaiaSpaceOff , debuting 2027. @defis_eu #Iris2 LEO constellation's 264 sats, likely from Airbus & @aerospacelab_ , to be interleaved somehow w/...
SpaceX Files Preliminary IPO Paperwork Targeting $75 Billion Raise and $1.5 Trillion Valuation
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has lodged initial SEC registration documents for a public offering that could raise up to $75 billion and value the aerospace firm at roughly $1.5 trillion. The filing, expected to lead to a June launch, puts the company on...
NASA's Artemis II Returns After 10‑Day Moon Flyby, First Deep‑Space Toilet in Action
NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully completed a 10‑day lunar flyby, carrying four astronauts and the program’s first deep‑space toilet. The crew overcame a malfunction in the new waste‑management system, marking a key step toward sustained human presence on the Moon.
Why U.S. Gatling Guns Are Not Stopping Iran’s Shahed Drones
The U.S. Army’s land‑based Centurion C‑RAM, a $4 million, 24‑ton Gatling‑type point‑defence system, fires 20 mm M940 rounds at up to 4,500 rpm to intercept incoming threats. While videos show successful downing of Iranian Shahed drones, the system’s 1,500‑round magazine, $168 per round...
British Airways Passengers Stranded in Newfoundland For Two Days Slam Airline as an “Utter Disgrace”
British Airways flight BA195 from London to Houston diverted to St. John’s, Newfoundland on March 31 after a passenger became seriously ill. The 787‑10 Dreamliner, carrying up to 265 passengers, was forced into a two‑day layover while the crew awaited...
LCA Tejas Fleet Likely to Resume Flying by Next Week, Says HAL Chairman
HAL Chairman Dr. DK Sunil announced that the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fleet is slated to resume flying by Wednesday, following a temporary grounding after a crash linked to braking system problems. The clearance process, including...