When I first embarked on my career with the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA), little did I know that it would become a spark for my interest in aerospace and aviation. Prior to joining PNAA, I had no inkling of the vast world that existed within aerospace. I started as a part-time bookkeeper, merely going through the motions of a job without fully comprehending the industry’s magnitude. However, as time went by, I delved deeper into understanding the work of our members and the significant role they play in shaping the aerospace landscape.

The dedication and passion of the professionals I encountered within PNAA opened my eyes to the remarkable achievements and advancements within the aerospace field. Each day became an opportunity to learn, absorb, and contribute to an industry that constantly pushes the boundaries of innovation and technology.

Over the years, I have taken on various roles within PNAA, starting as a membership coordinator and administrative assistant. With each new position, my responsibilities have expanded, and I find myself immersed in the vibrant world of aerospace. Currently serving as an executive administrator, it is a privilege to handle diverse tasks that keep me engaged with the industry’s pulse.

My contributions, though seemingly small, have had a ripple effect on the aerospace industry. One of the projects I am particularly proud of is our annual B2B Fair, where I have been instrumental in connecting buyers and suppliers, forging relationships that go on to shape the future of our industry. Witnessing these meaningful connections flourish and seeing the profound impact they can have on businesses and individuals is truly gratifying.

However, it is not just the projects or initiatives that have shaped my journey in aerospace … it is the collaborations and partnerships that truly influence my work. PNAA’s members, my colleagues, and my mentors are invaluable sources of knowledge, guidance, and inspiration. Their expertise, shared experiences, and unwavering commitment to excellence continuously fuel my growth and passion for the industry.

Like any career, my aerospace journey has had its fair share of challenges and setbacks. The most significant obstacle I had to overcome was the self-imposed notion that I was merely a bookkeeper and not really part of the industry. However, with the unwavering support and encouragement from my PNAA family, I have discovered that aerospace truly is for everyone. No role is too small, and each contribution, no matter how seemingly insignificant, plays a vital part in the grand tapestry of our industry.

In conclusion, my path in aerospace has been one of unexpected inspiration and growth. From a part-time bookkeeper with limited knowledge, I have evolved into an individual deeply committed to advancing the aerospace industry. My time with PNAA has not only broadened my understanding of aerospace and aviation but has also fostered a genuine love for the work we do. As I continue to learn, connect, and contribute, I am excited for the future and the endless possibilities that lie ahead in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

In my personal life, I have a deep appreciation for adventure and adrenaline-pumping hobbies. I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and two kids, engaging in activities that create lasting memories. One of our favorite pastimes is 4X4ing, where we explore challenging off-road terrains. The thrill of navigating rough trails and the sense of accomplishment it brings strengthen our family bond. The views are indescribable and beyond anything you can imagine. We purchased our SxS Razor and have enjoyed countless hours exploring the great outdoors and all the beauty nature has to offer together. 

I have always enjoyed fishing and hunting, which provide opportunities for relaxation and a connection with the natural world away from all forms of electronics. We find peace and tranquility in casting our lines and waiting patiently for a bite. Our family has a bet at the start of every fishing trip of who will catch the biggest fish, the most fish and the best-looking fish. I love that our kids have these memories and hope when they are older, that they will enjoy taking their own children to the same spots they visited in their youth.

Beyond these specific activities, we embrace a variety of outdoor experiences. Whether it’s quading to scenic vistas, fishing on a lake or camping under the stars, we enjoy immersing ourselves in the wonders of nature. These adventures provide a break from our daily routines and allow us to appreciate the beauty and serenity that surrounds us.

While my professional life revolves around the aerospace industry, my personal life is centered on embracing outdoor adventures with my family, allowing us to connect with nature, create meaningful memories, and find balance amidst the demands of our daily lives.

The post Merrie Beth Childs:  appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

One of the pivotal moments in Toolcraft’s evolution occurred in 1992 when they purchased their first CNC machine. This acquisition marked a significant step forward in their manufacturing capabilities and set the stage for future growth. In 2014, the company implemented an ERP system, streamlining their operations and enhancing efficiency. Another notable achievement came in 2020 when Toolcraft earned the prestigious AS9100 certification, a testament to their commitment to quality and excellence.

