SANTA ANA, CA—Ascent Aerospace has been awarded a contract to design and build the final assembly station for the Airbus Beluga XL jet. The Beluga is an A330 modified to transport large aerostructure components from Airbus supplier facilities.

SALT LAKE CITY—Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new technology for sintering titanium powder that produces titanium parts with wrought-like microstructure and mechanical properties.

Whether or not Earth is the only planet able to support life is debatable. What is undeniable, however, is that the planets of our solar system are not the only things that orbit the sun.

HUNTSVILLE, AL—Boeing has opened a new research center here that will focus on materials for future advanced aircraft and spacecraft.

MOBILE, AL—The first major components for A320 airliners have arrived at Airbus’ new assembly plant here. Ulrich Weber, vice president of the factory, says airplane production will begin in July after the wings, stabilizers and fuselages move through testing stations.

TITUSVILLE, FL—Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer SA will build an airplane seat assembly plant here. The facility is expected to employ 150 people.

EVERETT, WA—Through the first five months of this year, Boeing Co. is well on its way to meeting its goal for Dreamliner deliveries. Boeing’s assembly plants in South Carolina and Washington have produced 54 jets through May. At the current rate, the company will produce 130 Dreamliners by the end of the year.

Barring any obstacles, the Dream Chaser spaceplane will make its initial orbital test flight on Nov. 1, 2016.

MOBILE, AL—Airbus’ newly hired U.S. manufacturing employees arrived back home in Mobile May 31 after six or more months of training in Hamburg, Germany.