GCC States Economy & Development

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RM2 Hybrid Rocket Motor Test

SpaceShip Two Rocket Motor Testing. A Series Of Tests in April and May 2009

 

[Bubblegum Crisis]

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group, and Mohamed Badawy Al-Husseiny, CEO of Aabar

Virgin Galactic Breaks Speed Of Sound In First Rocket-Powered Flight Of SpaceShipTwo

Sir Richard Branson witnesses vehicle-proving milestone as company sets year-end goal for spaceflight

29.04.13

MOJAVE, Calif. – Today, Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and Abu Dhabi’s aabar Investments PJS, completed the first rocket-powered flight of its space vehicle, SpaceShipTwo (SS2). The test, conducted by teams from Scaled Composites (Scaled) and Virgin Galactic, officially marks Virgin Galactic’s entrance into the final phase of vehicle testing prior to commercial service from Spaceport America in New Mexico.

“The first powered flight of Virgin Spaceship Enterprise was without any doubt, our single most important flight test to date,” said Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson, who was on the ground in Mojave to witness the occasion. “For the first time, we were able to prove the key components of the system, fully integrated and in flight. Today’s supersonic success opens the way for a rapid expansion of the spaceship’s powered flight envelope, with a very realistic goal of full space flight by the year’s end. We saw history in the making today and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved.”

The test began at 7.02am local time when SS2 took off from Mojave Air and Space Port mated to WhiteKnightTwo (WK2), Virgin Galactic’s carrier aircraft. Piloting SS2 were Mark Stucky, pilot, and Mike Alsbury, co-pilot, who are test pilots for Scaled, which built SS2 for Virgin Galactic. At the WK2 controls were Virgin Galactic’s Chief Pilot Dave Mackay, assisted by Clint Nichols and Brian Maisler, co-pilot and flight test engineer, respectively, for Scaled.

Upon reaching 47,000 feet altitude and approximately 45 minutes into the flight, SS2 was released from WK2. After cross-checking data and verifying stable control, the pilots triggered ignition of the rocket motor, causing the main oxidizer valve to open and igniters to fire within the fuel case. At this point, SS2 was propelled forward and upward to a maximum altitude of 55,000 feet. The entire engine burn lasted 16 seconds, as planned. During this time, SS2 went supersonic, achieving Mach 1.2.

“We partnered with Virgin Galactic several years ago with the aspiration to transform and commercialize access to space for the broader public,” said His Excellency Khadem Al Qubaisi, Chairman of aabar Investments PJS. “Today’s test is another key milestone in realizing that aspiration. Our partnership goes from strength to strength, and is an excellent example of aabar’s desire to participate in the development of world class technologies that are commercially viable and strategically important, both for the company, its shareholders, and for Abu Dhabi.”

The entire rocket-powered flight test lasted just over 10 minutes, culminating in a smooth landing for SS2 in Mojave at approximately 8am local time.

“The rocket motor ignition went as planned, with the expected burn duration, good engine performance and solid vehicle handling qualities throughout,” said Virgin Galactic President & CEO George Whitesides. “The successful outcome of this test marks a pivotal point for our program. We will now embark on a handful of similar powered flight tests, and then make our first test flight to space.”

In the coming months, the Virgin Galactic and Scaled test team will expand the spaceship’s powered flight envelope culminating in full space flight, which the companies anticipate will take place before the end of 2013.

“I’d like to congratulate the entire team,” said President of Scaled Kevin Mickey. “This milestone has been a long time coming and it’s only through the hard work of the team and the tremendous support of Virgin Galactic that we have been able to witness this important milestone. We look forward to all our upcoming tests and successes.”