One of the key factors that have contributed to Toolcraft’s resilience is their belief in customer diversification. This strategic approach proved particularly advantageous during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company experienced multiple years of record sales. By serving a wide range of industries, including space, aerospace, medical, and defense, Toolcraft has successfully navigated through uncertain waters, leveraging their expertise in precision machining to meet the demanding requirements of their clients.

At the heart of Toolcraft’s success lies their workforce, which boasts an average age of 29. This youthful composition is not a coincidence but a result of the company’s founding principles. Karl Niemela’s decision to hire his first employee, a 15-year-old neighborhood teenager, paved the way for the ongoing youth movement within Toolcraft. Initially, the teenager assisted with menial tasks while Karl operated the machines. As Toolcraft expanded, more young employees joined, allowing for a gradual shift in responsibilities and creating opportunities for growth.

Over time, the balance between seasoned employees and the younger workforce has remained crucial. Toolcraft recognizes the importance of experience and expertise in conjunction with the enthusiasm and adaptability of the younger generation. To bridge this gap, the company has engaged with the AJAC apprenticeship program, offering opportunities for both youth and adult apprenticeships. This investment in training and mentorship has significantly contributed to the development of a skilled and capable team.

The advantages of having a young workforce at Toolcraft are manifold. Their innate familiarity with technology and openness to innovative ideas has propelled the company’s technological decisions forward. Embracing automation, Toolcraft successfully integrated Universal Robot installations to tend CNC machines, a feat made possible by the young employees’ quick grasp of new technologies and their willingness to explore uncharted territories.

Toolcraft’s youthful workforce sets them apart from other companies in the industry. Visitors and consultants alike have remarked upon the vibrancy and dynamism exhibited by the team. The infusion of fresh perspectives and the collaborative spirit among the employees create an environment that fosters creativity, growth, and continuous improvement.

Speaking of continuous improvement, Toolcraft embraces this principle wholeheartedly.  The company has established four core values that serve as guiding principles for their operations. 

Four core values:

1. Quality focus
2. Clean and Organized
3. Strive to Learn and Improve
4. Embrace Teamwork

These values are deeply ingrained in the culture of Toolcraft and are instrumental in driving the success of the organization. Every member of the team is expected to align with and embody these values, ensuring a cohesive and purpose-driven workforce.

In addition to their remarkable achievements and youthful workforce, Toolcraft is also a proud member of the Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA). Joining this esteemed organization has brought about numerous benefits and opened doors to invaluable opportunities within the aerospace industry.

Reflecting on their experience, Toolcraft Vice President of Operations Steve Wittenberg enthusiastically stated, “Since we’ve joined PNAA, it’s been eye-opening to realize what we’ve been missing out on. The alliance has provided us with a host of networking opportunities, granting us access to industry-specific information and training workshops. I highly recommend PNAA to any business in the aerospace field.”

In conclusion, Toolcraft’s journey from a small shop producing custom tools to a cutting-edge precision machining company catering to demanding industries is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. The infusion of youth and the embrace of technological advancements have propelled Toolcraft to new heights. If you’d like to learn more about Toolcraft, check out their website: https://www.tcprecision.com/

The post Meet the Member: Toolcraft – Mastering the Art of Precision Machining appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

To ensure its continued leadership, a Governor-led delegation of 100 industry leaders, economic development experts and decision-makers traveled to the 2023 Paris Air Show to show the world what’s next in aerospace.

“Our delegates had an action-packed week where our consultants and team organized more than 200 meetings, from Fortune 500 companies to startup companies, focused on decarbonization in aerospace and aviation,” said Mike Fong, director of Washington State Department of Commerce. “This was the first Paris Air Show since 2019, and Washington hit the pavement running. We brought 33 businesses with us, announced a sustainable aviation fuel production facility with Twelve, and an electric propulsion research and development facility at Paine Field for ZeroAvia. Washington is leading the way for sustainability and innovation in aerospace.” 

Supporting the theme of sustainability, Washington’s pavilion was designed and built using renewable or recyclable materials. The creative design, developed by Commerce’s Office of Economic Development & Competitiveness, was awarded top honors for best stand over 50 square meters. The judges also noted everyone at the pavilion was extremely friendly. 

