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June 04, 2013

Another American High Frontier First: 3-D Manufacturing In Space

Hardware Scheduled For Launch Next Year

In preparation for a future where parts and tools can be printed on demand in space, NASA and Made in Space Inc. of Mountain View, CA, have joined to launch equipment for the first 3-D microgravity printing experiment to the International Space Station. If successful, the 3-D Printing in Zero G Experiment (3-D Print) will be the first device to manufacture parts in space.

Functional Testing On Northrop Grumman-Built Spacecraft Completed

A Northrop Grumman Corporation-led team recently completed the third gate review of its first Modular Space Vehicle (MSV) bus assembly, integration and test, marking completion of functional testing. The team will conduct comprehensive "day in the life" testing next for the Operationally Responsive Space-2 (ORS-2) bus, leading to hardware acceptance by the Air Force's ORS program office.

Also: Skip Stewart Wins, TIGHAR Still Looking For Amelia, Mount Everest BASE Jump, Trig Aerobatic Team, 50th 747-8

The R66 light turbine helicopter is now certified in Canada. The approval came last Week (May 31st). Canadian certification reached a standstill until the FAA's ELOS (Equivalent Level of Safety) finding that effectively removed an exemption in the R66's original type certificate. With the recent public publication of EAA's 2011-2012 IRS Form 990s, details are emerging that show that their first major leadership transition in recent years (in 2011), was a costly one. All told, for the period ending February 29th, 2012, EAA expended some $2,250,395 for the top eight management positions specified in their IRS documentation. Eclipse Aerospace has received a Type Certif