Aviation Week's Check 6 Podcast

With preparations for SpaceX’s first human spaceflight drawing to a close, the company's president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell talks with Aviation Week & Space Technology space editor Irene Klotz about lessons learned for Starship and plans for the rollout of Starlink.

The drive to develop Japan’s first commercial aircraft since 1974 hits another stumbling block as flight tests are halted and production is shut down. Aviation Week editors discuss whether the regional jet program will survive—and whether its troubles will benefit Embraer.

The U.S. Air Force, in the midst of modernizing its bomber fleet, launched a competition on May 19 for 608 engines to keep the B-52 Stratofortress in business beyond 2030. Aviation Week editors Jen DiMascio, Steve Trimble and Guy Norris discuss the competition and what's driving the global resurgence in platforms with firepower.

Companies across the board are slashing costs, preserving cash, and trying to adjust to a new normal after the novel coronavirus throttled down business prospects. But there is one area they are sure to spend even more money on in the coming years as industry regroups after COVID-19. Listen in as Aviation Week and Accenture discuss what to watch for in technology investments.

In an exclusive interview with Aviation Week Space Editor Irene Klotz, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk discusses the riskiest part of the upcoming NASA Commercial Crew Demo-2 launch, the need to further reduce launch costs and the prospects for the Starlink internet service project.