Exhibitors and delegates used the space to showcase new technologies, products and services, and meet with customers around the world interested in investing or participating in the state’s expansive aerospace sector of 1,500 companies and 350,000 workers.

Space, electric, hydrogen and hybrid-powered aircraft, uncrewed and autonomous systems and next-generation air mobility were topics of discussion as well as sustainability. Delegate companies had group procurement meetings with companies such as Alp Aero, Diehl, Embraer, Leonardo, Saab Group and ZeroAvia.

While attending, Governor Jay Inslee hosted a discussion panel, “Powering the Future: Building Decarbonized Propulsion and Fuel Ecosystems,” with Sheila Remes, vice president of Environmental Sustainability, The Boeing Company; Floor Vogels, a project lead at SkyNRG; Damien Meadows, senior advisor (Carbon Markets, Aviation, Maritime), European Commission Directorate-General for Climate Action and Pedro Piris-Cabezas, the senior director, Global Transportation and Lead Senior Economist, Environmental Defense Fund. Robin Toth, Washington State Department of Commerce’s aerospace and aviation sector lead, moderated.

“My key takeaway from the Paris Air show is that the investments Governor Inslee and our state leaders are making in aviation sustainability, are creating a huge buzz for Washington State,” said Robin Toth, “We had many meetings where we discussed this very topic, and now have a number of opportunities that will drive additional sustainable projects and investments in Washington State.”

To conclude the action-packed week, members from the delegation joined Seattle’s sister city, Nantes in Pays de la Loire, for an exclusive tour of the Technocampus project in the region, including a visit to the Daher Shap’In TechCenter, their research and development center for aerostructures and composites. In addition, two members from Airbus presented their best practices for reusing composite materials. 

“The Technocampus offers a shared space for universities and companies from across the globe to collaborate on innovation projects advancing technology. To be in a space where great minds are coming together to shape the ecosystems of our future was powerful,” noted Joanna Boatwright, aerospace international trade specialist, Washington State Department of Commerce. 

Being part of the Washington State-branded booth provided businesses around the state an affordable and effective way to market their products and services, find high-value sales opportunities, meet potential partners or distributors, strengthen existing connections and stay current with competitors’ activity and industry trends. 

Many of these exhibitors and delegates benefited from the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, to help offset the cost of small businesses conducting business internationally.

If you would like to learn more about joining the Washington State delegation for upcoming trade shows such as MRO Europe, to be held October 2023 in Amsterdam, and the Dubai Airshow, November 2023 in Dubai, please reach out to Joanna Boatwright. joanna.boatwright@commerce.wa.gov

The post Future of Aerospace Industry on Display appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

This year, Dan Kocer, Kocer Engineering & Consulting of Seattle, stayed the extra day to play golf on the Coeur d’Alene Golf Course. It was his first time staying for the golf event. “It was a great group,” he said of the foursomes, and instead of overt networking, found that “It was more spontaneous.” He made connections he planned to call post-conference, to continue exploring on a business level. “We didn’t talk business on the golf course, but it was good fodder for future conversations.” 

Andy LeFriec of Novation organizes the golf event for the conference. He said, “Golf has always been a great game to get to know someone. We pair people who may have new or old business interests. Looking to put your product in front of someone? We can pair you up. Looking to do some quality time with a good customer? We can pair you up.” 

He said that the four-hour game is essentially a business-to-business meeting. “Who doesn’t want a four-hour B2B session on one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses?”

He added that conference participants have many shared interests and hanging out on the golf course is excellent for bonding with each other. 

Trevor Hemingway of SYTECH was back at the conference this year. “I attended one time, years ago.” He said that the attendees are like-minded individuals, “The Pacific Northwest offers much support to the aerospace sector. Although the community is large, everyone I met had the same objectives and spoke the same language.”

This year the conference had some positive enhancements for attendees. The theme, “All Systems Go,” reflected a newly engaged industry post-pandemic. Also, it meant that there is now a rich community that includes commercial aerospace, the space industry, and even other manufacturing in the medical realm. 

