Composite joining method passes test

An innovative method for joining composite structures has passed a series of structural tests. Gene Fraser, vice president of Advanced Programs and Technology for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said it's a major step towards using composites in future space missions. The joint design was used to mate two segments of NASA's composite crew module demonstrator. The test article represents the inner pressurized shell for the Orion crew module, part of the Constellation Program to return astronauts to the moon and beyond. Test results proved the mating process retains compartment pressure and withstands external loads at twice the level normally experienced in flight. Tests were done at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. (Source: Globe Newswire, 12/17/09) Gulf Coast note: Stennis Space Center, Miss., and Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans are involved in the Constellation program.

DuPont DeLisle celebrates 30 years

DELISLE, Miss. - The DuPont DeLisle Plant on Thursday celebrated 30 years of continuous operation. DuPont DeLisle, which produces titanium dioxide, a pigment used as a brightening agent in paints, plastics, paper and textiles, began operations on the north end of the Bay of St. Louis in western Harrison County in 1979. The plant added a second production line in 1991. The company said it has invested more than $300 million in the DeLisle site in the last 10 years. It now employs more than 500 full-time employees and 400 contract workers. (Source: Sun Herald, 12/10/09)

Budget includes refinery project

PASCAGOULA, Miss. – A $500 million project that would boost the Chevron Pascagoula Refinery's gasoline production will continue under the company's spending plan for 2010, announced Thursday. Chevron Corp. announced the $21.6 billion capital and exploratory budget for 2010 that includes the continuous catalyst regeneration project in Pascagoula that was announced in October 2007, said Steve Renfroe, a company spokesman. (Source: Mississippi Press, 12/11/09)