Virgin Galactic

Test SpaceShipTwo succes - 2013

 

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Close up of SS2 during successful rocket-powered flight

Virgin Galactic Reveals Privately Funded Satellite Launcher and Confirms SpaceShipTwo Poised for Powered Flight

New vehicle “LauncherOne” to transform small satellite market, as space tourism business powers into final leg of test flights

10.07.12

Today during the Farnborough International Air Show 2012, Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial spaceline, announced “LauncherOne”, a new air-launched rocket specifically designed to deliver small satellites into orbit. With substantial funding already raised from Virgin Galactic’s partner aabar Investments PJS, and with commercial flights of this new orbital launch vehicle expected to begin by 2016, Virgin Galactic aims to offer frequent and dedicated launches at the world’s lowest prices. Virgin Galactic also announced that four private companies have already put down deposits as future LauncherOne customers, expressing their intent to purchase a total of several dozen launches, which would exceed the level of early commitment of any previous new launch vehicle.

At the same event, Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson revealed that the company has now accepted deposits for suborbital flights on SpaceShipTwo from 529 future astronauts, a number greater than the total count of people who have been to space throughout human history. This news comes following a flurry of recent test activity and confirmation that all major components of SpaceShipTwo’s rocket system have been qualified for powered flight, on track to begin before the year’s end.

“Virgin Galactic’s goal is to revolutionize the way we get to space,” Branson said. “I’m immensely proud of what we have already achieved as we draw near to regular suborbital flights on SpaceShipTwo. Now, LauncherOne is bringing the price of satellite launch into the realm of affordability for innovators everywhere, from start-ups and schools to established companies and national space agencies. It will be a critical new tool for the global research community, enabling us all to learn about our home planet more quickly and affordably.”

LauncherOne will be a two-stage vehicle capable of carrying up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms) to orbit for prices below $10 million. The rocket will be launched from Virgin Galactic’s proven WhiteKnightTwo, the uniquely capable aircraft also designed to carry SpaceShipTwo aloft to begin her suborbital missions. Thanks to the extreme flexibility of air launch, Virgin Galactic’s customers will enjoy reduced infrastructure costs in addition to the wide range of possible launch locations tailored to individual mission requirements and weather conditions. Branson and other senior executives announced that work has already begun on the vehicle.

“Virgin Galactic continues to innovate space access, and LauncherOne is a key step in its successful commercialization,” said Mohamed Badawy Al-Husseiny, CEO of aabar Investments PJS. “This development promises to redefine the small satellite market and to promote new research and education opportunities. aabar is proud to be partnering in this exciting journey by continuing to support Virgin Galactic and its initiatives.”

Several LauncherOne customers were recognized at the event, representing a broad range of commercial satellite applications. Those named were Skybox Imaging (Skybox), a Silicon Valley-based firm that recently announced it has raised $91 million for a high resolution imaging constellation; GeoOptics Inc., a U.S.-based company developing a constellation of non-imaging remote sensing satellites; Spaceflight, Inc., the aggregator and integrator of small satellites; and Planetary Resources, Inc., the newly-announced, billionaire-backed asteroid mining venture.

Speaking at the event, Skybox CEO Tom Ingersoll said, “Skybox’s objective is to provide world-class, affordable access to space imagery and information, and in order to do so, we need world-class, affordable access to space. Virgin Galactic is unique in having the right mix of ingredients to support our vision, as well as that of the growing small satellite community. We plan to make full use of LauncherOne.”

Also today, two world leaders in small satellite manufacturing, Surrey Satellite Technology and Sierra Nevada Space Systems, announced that they would create optimized satellite designs to match LauncherOne’s performance specifications. These optimized designs will allow customers to maximize the capability and minimize the time to market for their satellites. Sir Martin Sweeting, the founder of Surrey Satellite, spoke at the event about the growing potential of the small satellite industry.

“Small satellite launch is an area ripe for disruption,” said Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides. “Miniaturized satellite components and constrained budgets are driving commercial clients, academic users and government agencies all to clamor for an affordable, dedicated launch vehicle. Now, thanks to aabar’s investment, our existing capabilities, and the expert team we’ve already assembled, we’re prepared to fill that void by bringing LauncherOne to market.”


Virgin Galactic

Virgin Reveals LauncherOne Plan

July 11, 2012
By Guy Norris guy_norris

Virgin Galactic has officially unveiled a low-cost, small satellite launch system that builds on elements of its space tourism development.