Katrina Rogers of Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster demonstrated how much the aerospace and bioscience industries share. She noted, “As a modern innovation cluster, we are here to elevate our industry, life sciences, by working together to build the contract manufacturing space for medical devices and manufacturing.” She added that there are commonalities between life sciences, aerospace, and clean energy, which she feels will enable the cluster to foster better collaboration with businesses. 

The content at the conference was much broader this year, leading organizers to add a plus sign to I-90 Aerospace Corridor+. There was a space opportunities panel, an innovation presentation, and a discussion on hiring for the right fit with employment expert Jonathan Reynolds of Titus Talent Strategies. There was also talk about industry diversification, as many regional manufacturers have broadened services recently.

Kocer said he will attend the conference again next year, “I enjoyed it. It is a great vibe, very friendly.” He felt there was a need for his engineering consulting services, “Our booth got many visitors who came through the exhibit area.” He concluded it was a way to “catch up with old friends, meet new people, and answer questions.” 

Hemingway said he didn’t meet any immediate prospects but that, “I wasn’t there to sell anything. I was there to support our awesome community.”

LeFriec smilingly shared that with this year’s successful golf game finale, they expect the event to grow next year. “We had a record turnout of 32 players. We hope the golf course, combined with the newly added (Novation-sponsored) free beer on the 19th hole, will continue to attract the number of players. The thing that holds most back from playing is that golf is hard. This golf outing will get popular once people realize that we all stink, except for those rare few!” 

Overall, the I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference and Expo is fun and friendly, and most manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers create valuable bonds at the annual conference. 

The post Familiar Friends Bonding Over BusinessA recap of “All Systems Go” at the I-90 Aerospace Conference 2023 (including the golf event).   appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

“I thought, why not call them up to do the work? I was shopping the jobs out and doing the finished work. My wife Shannon suggested I buy a machine and do it myself,” Wood said. He and Shannon worked on their projects in the evenings and weekends while working full-time. 

When Wood filed for a business license, he didn’t have a name in mind. TMF was so named because the first thing that came to mind was “Too Much Fun,” hence TMF. 

After Wood set up the business, he received a call from David Poggi, his co-worker at Seattle Systems, who said he wanted to work with Wood again. Poggi’s family owned Model + Instrument Development and Poggi had stayed on for one year after the sale to Seattle Systems, to assist with the transition. Wood said, “Sure, just buy a CNC machine, and that’s your buy-in.” 

One year later, in 2001, another former co-worker, Eric Potts, called and said, “I’d like to come in on your business.” Wood’s answer was the same, “Buy a machine and throw in with us.” Wood recalled that it was about a $35,000 investment to buy the equipment, “There was risk involved, but it all worked out.” 

Woods, Poggi, and Potts were all machinists — the first three at Seattle Systems — and they are passionate about their craft.

TMF officially started in 1992 but was incorporated in 2000, when Dave joined. By late 2015, Eric’s wife, Anna, had also left her manufacturing position and was camped in their office working on her consulting business. With her business experience, she joined their meetings, gave recommendations, and shared opinions freely. They approached her and asked if she would work for them. She agreed. The management team was then complete. 

Anna Reyes-Potts, general manager, joked, “I’m an engineer who has never practiced engineering.” She started her career at Boeing as a temp in one of their procurement teams and was laid off about a year later. She then got a job at Model + Instrument Development, where she stayed for 23 years — through four acquisitions, ending with Trulife — and left as a vice president of operations. She worked in various management positions including marketing, quality, product development, and operations; whatever was needed, she has done it. At the end of 2015, she joined TMF. 

Reyes-Potts said that TMF is lean and plans to stay small with about 15 employees. She emphasized their focus on quality, “We have a quality policy that checks all the boxes. All job descriptions at TMF have quality, safety, and customer service on line one. Our mission: stay in business, love what we do and where we are doing it, and take care of our customers … if it is running payroll, talking to customers, or machining. Whatever you have your hands on, do it well.”

She added, “We don’t dream of having hundreds of employees. We want to earn a comfortable living and care for our employees and customers. We love working in the industries that we do.” 

The business location is a lifestyle decision for the owners and employees. They are in beautiful Poulsbo, Washington, and Reyes-Potts said, “Poulsbo is in Kitsap County — Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton is nearby [the shop]. There are local customers we can support well.” She said most of their customers are in the Pacific Northwest and that because they are located outside of Seattle, “Our employees have a peaceful drive to work and never sit in traffic.” 

