48 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2024
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024:
IPC Government Relations Holds
Lawmakers Accountable E
e IPC Government Relations team is con-
stantly educating Congress and the execu-
tive branch about the importance of a robust
domestic electronics manufacturing industry.
As Richard Cappetto explains, the GR team is
focused on proactive strategies, workforce pol-
icies, and sustainability, as well as the signifi-
cance of apprenticeship programs, President
Biden's executive order, and employer incen-
tives.
NASA Selects First Lunar Instruments
for Artemis Astronaut Deployment E
NASA has chosen the first science instruments
designed for astronauts to deploy on the sur-
face of the Moon during Artemis III. Once
installed near the lunar South Pole, the three
instruments will collect valuable scientific data
about the lunar environment, the lunar inte-
rior, and how to sustain a long-duration human
presence on the Moon, which will help prepare
NASA to send astronauts to Mars.
Northrop Grumman, EpiSci to Collaborate
on Advanced Autonomy Capabilities E
Northrop Grumman Corporation is collaborat-
ing with EpiSci to further develop advanced,
trusted autonomous tactical solutions for the
United States and its allies.
NASA, Japan Advance Space Cooperation,
Sign Agreement for Lunar Rover E
Japan will design, develop, and operate a pres-
surized rover for crewed and uncrewed explo-
ration on the Moon. NASA will provide the
launch and delivery of the rover to the Moon
as well as two opportunities for Japanese astro-
nauts to travel to the lunar surface.
UK Space Agency Awards Space
Reactor Development Project
to BWXT and Rolls-Royce E
e contract further strengthens UK and U.S.
collaboration on first-of-a-kind space technol-
ogy innovation as detailed under the Atlan-
tic Declaration commitment. In an announce-
ment made by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak
and U.S. President Joe Biden on June 8, 2023,
both countries pledged to study "opportuni-
ties for co-operation on space nuclear power
and propulsion."
Airbus to Acquire INFODAS and
Strengthen its Cybersecurity Portfolio E
Airbus Defence and Space has entered into an
agreement to acquire INFODAS, a Cologne-
based, German company that provides cyber-
security and IT solutions in the public sector
including for defence and critical infrastruc-
tures. e transaction is subject to the custom-
ary regulatory approvals and is expected to be
finalised before the end of 2024.
The Impact of U.S. Defense Production
Act on PCB Industry E
is interview with David Schild, executive
director of PCBAA, covers the recent passage
of the Defense Production Act and its impact
on the printed circuit board industry. It high-
lights the importance of funding, domestic
production, and government support for the
industry's growth.