The LauncherOne system will deliver payloads up to 500 lb. to low Earth orbit, and with a target price of under $10 million per launch, is aimed at dramatically cutting the cost of launching small satellites.

Backed by Virgin Galactic’s partner Aabar Investments, the development of the “new vehicle will create a long-awaited shake-up of the satellite launch industry,” Virgin founder Richard Branson says.

The system is based on a 30,000-lb.-class, winged vehicle that will be carried to around 50,000 ft. for air launch by the WhiteKnightTwo mother ship developed as the carrier aircraft for the SpaceShipTwo (SS2) suborbital vehicle.

LauncherOne will be powered by a two-stage, liquid-fueled rocket, now in initial development by Virgin Galactic. The same rocket also is intended to ultimately replace the non-reusable RM2 (RocketMotorTwo) hybrid motor that will power the SS2 to suborbit, Virgin says.

The RM2 is in the final stages of development by Sierra Nevada Space Systems and “all major components have now been qualified for powered flight,” according to Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides. The RM2 is the major pacing item to the start of rocket-powered flight tests of SS2, which are expected to start by year’s end. Assuming tests go as planned, Virgin hopes to start initial suborbital passenger flights by the end of 2013.

Initial LauncherOne flights are due to start in 2015, with commercial flights getting under way by 2016. The development will run closely in parallel with Virgin Galactic’s recently awarded Airborne Launch Assist Space Access (Alasa) program, a U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) initiative to design air-launch systems that can orbit payloads below 100 lb. for $1 million, including range costs.

Virgin is one of three winners of the initial Alasa contract, along with Boeing and Lockheed Martin. This $46 million, 18-month first phase runs through September 2013, when Darpa plans another competition to select at least one team to conduct up to 36 launches in 2015.

Initial customers for the LauncherOne include Skybox Imaging, a California-based developer of a high-resolution imaging constellation, and GeoOptics, which is working on non-imaging remote sensing systems. Others are smallsat aggregator Spaceflight, and Planetary Resources, the recently launched asteroid mining venture.


Aviation Week

Note :

The Scaled Composites accident shows that hybrids are not necessarily safer than liquid fueled rockets. There is also the fact that the combustion chamber has to be replaced after every flight with the SS2 hybrid engine, reducing reusability savings.

 

[Bubblegum Crisis]

How ? Like this… ^^


Pegasus rocket

Pegasus assembling

 

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Pegasus Rolls Out

 

[Yzd Khalifa]

Fly me to the moon, Let me play among the stars
Let me see what spring is like
On Jupiter and Mars…

thanks @Bubblegum Crisis

 

[Bubblegum Crisis]

Pegasus XL rocket attached to the underside of the carrier aircraft




Aft view

NuSTAR satellite

 

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Fairing Prepared








Fairing Installation

 

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NuSTAR Readied for Flight






NuSTAR Readied for Launch

Continue… See old links :

‘UAE (GCC) : Dubai Satellite Program’

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146757

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146779

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146797

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146811

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146829

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146851

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4146874

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4196614


‘Strata's UAE aerospace plant gives big lift to Airbus’

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-d...ae-aerospace-plant-gives-big-lift-airbus.html


‘Aabar Investments power’

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4208913

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4208943

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economic-development-3.html#post4208955

 

[Arabian Legend]

Construction of second UAE nuclear plant begins

Scale models of nuclear plants presented by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) during the opening the World Energy Forum in Dubai in 2012​

Construction work has begun on the UAE's second nuclear energy plant in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, with safety concrete poured by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). Construction on the plant is expected to last five years, before it enters into commercial operation in 2018, pending regulatory approvals.

ENEC is constructing a total of four nuclear energy plants in Barakah, and building of the first plant, Unit 1, began last year. ENEC will apply for an operating license for Units 1 and 2 in 2015 and in March submitted the construction license application for Units 3 & 4 to the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

The plants are being built by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) as main contractor.

To commemorate the construction beginning, ENEC hosted Sang-jick Yoon, Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, to celebrate the partnership between the two countries.

