NASA Orbiter Reveals Rock Fracture Plumbing on Mars
September 26, 2008
PASADENA, Calif., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA’s Mars
Reconnaissance Orbiter has revealed hundreds of small fractures exposed on
the Martian surface that billions of years ago directed flows of water
through underground Martian sandstone.
Researchers used images from the spacecraft’s High Resolution Imaging
Science Experiment, or HiRISE, camera. Images of layered rock deposits at
equatorial Martian sites show the clusters of fractures to be a type called
deformation bands, caused by stresses below the surface in granular or
porous bedrock.
“Groundwater often flows along fractures such as these, and knowing
that these are deformation bands helps us understand how the underground
plumbing may have worked within these layered deposits,” said Chris Okubo
of the U.S. Geological Survey in Flagstaff, Ariz.
Visible effects of water on the color and texture of rock along the
fractures provide evidence that groundwater flowed extensively along the
fractures.
“These structures are important sites for future exploration and
investigations into the geological history of water and water-related
processes on Mars,” Okubo and co-authors state in a report published online
this month in the Geological Society of America Bulletin.
Deformation band clusters in Utah sandstones, as on Mars, are a few
yards wide and up to a few miles long. They form from either compression or
stretching of underground layers, and can be precursors to faults. The ones
visible at the surface have become exposed as overlying layers erode away.
Deformation bands and faults can strongly influence the movement of
groundwater on Earth and appear to have been similarly important on Mars,
according to this study.
“This study provides a picture of not just surface water erosion but
true groundwater effects widely distributed over the planet,” said Suzanne
Smrekar, deputy project scientist for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter at
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. “Ground water movement
has important implications for how the temperature and chemistry of the
crust have changed over time, which in turn affects the potential for
habitats for past life.”
The recent study focuses on layered deposits in Mars’ Capen crater,
approximately 43 miles in diameter and 7 degrees north of the equator. This
formerly unnamed crater became notable due to this discovery of deformation
bands within it and was recently assigned a formal name. The crater was
named for the late Charles Capen, who studied Mars and other objects as an
astronomer at JPL’s Table Mountain Observatory in southern California and
at Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Ariz.
The HiRISE camera is one of six science instruments on the orbiter. It
can reveal smaller details on the surface than any previous camera to orbit
Mars. The orbiter reached Mars in March 2006 and has returned more data
than all other current and past missions to Mars combined.
The mission is managed by JPL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Denver built the spacecraft. The
University of Arizona operates the HiRISE camera, built by Ball Aerospace
and Technology Corp. of Boulder, Colo.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Completes Hot-Fire Tests on New RS-68A Rocket Engine
September 26, 2008
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a
United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, has begun a series of
hot-fire tests on the new RS-68A rocket engine, designed to power heavier
payloads than currently possible on the Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle.
The RS-68A is a modified version of the RS-68, a liquid hydrogen-liquid
oxygen booster engine used on United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV family of
launch vehicles. Like the RS-68, three RS-68A engines will be used to boost
a Delta IV Heavy rocket, but each RS-68A engine will provide 702,000 pounds
of thrust, or 39,000 more pounds of thrust than a single RS-68 engine.
“We are extremely pleased with the results from the initial tests.
Completion of the total test series will provide engineers the data needed
to fully analyze engine performance, to verify compliance with
requirements, and to ensure 100-percent mission success,” said James
Tibble, RS-68A engine project manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “We look
forward to the RS-68A engine powering launch vehicles into space with even
greater power and performance.”
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a
preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative
system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial
applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and
Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic
engines.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and
service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas
turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified
company providing high technology products and services to the global
aerospace and building industries.
General Dynamics Awarded $26 Million Contract to Support Switzerland’s F/A-18 Hornet Fleet
September 26, 2008
FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — General Dynamics
Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), was
awarded a contract to provide program management services for the Swiss
government’s F/A-18 Hornet fighter fleet. The five-year contract was
awarded to General Dynamics by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command and has a
total potential value of $25.7 million if all options are exercised.
Under this contract, General Dynamics will provide logistics,
information technology (IT) and engineering support for global Swiss F/A-18
Hornet operations. Additionally, General Dynamics will provide
communications management and training services to support the Swiss F/A-18
Hornet fleet.
“International air forces are turning to recognized global technology
services leaders to enhance their operations and responsiveness,” said
Cresswell Elmore, General Dynamics Information Technology vice president of
logistics for Navy/Air Force Systems. “General Dynamics’ worldwide support
for the Swiss F/A-18 Hornet fleet reflects our proven capabilities in
providing international services and technology support.”
