40,000 SpaceX satellites and the heavy-lifting flying taxi: 10 top stories of the week

AM centre ‘to keep UK at top of aerospace sector’

Professional Engineering

Britain’s position near the top of global aerospace manufacturing could be threatened without additive manufacturing (AM) prowess, an expert has claimed – but a new facility could develop that expertise. The metal AM ‘innovation and knowledge hub’ at the MTC in Coventry aims to boost the technique’s application in aerospace, especially amongst the supply chain.

Renewables overtake fossil fuels

The Guardian

Renewable sources have generated more energy than fossil fuels in the UK for the first time. Boosted by new offshore wind farms, the sector provided 40% of the electricity mix in the last quarter – compared to fossil fuels’ 39%. Nuclear provided most of the remainder.

SpaceX aims for the stars

Space News

SpaceX has submitted paperwork that could see it launch an extra 30,000 Starlink satellites, on top of 12,000 already approved by the US Federal Communications Commission. Such an expansion would massively boost the number of satellites in orbit – there are about 2,000 in operation today.

In-orbit repair

The Verge

A major concern for such a massive expansion of satellites in orbit is the potential for collisions and the spread of space debris, especially from spacecraft that have finished their jobs and stopped working. Thankfully, two missions next year from Northrop Grumman and Astroscale will explore satellite servicing to fix or refuel devices to keep them where they should be in orbit.

British flying taxi can lift up to 250kg

Professional Engineering

The first ‘flying taxi’ capable of carrying 250kg has flown in the UK, in a move that could pave the way for full passenger flights in four years’ time. The Vertical Aerospace prototype, known as Seraph, completed its maiden flight at Llanbedr Airfield in Wales on 22 August. The Seraph can hold up to 250kg, about the equivalent to a pilot and two passengers, and can reach speeds of up to 80kph.

’Crate’ electric motor for classic car conversions

Autocar

Swindon Powertrain is developing a ‘crate’ electric motor aimed at enabling straightforward conversions for everything from vans to classic cars and quad bikes. The unit will offer 107bhp, weigh 70kg and measure 60 x 44 x 28cm.

€47m English Channel tidal stream energy project could boost sector

Professional Engineering

A ‘game-changing’ €46.8m tidal energy project has been approved for the English Channel. Aiming to halve the generating costs of tidal stream energy by 2025, the Tidal Stream Industry Energiser (Tiger) project will install Atlantis AR2000 2MW horizontal-axis turbines off the coast of Normandy as a forerunner to a much bigger array.

Boeing to build Space Launch System core

New Atlas

Boeing will provide NASA with 10 new core stages for the Space Launch System, the enabling vehicle for upcoming missions including manned trips to the Moon and potentially Mars. The core will include four rocket engines burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, reportedly providing power equal to 12 Hoover Dams.

Catalyst to boost hydrogen generation

Professional Engineering

A cheap new catalyst could lead to long-duration, resilient electrolysis for hydrogen generation. The cobalt phosphide catalyst reportedly operated “extremely well” for the duration of the test, more than 1,700 hours – an indication that it may be hardy enough for everyday use in reactions that can take place at elevated temperatures, pressures and current densities, and in extremely acidic conditions over extended lengths of time.

Drone could fix energy infrastructure without human control

Professional Engineering

An autonomous drone can inspect and place sensors on offshore turbines – and could even repair damage, keeping people out of the dangerous environment. The flying robot was demonstrated by the Orca Hub, a multi-million pound consortium of five universities and 35 ‘industrial and innovation’ partners. The drone could prevent dangerous and expensive human work on the side of turbines.