HE Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of ENEC praised the commitment demonstrated by the Korean Government in the development of the UAE nuclear energy program, thanking Yoon for his government's continued support.

Also attending the occasion was UAE Minister of State and CEO of Masdar, HE Sultan Al Jaber; HE Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of ENEC and senior representatives from KEPCO.

"We are drawing on the skills and expertise of a world-class nuclear corporation through our prime contractor KEPCO," said H Al Hammadi.

"One of the key factors of the bidding process to support the UAE's nuclear energy program, along with meeting the highest standards of safety and quality, was the company's ability to provide the resources and capabilities to deliver these key early development stages of the project.

"KEPCO is meeting our goal of delivering the gold standard of peaceful nuclear energy development and we are very proud of the progress we are making with our partners.

"With the construction of our second plant now underway, we have reached another important milestone in our mission to bring safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE," said Al Hammadi.

The first plant is expected to commence operations in 2017, with all four plants operational by 2020.


Construction of second UAE nuclear plant begins | ConstructionWeekOnline.com

 

[Bubblegum Crisis]

Continue… ‘Construction of second UAE nuclear plant begins (Arabian Legend)’

KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation)

The nuclear reactor APR-1400

Pooling with KSA (GCC)

Translation help?

"Google Translate"

Link: Google Translate


http://www.defence.pk/forums/world-...ink-nuclear-cooperation-pact.html#post2731651

http://www.defence.pk/forums/world-...ink-nuclear-cooperation-pact.html#post2731694

http://www.defence.pk/forums/world-...ink-nuclear-cooperation-pact.html#post2731727

http://www.defence.pk/forums/world-...ink-nuclear-cooperation-pact.html#post2786204

 

[Bubblegum Crisis]

Enjoy in the future GCC ! Come with me ! ^^



Gulf Cooperation Council’s Planned Rail Network







Saudi

KSA - King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh
April, 2013







[video] V5 156 - YouTube[/video]


Continue... See also old links :

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economy-development-4.html#post4225715

http://www.defence.pk/forums/arab-defence/243555-gcc-states-economy-development-4.html#post4225742




King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station (Riyadh)

ZHA to build King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

16-05-13


The ArRiyadh Development Authority has announced that Zaha Hadid Architects will build the new King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Metro Station in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With over 5 million residents, Riyadh’s population has more than doubled since 1990. To serve its fast-growing population, the city will build a new public transport system.

The 20,434 sq. m. King Abdullah Financial Disctrict Metro Station will serve as a key interchange on the network for Line 1, as well as the terminus of Line 4 (for passengers to the airport) and Line 6 of the new Riyadh Metro. The local monorail can also be accessed from the station via a skybridge. With six platforms over four public floors and two levels of underground car parking, the KAFD Metro Station will be integrated within the urban context of the financial district, responding to the functional requirements for a multimodal transport centre and the district’s future vision. The project extends beyond the simple station typology to emphasize the building’s importance as a dynamic, multi-functional public space; not only an intermediate place perceived through quick transitions, but also a dramatic public space for the city.

The design places the station at the centre of a network of pathways, skybridges and metro lines envisaged by the KAFD master plan. Connectivity diagrams and traffic across the site have been mapped and structured to clearly delineate the pedestrian routes within the building, optimize internal circulation and avoid congestion. The resulting configuration is a three-dimensional lattice defined by a sequence of opposing sine-waves (generated from the repetition and frequency variation of station’s daily traffic flows) which act as the spine for the building’s circulation. These sine-waves are extended to the station’s envelope and strictly affiliated to its internal layout, translating the architectural concept to the exterior.

King Abdullah has instructed the new Riyadh Metro be completed in four years. Prince Khaled bin Bander, the governor of Riyadh, said the project is progressing to plan and the ArRiyadh Development Authority has released details of the city’s public transport plan including the six metro lines that will serve as the backbone for public transport in the city.