The Swiss government acquired the F/A-18 Hornet fighters through the
U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General
Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology (IT),
systems engineering and professional services to customers in the defense,
intelligence, homeland security, federal civilian government and commercial
sectors. With approximately 16,000 professionals worldwide, the company
manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs delivering IT services
and enterprise solutions. More information about General Dynamics
Information Technology is available at http://www.gdit.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs
approximately 84,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2008 revenues of
approximately $29.5 billion. The company is a market leader in business
aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions;
shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.
More information about the company is available on the Internet at
http://www.generaldynamics.com.
SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology
GOL – Reorganização Societária de Subsidiárias
September 26, 2008
São Paulo, 25 de setembro de 2008 – A GOL Linhas Aéreas
Inteligentes S.A. ( “GOL” – Bovespa: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL), controladora
das companhias aéreas brasileiras GOL Transportes Aéreos S.A. (“GTA”)
e VRG Linhas Aéreas S.A. (“VRG”), em cumprimento ao disposto no
parágrafo 4º do artigo 157 da Lei nº 6.404/76 e na Instrução CVM no.
358/02, comunica ao mercado que a Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil
(“ANAC”) emitiu a autorização prévia para a reestruturação societária
de suas subsidiárias GTA e VRG (“Reorganização”), com vistas a
reuni-las em uma única companhia aérea (a “Companhia Sucessora”).
A formalização da Reorganização será concluída com o registro dos
atos societários pertinentes na Junta Comercial competente.
Conforme anunciado no aviso de fato relevante divulgado em 30 de
julho de 2008, a Reorganização visa otimizar a estrutura operacional
das subsidiarias da GOL. A Reorganização proporcionará maior
eficiência na prestação de serviços de transporte aéreo, pois
permitirá integrar as operações da GTA e da VRG, explorar sinergias e
ampliar e melhorar a oferta de serviços aos clientes.
As marcas “GOL” e “VARIG” serão mantidas pela Companhia Sucessora. A
Reorganização não afetará de qualquer forma os direitos conferidos
aos acionistas da GOL.
Sobre a GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A
A GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes S.A. (Bovespa: GOLL4 e NYSE: GOL) é
controladora das companhias aéreas brasileiras GOL Transportes Aéreos
S.A. e VRG Linhas Aéreas S.A. GTA oferece mais de 630 vôos diários
para 56 destinos que conectam todas as mais importantes cidades do
Brasil como também os principais destinos na América do Sul. VRG
oferece mais de 180 vôos diários para 18 destinos no Brasil e na
América do Sul. GTA e VRG operam uma frota jovem e moderna de Boeing,
as aeronaves mais seguras e confortáveis da classe, com baixos custos
com manutenção, combustível e treinamento, e altos índices de
utilização e eficiência. O serviço das companhias apresenta a melhor
relação custo-benefício do mercado.
Boeing Adquirirá Tapestry Solutions para Mejorar su Creciente Negocio de Soporte y Servicios Globales
September 26, 2008
ST. LOUIS, 26/09/2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — The Boeing Company anunció hoy un acuerdo para adquirir Tapestry Solutions, firma con sede en San Diego especializada en servicios y sistemas de software que mejoran el seguimiento y la distribución de equipos, repuestos y personal para el Departamento de Defensa de EE.UU. y otros organismos gubernamentales y no gubernamentales.
Las herramientas de Tapestry Solutions, tales como el Modelo de Logística de Distribución Conjunta y el Sistema de Sustento del Soporte para Comando de Batalla, son estándares en el Ejército de EE.UU. que aumentan la visibilidad de los activos, optimizan la distribución y permiten la planificación dinámica de logística.
Jim Albaugh, Presidente y CEO de Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), señaló que la adquisición acelerará el crecimiento del negocio de soporte y servicios de la empresa. (FUENTE Boeing Company)
 |
|
Frontier Airlines Presenta Informe Mensual de Operaciones de Agosto 2008
September 26, 2008
DENVER, 26/09/2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: FRNTQ) presentó hoy su Informe Mensual de Operaciones de Agosto 2008. Frontier registró una ganancia operativa de $3,3 millones y una pérdida neta consolidada de $5,6 millones.
Frontier logró una ganancia por operaciones, a pesar de un aumento de 61% en los costos de combustible por galón (sin considerar actividades de cobertura de riesgo por combustible), en relación con igual período del ejercicio anterior. Durante el mes, el costo por millas por asiento disponible en la línea principal de Frontier, sin incluir el combustible, cayó 12,9% a 5,4 centavos, sobre una reducción en la capacidad de 2% anual. (FUENTE Frontier Airlines Holdings, Inc.)
