Latest news with #Bechtel
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Blocks all stacked for NASA's future Artemis tower at KSC
There's still more than a year's worth of work to do on NASA's future Artemis launch tower at Kennedy Space Center, but all of the big pieces have been put in place. The last of seven modular steel blocks that make up the bulk of the tower's height was put into place on July 2 by the tower's contractor Bechtel. The block called Mod 10 brings it to 377 feet tall from the base structure. 'This achievement underscores our ongoing partnership with NASA and local unions, and the team's steady progress toward safe delivery of this critical infrastructure,' the company said in an emailed statement. Progress has been tracked on the company's website with the latest addition dubbed 'Reaching the Top.' Mod 4 was the first of the seven blocks put in place on Jan. 3, growing the structure 272 feet in less than six months. Mod 10 will support the Crew Access Arm for ML-2, which is among the parts that have yet to be assembled before the company's deadline of November 2026 for delivery to NASA. ML-2 is designed for use on a larger version of NASA's Space Launch System rocket, which won't fly until at least the Artemis IV mission on NASA's roadmap in late 2028. The first three Artemis missions have or will use the ML-1, which was converted from use from NASA's defunct Constellation program. Artemis I was the first launch of SLS, an uncrewed test flight that sent Orion out to the moon and back. Artemis II will be the first crewed flight of Orion, looking to send four astronauts on a trip around the moon without landing no later than April 2026. Artemis III looks to return humans to the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program in 1972. That mission, which is reliant on the completion of SpaceX's in-development Starship as a human landing system as well as new spacesuits from Axiom Space, is targeting launch by summer 2027. Whether or not ML-2 would ever be used was in question as President Donald Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 sought to end the SLS rocket program as well as the Orion spacecraft, Gateway lunar space station and NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team based at KSC after the flight of Artemis III. But Congress, led by an effort from Sen. Ted Cruz, was able add more than $10 billion in this year's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' to save SLS for both the fourth and fifth launches of Artemis as well as set aside money for Orion and Gateway. Both versions of the Senate and House budget bills for 2026, moreover, look to keep funding for Artemis' existing programs in place. Congress is the ultimate decider of what the federal budget will look like, although without an agreement, it's possible NASA will simply continue with funding based on current levels with continuing resolutions. Still, with funds already set aside, work continued in earnest to get ML-2 ready for the fourth Artemis flight. It's supposed to fly the first part of the Gateway station, and would use the larger version of SLS called the Block 1B that has more payload capacity. It too would feature a rendezvous and moon landing with Starship. The Artemis V mission is supposed to be the first flight to use Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander instead of Starship. NASA will still need to perform about a year's worth of tests and added work after Bechtel hands it off in 2026. The ML2 project, which was initially a $383 million contract awarded in 2019, had an original delivery date of 2023. A NASA Office of Inspector General audit released in August 2024 said the costs had already nearly tripled to more than $1 billion with the delivery date pushed into late 2026. It's part of the growing costs and delays associated with all facets of the Artemis program. In 2023, the OIG said by the time Artemis III flies, the program will have topped $93 billion in costs since it was originally announced in 2012. --------------
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
Blocks all stacked for NASA's future Artemis tower at KSC
There's still more than a year's worth of work to do on NASA's future Artemis launch tower at Kennedy Space Center, but all of the big pieces have been put in place. The last of seven modular steel blocks that make up the bulk of the tower's height was put into place on July 2 by the tower's contractor Bechtel. The block called Mod 10 brings it to 377 feet tall from the base structure. "This achievement underscores our ongoing partnership with NASA and local unions, and the team's steady progress toward safe delivery of this critical infrastructure," the company said in an emailed statement. Progress has been tracked on the company's website with the latest addition dubbed "Reaching the Top." Mod 4 was the first of the seven blocks put in place on Jan. 3, growing the structure 272 feet in less than six months. Mod 10 will support the Crew Access Arm for ML-2, which is among the parts that have yet to be assembled before the company's deadline of November 2026 for delivery to NASA. ML-2 is designed for use on a larger version of NASA's Space Launch System rocket, which won't fly until at least the Artemis IV mission on NASA's roadmap in late 2028. The first three Artemis missions have or will use the ML-1, which was converted from use from NASA's defunct Constellation program. Artemis I was the first launch of SLS, an uncrewed test flight that sent Orion out to the moon and back. Artemis II will be the first crewed flight of Orion, looking to send four astronauts on a trip around the moon without landing no later than April 2026. Artemis III looks to return humans to the moon for the first time since the end of the Apollo program in 1972. That mission, which is reliant on the completion of SpaceX's in-development Starship as a human landing system as well as new spacesuits from Axiom Space, is targeting launch by summer 2027. Whether or not ML-2 would ever be used was in question as President Donald Trump's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 sought to end the SLS rocket program as well as the Orion spacecraft, Gateway lunar space station and NASA's Exploration Ground Systems team based at KSC after the flight of Artemis III. But Congress, led by an effort from Sen. Ted Cruz, was able add more than $10 billion in this year's "Big, Beautiful Bill" to save SLS for both the fourth and fifth launches of Artemis as well as set aside money for Orion and Gateway. Both versions of the Senate and House budget bills for 2026, moreover, look to keep funding for Artemis' existing programs in place. Congress is the ultimate decider of what the federal budget will look like, although without an agreement, it's possible NASA will simply continue with funding based on current levels with continuing resolutions. Still, with funds already set aside, work continued in earnest to get ML-2 ready for the fourth Artemis flight. It's supposed to fly the first part of the Gateway station, and would use the larger version of SLS called the Block 1B that has more payload capacity. It too would feature a rendezvous and moon landing with Starship. The Artemis V mission is supposed to be the first flight to use Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander instead of Starship. NASA will still need to perform about a year's worth of tests and added work after Bechtel hands it off in 2026. The ML2 project, which was initially a $383 million contract awarded in 2019, had an original delivery date of 2023. A NASA Office of Inspector General audit released in August 2024 said the costs had already nearly tripled to more than $1 billion with the delivery date pushed into late 2026. It's part of the growing costs and delays associated with all facets of the Artemis program. In 2023, the OIG said by the time Artemis III flies, the program will have topped $93 billion in costs since it was originally announced in 2012. -------------- Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bechtel awarded PMC contract for Expo 2030 in Saudi Arabia
US-headquartered global engineering and construction firm Bechtel announced on Wednesday that it has been appointed project management consultant (PMC) for the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Working with Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, Bechtel will oversee delivery of the infrastructure program across the six-square-kilometre site, including early works, utilities, roads, and the public realm, the company said in a press statement. Following the six-month event, Bechtel will also support transforming the site into sustainable urban development, continuing to serve as a hub for green innovation, cultural celebration, and commerce. Expo 2030 Riyadh will bring together more than 195 countries, 29 international organisations, and other participants under the theme 'Foresight for Tomorrow.' The organisers expect approximately 42 million event visitors. (Writing by Deva Palanisamy; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Gulf Insider
16-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Is Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Going To Be The 'Super Hub Of The Future'?