 

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Concrete and steel

 

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Note :

Size

20,434 m2


Levels

4 above ground

2 below ground (car parking)


Metro Lines served

Line 1

Line 4

Line 6


Skybridge access to monorail

(6 train plattforms)

Bombardier Signs $241 Million USD Contract to Supply, Install, Operate and Maintain an INNOVIA Monorail System in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

May 31, 2010 - Berlin
Transportation


Bombardier wins the first contract in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its next generation INNOVIA Monorail 300 fully automated transit system

Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract with Saudi Oger Limited., a leading Saudi Arabian construction company, for the supply, installation, operation and maintenance of a 3.6-km (2.2-mi.) BOMBARDIER INNOVIA Monorail 300 system for the King Abdullah Financial District, the new financial and business centre under development in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Oger Limited, as the contractor responsible for the full turnkey construction of the new Monorail system, was awarded the contract by the Rayadah Investment Company, the investment vehicle of the Public Pension Agency of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 14, 2010.

Bombardier, as subcontractor to Saudi Oger, will design and supply all of the system-wide Electrical and Mechanical (E&M) elements for the six-station monorail system, including six INNOVIA Monorail 300 trains (12 cars) with BOMBARDIER CITYFLO 650 automatic train control technology for driverless operation as well as providing project management, systems engineering and integration, testing and commissioning. Engineering and design for the Monorail vehicles will be centered at Bombardier’s site in Kingston, Canada, and manufacturing of the 12 cars will be carried out by Bombardier in Pittsburgh, USA. Together with Saudi Oger, Bombardier will also provide its branded INNOVIA O&M operation and maintenance services for the system for an initial contractual period of 10 years. The total value of Bombardier’s contract is $241 million US (195 million euros). Completion of the 3.6-km (2.2-mi.) INNOVIA Monorail system is scheduled in 2012, with operation and maintenance services to commence at the start of revenue service.

Commenting on the announcement, André Navarri, President and COO of Bombardier Transportation, said: “As the global leader in the supply and operation of turnkey transit systems, we are exceptionally proud to secure our first major project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to be associated with the prestigious King Abdullah Financial District. Our next generation INNOVIA Monorail 300 system combines service-proven driverless technology with the latest in wide-bodied, lightweight, aerodynamically styled monorail trains. They provide superior value and performance for demanding and sophisticated users. The long-term nature of our Operation and Maintenance contract further underlines our commitment to building Local Roots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and with other countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council.”


About Systems Division

Bombardier Transportation’s Systems Division has delivered 60 transit systems in 16 countries around the globe; 32 of which are operating in urban applications and 22 in world leading airports. The Division’s range of solutions includes the driverless INNOVIA family of APM (automated people mover), ART (advanced rapid transit) and Monorail systems, as well as light rail, metro and intercity systems. The Division also has more than 35 years of experience in providing comprehensive operation and maintenance services.


About Bombardier Transportation

Bombardier Transportation, the global leader in rail technology, offers the broadest portfolio in the rail industry and delivers innovative products and services that set new standards in sustainable mobility. BOMBARDIER ECO4 technologies – built on the four cornerstones of energy, efficiency, economy and ecology – conserve energy, protect the environment and help to improve total train performance. Bombardier Transportation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany and has a presence in over 60 countries. It has an installed base of over 100,000 vehicles worldwide.


About Bombardier

A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from commercial aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, systems and services, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2010, were $19.4 billion US, and its shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). Bombardier is listed as an index component to the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America indexes.


About Saudi Oger Limited

Saudi Oger, established in 1978 as a construction company in Riyadh, gained growth momentum with the founding of Oger International in Paris in 1979. Since its inception, Saudi Oger has become one of the leading Construction, Facilities Management Service Provider and Infrastructure Project Development companies in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region. In relatively short period of time Saudi Oger Ltd. has grown into a multi-company, multi-divisional organization with subsidiaries and affiliates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; UAE; Jordan; China; USA; Paris; & Morroco. Saudi Oger has undertaken several prestigious and complex projects that utilize advanced engineering and construction technologies. Saudi Oger line of business covers Construction, Facilities Management, Real Estate Development, Printing, Telecommunication, Utilities and IT services Saudi Oger works to meet the highest standards in client satisfaction through services that matches international standards.