Pratt & Whitney Gana Contrato de Producción para Sistemas de Propulsión F135
September 26, 2008
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., 25/09/2008 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney ha ganado un contrato de producción, valuado en hasta $491 millones (incluidas las opciones), por la provisión de sus sistemas de propulsión F135 para impulsar el cazabombardero F-35 Lightning II. Este segundo contrato de producción inicial de F135 a una tasa baja abastecerá a 12 aeronaves de producción F-35, lo que incluye seis aviones de despegue corto y aterrizaje vertical (STOVL) y seis aviones de despegue y aterrizaje convencional (CTOL). Las primeras entregas de los sistemas de propulsión están previstas para el tercer trimestre de 2009. Pratt & Whitney es una empresa de United Technologies Corp. .
“Este es nuestro segundo contrato de producción de motores CTOL y la introducción de las primeras entregas de producción de la configuración STOVL”, comentó Bill Gostic, Vicepresidente de los programas de motores F135 de Pratt & Whitney. “Este hito indica la sostenida madurez del motor F135 que actualmente impulsa los aviones F-35, y valida la confianza que tienen nuestros clientes en los sistemas de propulsión CTOL y STOVL”. (FUENTE Pratt & Whitney)
|
|
UOP de Honeywell se Une a los Líderes del Sector Académico y de Aviación para Acelerar el Desarrollo y la Disponibilidad de Biocombustibles Sustentables
September 26, 2008
DES PLAINES, Ill., 25/09/2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — UOP LLC, una empresa de Honeywell , anunció hoy que se ha incorporado a un grupo conformado por las principales operadoras aéreas y Boeing , con el objetivo de acelerar el desarrollo y la comercialización de nuevos combustibles sustentables para aviación.
Con el apoyo y asesoramiento de las más importantes organizaciones ambientales del mundo, el Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza (WWF) y el Consejo para la Defensa de los Recursos Naturales (NRDC), el Grupo de Usuarios de Combustible Sustentable para Aviación convierte al sector de la aviación comercial en el primer sector global de transporte que fomenta voluntariamente prácticas de sustentabilidad verificables dentro de su cadena de suministro de combustible. (FUENTE Honeywell)
Boeing y AeroLogic se Asocian para Racionalizar Operaciones de Mantenimiento de la Operadora Aérea
September 26, 2008
MADRID, España, 25/09/2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing anunció hoy en la conferencia “MRO Europe” que AeroLogic ha adoptado sus soluciones basadas en Internet, “Maintenance Performance Toolbox” y “Airplane Health Management”, como base para la plataforma de documentos de mantenimiento de los aeronaves de carga 777 de la línea aérea, cuando comiencen las entregas en 2009.
La solución “Maintenance Performance Toolbox”, que incluye los módulos de Biblioteca y Creación, ayudará a AeroLogic, con sede en Leipzig/Halle, Alemania, a racionalizar un conjunto de actividades de mantenimiento, por ejemplo, la gestión de publicaciones técnicas y la capacitación y personalización de manuales de mantenimiento en línea.
En la actualidad, ya son 14 las operadoras aéreas europeas que utilizan esta innovadora herramienta de mantenimiento. (FUENTE Boeing)
American Airlines Operará Vuelos Adicionales a Brasil Durante la Temporada Alta de Vacaciones de Invierno
September 26, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas, 24/09/2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — American Airlines añadirá varios vuelos nuevos a Brasil durante la próxima temporada de vacaciones de invierno, lo que incluye cuatro vuelos semanales sin escalas entre la Ciudad de Nueva York y Río de Janeiro. Los vuelos sin escalas de Nueva York a Río se sumarán a los anteriormente anunciados planes de American de sumar tres nuevos destinos hacia Brasil a principios de noviembre.
American operará cuatro vuelos semanales sin escalas entre el Aeropuerto Internacional John F. Kennedy de la Ciudad de Nueva York y Río de Janeiro, a partir del 19 de diciembre de 2008 y hasta el 28 de febrero de 2009, y utilizará para ello sus aeronaves de fuselaje ancho Boeing 767-300, con capacidad para 30 pasajeros en la cabina de Clase Ejecutiva y 195 pasajeros en la Cabina Principal. (FUENTE American Airlines, Inc.)
Comentarios de Elenita
 |
Estimados lectores:
La historia que sigue es sobre una carrera aérea que se realiza la semana entrante. O sea, que se enterarán del resultado después de leer este artículo. Todos... Read more » |
 |
|
 | ||
