Aerospace

Astrobotic Technology Inc. recently showed off its Griffin lunar lander, and the PA Chamber joined members of the Pittsburgh community to observe the spacecraft as it prepares to move forward to launch.

Griffin Mission One has been planned for over a decade and initially targeted a launch window of later 2023 before facing several delays. It is now targeting a launch window during the fourth quarter of this year.

When Griffin launches, it will likely do so under a different corporate banner. Astrobotic is in the regulatory review process of being acquired by Denver-based defense tech firm Voyager Technologies. Should the acquisition go through, Astrobotic’s assets will be folded into Voyager.  Astrobotics’ operations will still be based in Pittsburgh, ensuring a presence in the city for the company’s increasing lunar efforts.

“We’ve been investing heavily on the lunar surface,” Matt Magaña, Voyager president of defense and national security, said. “This fits perfectly into our overall strategy for space infrastructure and the long term infrastructure build out.”

 

Aviation

The new landside terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has won an international award as one of the most beautiful airports in the world.

PIT received one of seven spots on the World’s Most Beautiful Airports List 2026, which was put out by the Prix Versailles, which hands out awards annually on architecture and interior design. PIT was one of only two in the United States; the other was Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport.

The landside terminal was designed by Gensler and HDR with luis vidal + architects, with its 38 steel treelike columns, striking glass walls and a star-lit ceiling. The $1.7 billion project opened last November and replaced the three-decade-old landside terminal.

“Representative of the region’s heritage, showcasing local artists and the new ‘Petal Tunnel’ (inspired by the Fort Pitt Tunnel), the airport is worthy of praise for its energy efficiency, its significantly shortened passenger distances and its inclusive comfort features, making it a role model for global air travel,” Prix Versailles said in its awards.

“Being named to the Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports List is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the vision, talent and determination of everyone who helped bring our new terminal to life,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. “This terminal was built by Pittsburghers, for Pittsburgh. It showcases our region’s innovation, craftsmanship and hospitality while creating an airport experience that reflects the character and pride of our community.”

 

Transportation

Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc., a family-owned company and the exclusive Cat dealer of western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia and western Maryland, has officially opened the doors of its new state-of-the-art facility in Milesburg, Pa.

The 33,000-sq.-ft. location brings together sales, parts, service and rental operations for both the construction and power and energy divisions in one central location, uniting the company’s State College and existing Milesburg operations under one roof. With the opening of the new facility, customer-facing operations previously supported in State College have transitioned to Milesburg, and customer-facing parts and hose operations in Bellefonte will conclude on July 6.

The new branch is located at 1025 North Eagle Valley Road, Howard, Pa., offering direct access to I-80 and the I-99 corridor – a strategic location that allows Cleveland Brothers to support customers with improved logistics, efficient service response, and enhanced access to key regional markets, according to the company.

“Opening this new facility is an important step forward for Cleveland Brothers,” said TJ Cleveland, vice president of product support. “By bringing our State College and Milesburg teams and services together, we’re making it easier for our customers in central Pennsylvania to get the support they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Milesburg facility is designed to support industries that rely on heavy equipment operating at high capacity, including quarries, landfills and forestry operations. By bringing sales, parts, service and rental operations together in one location, the facility streamlines workflows and strengthens the company’s ability to deliver efficient, end-to-end support.

This investment reflects the company’s broader commitment to modernizing and strengthening its presence across the region.