Urgent inspections have been ordered for the Airbus A380 double-decker jumbo jet after two types of cracks were found in wing components
From Engadget: Human Birdwings project takes flight… on video!
Just now catching up with the Human Birdwings project? Nice timing. The human flight machine — built by Jarnos Smeets to rely on a Wiimote and Wildfire S, among other niceties — has just enjoyed its first moments of liftoff. In essence, the wings were strapped onto a willing Earthling, and as he began to flap his arms… well, it’s a sight you need to see to fully appreciate. We’ll confess that the “flight” didn’t last long, but Jarno himself told us that it was but a first “test run.” Promising? Oh, yes. Head on past the break for the vid.
Continue reading Human Birdwings project takes flight… on video!
from Engadget
From Engadget: Russia in talks for Moon base timeshare with European Space Agency, NASA
Whether or not you believe we actually put a man on the moon, there’s about to be a whole gaggle of’em bouncing about the place and mucking things up in the name of Science. Taking that whole “one giant leap for mankind” motto a few baby steps further, is an in-development initiative that would see our former, space race frenemy Russia teaming up with the ESA and NASA to develop a Moon base. Citing recently discovered reservoirs of water located near the polar caps, Roscosmos chief Vladimir Popovkin believes the time is ripe to continue exploration of Earth’s satellite via the installation of a settlement on its surface or an orbiting station. As with all things outer space, expect this cooperative project to take some time coming to fruition. After all, there are billions of dollars, not to mention a bevy of international egos on the line here.
Continue reading Russia in talks for Moon base timeshare with European Space Agency, NASA
from Engadget
Boeing’s CCDev Wind Tunnel Test on Discovery Canada!
Well, I knew it was coming and it is here! As some of you know, I was in California for total of a month on working the Boeing’s CCDev wind tunnel test at NASA Ames Research Center’s Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. What I hadn’t told you guys was that Discovery Channel Canada came to do an interview to do 5 minute short on this test! I was on the night shift and they came to do the interview and video taping during the day.
Well, I am glad to see my co-workers and our very own project on TV!  :D Watch the clip if you haven’t already!
Discovery Crew Wakes up to Capt. Kirk’s Voice
Discovery crew woke up to their last morning with Captain Kirk’s dedication. This is sheer awesomeness to the last mission for Discovery and its crew.
STS-133 Final Discovery Launch in Person!
I didn’t get to see STS-133 launch at the end of October last year. Â I was rather disappointed. Â I have been working in the aerospace industry for 13 years now and all in the Shuttle side even. Â In that time, I had never gone to see a live Shuttle launch in person! Â So when I won the Space Flight Awareness Honoree Award, I was sooo excited!
Then the launch got delayed.  And it got delayed big!  It was December, then January.  And then it had moved to February.  It was on my son’s birthday even!  No matter… I was so determined to see it in person especially since the award involved seeing it as close as one can get!  (Unless you are the president or something!)
So two of my co-workers wanted to see it as well and we drove out to see it. Â 16 hours of driving. Â Each way. Â It was long but totally worth it.
It will be sad to see them all retire… I sure hope NASA and humanity doesn’t let go of the dreams…
The Secret Payload of SpaceX
So as some of you space geeks know, this week marked significant event where a private company successfully launched a capsule into space orbit, returned to the sea and recovered.
The secret payload? Cheese! And it’s in tribute to Monty Python! How awesome is that?! 😀