35 Licensed Commercial Space Launches, So Far, in 2020

DoT is having a record year having supported 35 licensed commercial space launches thus far in 2020 with the potential for even more before the year ends. The prior record of 33 was established in 2018. “The record number of launches demonstrates this administration’s commitment to support the innovation and growth of the U.S. commercial space transportation industry and lead the world in aerospace capabilities,” said Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. For 2021, the FAA is forecasting a continued growth in licensed commercial space launches that could possibly reach 50 or more.

Fascinating Technology Logs Some Air time

The MAHEPA consortium has confirmed the successful proving flight of an Hy4 aircraft. In November 2020, despite the COVID19 repercussions and with all safety precautions in place, the Hy4 hydrogen powered hybrid-electric aircraft successfully flew from Maribor airport, in Slovenia, achieving a milestone for the MAHEPA project. By demonstrating technologies and showcasing that long-endurance and safe zero-emission flights are possible, MAHEPA reports that they are creating the technological foundation to enable clean, quiet, safe and sustainable flight – making Europe Green Deal’s goals related to aviation one step closer to reality.

The Test Flight on December 12, 2020 'Did Not Reach Space as Planned'

Virgin Galactic finally provided an update following its recent test flight on December 12, 2020. During the test flight, the rocket motor did not fire due to the ignition sequence not completing. Following this event, the pilots conducted a safe landing and return to Spaceport America, New Mexico as planned. Virgin Galactic is now conducting post-flight analysis and can so far report that the onboard computer which monitors the propulsion system lost connection, triggering a fail-safe scenario that intentionally halted ignition of the rocket motor. This system, like others on the spaceship, is designed such that it defaults to a safe state whenever power or communication with s