China's Space Feat, Aviation Safety Risks: The Week in Aero

This week in aerospace news: China plans to launch two reusable cargo spacecraft for its Tiangong space station in 2025, and NASA discovers life’s building blocks in Bennu samples. Meanwhile, IATA updates key air transport manuals, and US air traffic control faces safety risks. Spirit Airlines rejects Frontier’s merger bid, while Air Busan bans overhead power bank storage following a fire incident.

Prepare for takeoff—this is the week in aerospace!

China to Launch Two Reusable Cargo Spacecraft in 2025

China is preparing to launch two low-cost, reusable cargo spacecraft in 2025 to resupply its Tiangong space station. These missions, utilizing commercial launch vehicles, mark a significant milestone in China's expanding space ecosystem and highlight the growing role of commercial entities in its space program.

US Air Traffic Control Faces Safety Risks from Staff Shortages

The recent crash of an American Eagle flight in Washington, DC, has raised significant concerns about air traffic control (ATC) safety in the United States. The collision between the passenger plane and a US Army helicopter on Jan. 29, 2025, occurred while a single controller was overseeing both helicopter and aircraft operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that two controllers should handle such tasks simultaneously.

IATA Revises 2025 Manuals with Over 350 Updates

IATA has released the 2025 editions of its key industry manuals, incorporating over 350 updates to reflect evolving regulations and industry standards. These changes impact cargo and ground handling operations, focusing on areas such as dangerous goods transport, battery shipping, live animal transportation, airport handling, and compassionate transportation.

Air Busan Bans Overhead Power Bank Storage After Fire Incident

South Korean budget airline Air Busan has announced a ban on storing power banks in overhead cabin bins following a fire that broke out aboard one of its aircraft on Jan. 28. The new policy, set to roll out on trial routes this week before expanding to all flights, requires passengers to keep power banks with them to enable quicker detection and response to potential overheating incidents.

NASA Discovers Life’s Building Blocks in Bennu Sample Analysis

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has confirmed the presence of organic molecules and water-related minerals in rock and dust samples from asteroid Bennu. The findings, detailed in research published in Nature and Nature Astronomy, suggest that key ingredients for life existed in the early solar system.

AEM Director Resigns, Calls Agency Dissolution "Regrettable"

Salvador Landeros Ayala has stepped down as director of the Mexican Space Agency (AEM). In his resignation letter to President Claudia Sheinbaum, Landeros criticized the limited budget and administrative support provided to the agency, stating it had hindered its potential to serve as the central authority for Mexico’s space activities. He described the decision to dissolve the agency as "regrettable."

US Military Flights to Guatemala Cost US$4,675 Per Migrant

The US military’s deportation flights to Guatemala, conducted under President Donald Trump's national emergency declaration on immigration, have cost an estimated US$4,675 per migrant, according to US and Guatemalan officials. This figure far exceeds the price of a one-way first-class ticket on American Airlines from El Paso, Texas, which costs approximately US$853.

Spirit Airlines to Stick with Bankruptcy Plan, Rejects Frontier

Frontier Airlines has made a renewed attempt to merge with Spirit Airlines, three years after an earlier proposal fell through. On Jan. 7, 2025, Frontier presented an offer valued at US$2.1 billion in stock and cash. However, Spirit rejected the proposal, arguing that it was too low compared to the US$2.9 billion merger agreement the two airlines had in 2022.