She added, “We love the mountains, the water, and the great quality of life. I attend many networking events in Portland, Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett and take a relaxing ferry home. There aren’t many machine shops in Kitsap compared to King or Snohomish. For those here, the local economic development group KEDA is supportive. We hang on to people for a long time. People here don’t want to commute to work for their high-tech aerospace machining job. We can find and retain that talent here.”

While most of their customers are in the Northwest, they also have customers in California and New York and have supported some as far away as France and Germany. As an ITAR-registered company, most of their work is defense-industry related. But they also service commercial aerospace and space industries, electronics, automation, and instrumentation. In addition, TMF offers light assembly work. Examples include electronics enclosures and latches, in this case, external nacelle latches for private jets. They manufacture every part of the product and assemble it. “We are good at latches,” Reyes-Potts said. 

She is proud of their parts. “We make quality hardware,” she added. 

Mike Jones, a remote programmer for TMF, said he values the company culture. “We are mainly a show-up-on-time and get-the-job-done type of company. Sure, the operators on the floor joke and laugh with each other, but we stay focused on the task at hand. Being a job shop doesn’t leave much downtime; we finish what we are working on and then get into the next work order — after all, time is money.”

Jones said that his position today is remote. He lives in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and works as a programmer for TMF. “I don’t machine parts. I program the machines to cut the parts and transfer the G-code to our operators so they can machine the parts. Our machines only run code produced by CAM software to cut parts as accurately and repeatable as possible.”

Reflecting what Reyes-Potts emphasized about quality, Jones echoed her thoughts by speaking highly of their program. “It is paramount! We are a machine shop that has, over the last decade, become increasingly involved in the aerospace industry. We worked through ISO and AS9100 certifications to ensure we produce parts under the most stringent inspection procedures possible.”

As an organization, they are also involved in regional trade groups. Reyes-Potts sits on the boards of Impact Washington and PNDC. 

Reyes-Potts concluded, “TMF was founded from the friendships that developed when we were all working for the same company – from the early days when we were developing the same product line; we’ve all been on design teams, we work very well with engineers. We understand the process and the change orders; when we receive specifications that aren’t final, we’ll hold hands with customers to ensure they get what they want.”

Sadly, Dave Poggi passed away in 2020 after working in the company, and with this team, for most of his career. The TMF team remains as close-knit as ever, working within the solid quality and customer-focused culture they created together.

The post Entrepreneurial Synergy —TMF owners and leaders keep quality and fun at the heart of the business.  appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

We are fresh off our Sustainable Aerospace Together Forum, hosted by Boeing in partnership with the Financial Times. We brought together global leaders in energy, policy, finance and aviation to Seattle for an in-depth discussion focusing on the most promising solutions to reduce carbon emissions. We believe it’s the first event where all of those sectors have come together to identify ways for the commercial aviation industry to combat climate change. 

Collectively, the aerospace industry connects people around the globe. We protect through national security and humanitarian relief, we contribute to the global economy with jobs, trade, technology and commerce, and we inspire young minds to STEM; we also emit about 2.5 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. So now we must find ways to grow our industry while safely lowering emissions.

During the event, each of us leaned into real issues and roadblocks that could potentially threaten the commercial aviation industry’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. I was struck by how committed everyone is to tackling this issue together for the greater good of humanity and the industry. 

New emissions modeling tool: 

At the Sustainable Aerospace Together Forum, Boeing announced a new data modeling tool, Cascade. The tool allows industry leaders to visualize the climate impact of aviation across the world and explore scenarios for the most effective levers to decarbonize aviation: fleet renewal, operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and more. The Cascade tool clearly shows that SAF is the biggest lever our industry has to reduce emissions. We believe the tool will help stakeholders across our industry — in particular customers and policymakers — to make informed decisions about how to best reach the commercial aviation industry’s net-zero by 2050 commitment. 