Riyadh as a 'super hub of the future'? That's what the real estate consultancy Knight Frank is projecting as the Saudi city oversees one of the most ambitious and fast-track developments, whether it's infrastructure, housing, office towers, or creating retail and entertainment destinations. 'The Saudi capital is rapidly transforming into a dynamic destination for global wealth… strategically diversifying its economy away from oil dependence and evolving into a powerhouse for finance, culture and lifestyle,' says Knight Frank. Riyadh continues to attract 'significant domestic and international business activity' – and which led to nation-wide unemployment rate fall to a record low of 7% in Q4-2024′. In the final quarter of last year, Saudi Arabia issued more than 160,000 new business licences, which is a 67% increase from the same period the year before. It brought the total number of registered commercial entities in the Kingdom to more than 1.6 million. 'A key initiative is the 'Regional Headquarters Programme', which has already surpassed its 2030 target, with around 600 international companies,' says the report. This includes corporate giants such as Bechtel, Northern Trust and PwC,w which have committed to 'establishing regional bases in Riyadh'. All of which has led to Grade-A office vacancy rates of 'just 2%', while prime office rents surged by 23% in the past year (and by 84% since Q1-2020). Riyadh's office inventory is projected to expand from 5.5 million square metres to 9.8 million square metres by 2027. 'This growth is supported by state-led infrastructure developments and rising interest from institutional investors targeting long-term exposure to the Kingdom's evolving office landscape,' says the statement. In parallel, the infrastructure investments are moving more or less on schedule. There are the attractions such as the 220-kilometre stretch of Sports Boulevard, an 'expanding' King Khalid International Airport – currently serving 113 domestic and international destinations – and the Riyadh Metro and public bus network. 'These developments are attracting expatriates, entrepreneurs and families, reshaping perceptions and reinforcing Riyadh's emergence as a global city of choice for the next generation of talent,' says Knight Frank. 'Combined with the rise in major multinationals opening offices in the city and high-quality residential and leisure developments, Riyadh has a uniquely compelling offer as a live-work-play destination both within the GCC and globally,' said Harmen De Jong, Regional Partner – Head of Consultancy, MENA at Knight Frank.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bechtel Selected as Project Management Consultant for the 2030 World Expo in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bechtel today announced it has been appointed project management consultant (PMC) for the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Held every five years in a different host country, the 2030 event, with the theme "Foresight for Tomorrow," will center on the Kingdom's Vision 2030 roadmap toward a vibrant society, thriving economy, and ambitious future. Expo 2030 Riyadh is anticipated to be one of the most significant events of 2030. It will bring together more than 195 countries, 29 international organizations, and other unofficial participants. The organizers expect approximately 42 million event visitors. "The Expo 2030 Riyadh will highlight Saudi Arabia's remarkable transformation since the launch of the Saudi Vision 2030 in 2016, and showcase progress across the Kingdom's economic, social, and cultural sectors," said Darren Mort, president of Bechtel's Infrastructure business. "Bechtel has been a trusted partner in the Kingdom for over eight decades, and we are proud to support this legacy project that will highlight our customer's vision for sustainability, innovation, and connectivity." Working with Expo 2030 Riyadh Company, Bechtel will oversee delivery of the infrastructure program across the six-square-kilometer site, including early works, utilities, roads, and the public realm. Following the six-month event, Bechtel will also support transforming the site into sustainable urban development, continuing to serve as a hub for green innovation, cultural celebration, and commerce. Expo 2030 Riyadh is positioned to serve as a global platform for innovation, collaboration, and dialogue. The event's masterplan reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to long-term development, incorporating international sustainability standards across areas such as tree planting and reforestation, water treatment, and renewable energy sources. Learn more about Bechtel's Infrastructure business at About Bechtel Bechtel is a trusted engineering, construction and project management partner to industry and government. Differentiated by the quality of our people and our relentless drive to deliver the most successful outcomes, we align our capabilities to our customers' objectives to create a lasting positive impact. Since 1898, we have helped customers complete more than 25,000 projects in 160 countries on all seven continents that have created jobs, grown economies, improved the resiliency of the world's infrastructure, increased access to energy, resources, and vital services, and made the world a safer, cleaner place. Bechtel serves the Energy; Infrastructure; Manufacturing & Technology; Mining & Metals; and Nuclear, Security & Environmental markets. Our services span from initial planning and investment, through start-up and operations. Media Contact:Isabel Onabaionaba1@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bechtel Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
