NASA Names Volunteers for Simulated Mars Mission

SpaceX successfully launched a US military weather satellite for monitoring purposes, and NASA announced the crew for a simulated Mars mission at the HERA habitat. Meanwhile, in the defense sector, Ukraine intensifies drone deployment in its war efforts, while Iran’s retaliation against an attack on Israel disrupted international flights.

Get ready for takeoff because this is the Week in Aerospace! 

Lufthansa, UFO Union Reach Pay Deal, Halt Strikes

Lufthansa and the flight attendants' union UFO have reached a pay agreement, putting an end to the recent strikes and disruptions in the German aviation industry. 

SpaceX Launches US Military Weather Satellite

SpaceX conducted the USSF-62 mission, deploying the US Space Force's Weather System Follow-on Microwave (WSF-M) satellite into orbit. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, the satellite aims to modernize military space-based environmental monitoring assets.

US Airlines Push for China Flight Approval Halt

Major US airlines and aviation unions have collectively urged the Biden administration to pause the approval of additional flights between China and the United States. Their request stems from the perceived advantage Chinese carriers hold due to access to Russian airspace, a privilege denied to American airlines since March 2022.

CANAERO Calls for TUA Revenue Exclusivity for AICM Maintenance

The National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO) has urged that revenues from the Airport Usage Fee (TUA) at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) should be earmarked exclusively for the airport's maintenance.

Ukraine Increases Drone Deployment Amid Conflict Escalation

Ukraine has ramped up its deployment of drones to its armed forces, with a reported threefold increase compared to last year, according to Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, Commander, Ukraine's drone forces. This surge in drone usage comes amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, where technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are playing an increasingly vital role.

Iran's Attack on Israel Disrupts International Flights

Aviation operations have been disrupted following Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel, which has seen over 300 missiles and drones launched. 

NASA Picks Team for Mars Simulation Mission

NASA has selected a new team of four volunteers to partake in a simulated mission to Mars, set within a habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.