Sustainable aviation fuel:

We continue making progress on the technical journey of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), working with our suppliers to ensure our commercial airplanes are compatible with 100 percent SAF by 2030. The biggest challenge with SAF is availability and cost. While there are plenty of feedstocks, the system is not yet in place to produce SAF efficiently, affordably, and on a scale needed to produce real change. That’s why we are partnering with academia on several SAF technologies in development. We also purchased 5.6 million gallons(21.2 million liters) of blended SAF, produced by Neste, to support our commercial operations through 2023. 

NASA and the ecoDemonstrator:

One partnership that we are particularly proud of is the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program’s ongoing work with NASA to better understand the impact of SAF emissions. We are also incredibly honored to be selected by NASA for the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program which recently became NASA’s newest X-plane, the X-66A, specifically aimed at helping the United States achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This demonstrator with long, thin wings has engines mounted underneath and a set of aerodynamic trusses for support, informing future designs that could lead to breakthrough aerodynamics and future efficiency gains. 

With over 50 partnerships over the past decade, the above-mentioned Boeing ecoDemonstrator programembodies the spirit of “together.” The ecoDemonstrator takes promising technologies out of the lab and tests them in an operational environment with a variety of partners, including airline customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies and academia. From the first ecoDemonstrator in 2012 through this year’s effort, as well as our new ecoDemonstrator Explorers, the ecoDemonstrator program will have evaluated 230 technologies with approximately one-third of those historically progressing on to our products and services.

We are proud to be on this journey with so many capable and committed partners. Together, I’m confident we’ll achieve a bright, more sustainable future! 

The post Mapping the Sustainable Aerospace Future Together  appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

Transatlantic Mars Crew 261 embarked this past May on an extraordinary two-week mission to the Mars Society’s Mars Desert Research Station in southern Utah. Led by Commander James Burk, this crew of seven space professionals, hailing from France, the USA, and Canada, demonstrated remarkable dedication and meticulous planning from the outset. They collaborated with the global Mars analog research community to select 16 experiments covering diverse scientific and technical disciplines, aimed at addressing challenges faced by future Mars astronauts and advancing long-term human presence on the red planet.

One noteworthy experiment was the COSMOS project, led by Medical Officer Audrey Derobertmasure. The team developed innovative methods for sampling biological fluid to optimize and individualize drug treatments in space. By utilizing dried matrices spots, which are small, dried blood or urine samples that can be easily collected on a paper card and stored, the crew enabled more efficient and accurate analysis of drug effects on astronauts’ bodies. They also monitored cardiovascular parameters to understand the impact of extreme environments on early vascular aging markers, contributing to future Mars missions and cardiovascular health research on Earth.    

Under the BIOSTIMULATION experiment, Crew Biologist Cécile Renaud explored the germination and growth of plants using Spirulina in a Mars analog environment. The crew successfully enhanced the growth of tomato seeds in various soil samples, including Martian regolith simulant, providing valuable insights into sustainable food production for future Mars missions. Additionally, the crew worked on the ALGACRAFT project, optimizing Spirulina growth conditions in a photobioreactor — a crucial component of a closed-loop life support system for oxygen production and crew nutrition.  

Crew Roboticist Erin Kennedy designed and built the visually impressive ATMOSPHINDER robot, a wind-propelled Mars exploration robot designed to investigate seasonal jet eruptions on Mars. The robot demonstrated its capabilities in the Mars analog environment, collecting data and observing geological features similar to those found on Mars. This project showcased the potential of wind-propelled robots for scientific exploration and opened doors for advancements in Mars exploration technology.

The crew also explored innovative technologies such as virtual reality and tracking systems. Through the MarsVR project, initiated by Commander James Burk, they utilized a digital twin of the Mars Desert Research Station and its surroundings, which can facilitate training and public outreach. The EVALINK project enhanced situational awareness and safety during Extra-Vehicular Activities (EVAs) by tracking crew members’ positions in near-real-time, even in areas with spotty radio communication.

Safety was a top priority for the crew, who conducted drills to improve crewmember safety in extreme environments. They demonstrated their preparedness by successfully executing a search and rescue plan during a simulated emergency situation, showcasing their ability to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.

Executive Officer Aline Decadi, a skilled astronomer, captured stunning visuals of the Sun’s dynamics, contributing to the crew’s scientific accomplishments and highlighting the importance of monitoring solar activity on Mars to ensure human safety.

