Optical fiber is the backbone of today's digital economy. Global financial transactions, high-speed Internet access, online shopping, video gaming and other things that most people take for granted are possible because of thin strands of glass that transmit massive amounts of data every second.

Science writer John Wilford once observed that his articles had to focus on one of these story lines to earn their way into print: "big bang, big bucks, big screwup, or big comeback - and with the Hubble Space Telescope you've got them all." He was right. Since launching into orbit almost 30 years ago, Hubble has gone from the humiliation of "techno turkey" to high-risk recovery to recognition as one of history's most prolific scientific explorers.

MOBILE, AL—As part of an overall plan to produce 63 A320 aircraft per month worldwide in 2021, Airbus will increase production of the jetliners at its assembly plant here to seven per month by the beginning of 2021. This increase, and continued recruiting for the A220 manufacturing team, will add 275 jobs to the facility during the next year.

There are many ways to crimp or flare a lip on a cylindrical part. For example, it can be done with a press or an orbital forming machine. However, the problem with those processes, particularly the former, is that they require a good deal of force.

ROGERS, AR — Ferra Aerospace, an advanced machining and complex assembly company, acquired a new manufacturing facility here that will add nearly 30 employees and nine high-speed machines.

MIRABEL, Canada — Airbus has celebrated the 100th A220 aircraft produced for a customer during a ceremony at the aircraft program’s headquarters here.

WICHITA, KS — Spirit AeroSystems announced the completion of its first integrated forward fuselage section for the Boeing 767.