Journalist/Artist-in-Residence Kris Davidson documented the crew’s experiments, projects, and activities through photography and videos. Her artistic contributions added a human touch to the mission and were widely shared on social media, providing a unique perspective on the crew’s experiences.  

Despite facing setbacks, Crew 261 remained resilient, adaptable, and innovative, continuing to collaborate with partners to overcome challenges and achieve their mission objectives. Their “Final Report” stands as a testament to their dedication and pioneering spirit, with the data and experiences gathered contributing to the progress of human space exploration, particularly in the context of future Mars missions.

The crew expressed their gratitude to their partners, collaborators, and the Mars Society for making their mission possible. While safely back home, they are already planning future adventures and continuing their work towards the historic day when human beings will set foot on Mars for the first time, which they hope will occur within the next eight to ten years.

The post A Daring Mission: Transatlantic Mars Crew 261 Explores  appeared first on Northwest Aerospace News.

Gasoline-powered aircraft have been the norm since the internal combustion engine was created in the late 1800s. Now, there is a new fuel in town, and it will be cheaper, easier to fuel, and more sustainable. Alaska Airlines and their investment arm Alaska Star Ventures, led by Pasha Saleh, head of corporate development, have partnered with ZeroAvia (London, California, Washington State) with a donated Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 to develop a hydrogen-electric powertrain on the existing aircraft. Once developed and tested, this prototype will serve as the model for engine retrofitting on other aircraft. 

By providing the airplane, support, and hangar space to ZeroAvia, Alaska Star Ventures will have an equity interest in the company as they develop the technology. Saleh said ZeroAvia’s goal would be to retrofit other aircraft in the future. They started with a six-seat aircraft and saw success with hydrogen technology. 

The challenges of gas-powered engines are many: 

• Aircraft creates emissions from burning jet fuel (releasing CO2, nitrous gases, water vapor, soot, sulfate, and particles into the atmosphere. Source: Environmental and Energy Institute)
• Aviation is the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions, which will be mitigated with the new powertrain. (www.zeroavia.com)
• Climate is affected by other substances emitted by aircraft – increasing cloudiness, ozone, contrails, soot, and water vapor. (www.zeroavia.com) 

Saleh said, “Bombardier is a good platform. Alaska operated a fleet of them for 20 years. If you want to decarbonize regional aviation, start with a proven airframe, a rugged workhorse.” 

The benefits of moving to a hydrogen-electric powertrain are many: 

• On-site airport production of hydrogen fuels reduces fuel transportation and costs.
• Water vapor, the output of a hydrogen engine, is much cleaner and has no emissions.
• Renewable sources will lower the costs for the airlines to operate.

The concept of creating new hydrogen-electric powertrains is being used on regional aircraft – smaller and with shorter-distance trips. 

Saleh said this concept of retrofitting one of the aircraft came from a conversation between him and a former colleague with McKinsey (global management consulting,) about retrofitting aircraft to reduce carbon emissions. He said that when he approached ZeroAvia about retrofitting a 76-seat aircraft, they said, “No way, are you crazy? It’s too big; too heavy; we are looking at a 19-seater.” He said he kept pestering them, and one day, they continued the discussion, leading them from “no way” to “yes, this seems possible.” He said that in a short time, the technology evolved to where it was feasible.  “It wasn’t scientifically possible a couple of years ago,” Saleh added. But now it is in process. 

Dr. Val Miftakhov, founder and CEO of ZeroAvia, is a long-term sustainability entrepreneur. He had worked with McKinsey, and at Google. He has since founded other companies in bioinformatics and smart electric vehicle (EV) charging. Now with ZeroAvia, he is working to bring the “world’s first zero emission aviation powertrain to market.” (www.linkedin.com/in/vmiftakhov/). Miftakhov spent his educational years in physics, earning a Ph.D. in Physics from Princeton University.  

Miftakhov started his last business as the world’s largest network of smart EV charging stations. They developed innovative hardware and software for EVs. After six years of running that business, he moved toward sustainable aviation. He said it was a natural fit. He founded ZeroAvia, focusing on large commercial aircraft due to their climate impact. “It is a 1.5 trillion market,” he said. They started by understanding what the technology would be to create change. They determined that it would be electronic fuel cells. Allied Market Research said the sustainable fuels market was valued at $72.1 million in 2020. (www.alliedmarketresearch.com/sustainable-aviation-fuel-market-A13064).

ZeroAvia has ten people on its management team. 

Dr. Youcef Abdelli, CTO of ZeroAvia, is charged with engineering the electric propulsion system for the aircraft. He came from Amazon, where he was a principal propulsion engineer and MagniX, as head of power electronics and electric systems. 

Abdelli said, “The hydrogen fuel cell is running today in cars. It was easy in the past – people used batteries, but that doesn’t solve the problem. This has an application – Toyota has a fuel cell car using hydrogen; it is easy to drive and fuel. From an emission perspective, we must solve this aerospace problem. It will flow more globally and perhaps to cars in the future. It is operating today and is great.”

The project came from “Pasha being a great connection and champion,” said Miftakhov, and added that the involvement toward sustainability “spans across Alaska Airlines. They are an active carrier with regional flights on the West Coast of the U.S. and Hawaii – into the Southwest, Oregon, California, and Washington.” 

He said that the availability of clean electricity is important to the project. They plan to develop systems to make their fuel at airports, mitigating the need for gasoline-based fuel transportation to airports for regional flights. 

ZeroAvia is partnered with Shell Energy to help develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a company goal for Shell to decarbonize air travel by 2050. 

Miftakhov said the Q400 is suitable for retrofitting powertrain work because “It is the most recently designed in that market. It is the one used by Alaska and other carriers. We have a partnership with De Havilland Canada, with support from the aircraft manufacturer, to get the products to market.” 

Currently, ZeroAvia has two engine programs for different segments and aircraft sizes. The smaller engine is for smaller commercial aircraft with 10-20 seats, such as the widespread Cessna Caravan model, and is targeted for launch in 2025. 

Once that has been implemented, they will go to a larger engine aircraft, 40-80 seats in size. They are working on “expanding the applicability” of their product into regional jets. With the Q400, as well as propeller planes, they will implement the system.

Miftakhov said, “The importance of the larger engine, as we redesign it, expands the applicability to regional jets. The Mitsubishi will be another program. The Q400 is important for regional jet applications.”

One big factor that will change with the hydrogen-electric system is refueling. The fuel times will significantly decrease from fossil fuels to hydrogen refueling. For smaller aircraft today, “a truck shows up and refuels the smaller aircraft,” Miftakhov said. They have a partnership with Shell for the new equipment. They hope to be able to refuel larger planes at the gates with the new fueling system, which will “be invisible” to the guests on the flight. However, the fuel will be made on-site at the airports. 

As large-scale fuel users, airports must set up fuel infrastructure and fuel delivery logistics to the location. In the U.S., there are 140,000-plus gas stations across the country. The total number of commercial airports is about 5,000-plus, with about 20,000 commercial and private airports. On-site production removes the logistics of moving fuel around, saving tremendous costs. 

Miftakhov said he could leverage his experience in understanding fuel systems and car charging stations, as he explained the economics of transforming from jet fuel to hydrogen fuel. “For small aircraft, launching in 2025, we will break even.” But the cost will decrease as the aircraft are rolled out en masse with the new fuel systems. The electricity costs and production will decrease, ultimately saving airlines money. 

Saleh said fueling on-site at the airport is much more logical and cost-effective. There is a company called Universal Hydrogen that is competing with ZeroAvia, but Saleh added, “We are the only airline that contributed an airplane from our fleet.” He feels that gives the airline a hand in this development. 

He said that ZeroAvia now owns the airplane, but the work will be done at the Alaska Airlines hangar at Paine Field, with their staff hired by ZeroAvia to work on the project.

Expect to see announcements of aircraft flying with hydrogen-electric fuel in 2025. Saleh said there is much hype right now in advanced air mobility and eVTOL, but this partnership has a realistic goal that will be realized. The airline “won’t just be decarbonized, but will have zero emissions,” Saleh said. 

Alaska Star Ventures

Learn more: Alaska is investing in emerging technologies to help the planet – Alaska Airlines News

ZeroAvia

Learn more: www.zeroavia.com/about-us 

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