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Aerospace

NanoAvionics Satellite Suffers Space Debris Impact, Selfie Image Shows Damage

The MP42 satellite, which launched into low Earth orbit two and a half years ago aboard the SpaceX Transporter-4 mission, recently took an unexpected hit from a small piece of space debris or micrometeoroid. The impact created a 6 mm hole, roughly the size of a chickpea, in one of its solar panels. Read on to learn more.

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Briefs
Test & Measurement

In-Orbit Testing of Autonomous ‘Swarm’ Satellites

Someday, instead of large, expensive individual space satellites, teams of smaller satellites – known by scientists as a “swarm” – will work in collaboration, enabling greater accuracy, agility, and autonomy. Among the scientists working to make these teams a reality are researchers at Stanford University’s Space Rendezvous Lab, who recently completed the first-ever in-orbit test of a prototype system. Read on to learn more.

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Briefs
RF & Microwave Electronics

A Satellite to Detect Short Gamma-Ray Burst Emissions

The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), in partnership with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), has developed StarBurst, a small satellite (SmallSat) instrument for NASA’s StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneer mission, which will detect the emission of short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), a key electromagnetic (EM) signature that will contribute to the understanding of neutron star (NS) mergers. Read on to learn more.

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Briefs
Propulsion

Improving Electric Propulsion Thrusters for Future Spacecraft Missions

Go faster, farther, more efficiently. That’s the goal driving spacecraft propulsion engineers like Chen Cui, a new assistant professor at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science. Cui is exploring ways to improve electric propulsion thrusters — a key technology for future space missions. Read on to learn more.

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Briefs
Energy

Thermoelectric Generators Could Convert Waste Heat to Clean Energy in Jet Engines and Spacecraft

Thermoelectric generators that can convert waste heat to clean energy could soon be as efficient as other renewable energy sources, like solar, according to a team led by Penn State scientists. Using high-entropy materials, the researchers created more efficient thermoelectric materials than previously possible, an advancement that they said could even help make long-distance space exploration possible. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
Photonics/Optics

Microcomb Chips Could Improve Accuracy of GPS Systems

The optical atomic clocks that exist today are bulky and require complex laboratories with specific laser settings and optical components, making it difficult to use them outside lab environments, such as in satellites, remote research stations, or drones. Now, a research team has developed a technology that makes optical atomic clocks significantly smaller and accessible for more widespread use in society. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
Communications

Are Defense Satellites Ready for Space-Based Laser Communications?

The Department of Defense is developing technology for satellites to communicate via lasers. Laser communications could transmit data faster and more securely than traditional radio frequency communications. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
Aerospace

Legacy in Action: The Enduring Role of MIL-STD-1553B

In an industry where failure is not an option, the enduring strength of MIL-STD-1553B — and the innovations keeping it relevant — serve as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best way forward is to build on the foundations that have already proven their worth. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
RF & Microwave Electronics

Transforming Satellite Antenna Technology for the Next Era of Aerospace and Defense

The global satellite communications sector is undergoing profound transformation. Read on to learn more about it.

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Articles
RF & Microwave Electronics

Pushing the Boundaries of Rapid Production of Spacecraft: Flight Results from NearSpace Launch’s TROOP and ThinSat Platforms

NearSpace Launch is actively redefining the boundaries of responsive spaceflight through its development and deployment of the Train Rapid on Orbit Payload (TROOP) and ThinSat platforms. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
Materials

Wire Feed Laser Welding for Battery Pack Aluminum Enclosure Manufacture in EVs

Lightweight aluminum is a top choice for designing and manufacturing battery pack enclosures due to its durability and ability to enhance vehicle performance. While welding 6000-series aluminum alloys can be challenging, advanced methods like laser welding with filler wire effectively create strong, airtight joints while addressing issues like porosity and cracking. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
Energy

Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation Enhances BESS Design

Electrical grids and data centers around the world use battery energy storage systems (BESS) as a power source, and the adoption of BESS is only continuing to grow. Read on to learn more about we can enhance BESS.

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Products
Power

New Products

See the new products, including Intellias' “Smart Charging Portable Kit,” a comprehensive solution accelerator designed to address the most pressing challenges in the EV charging sector; Marposs' solutions for testing prismatic battery cells; a new Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate (LMFP) cathode active material developed by Integrals Power; and more.

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Briefs
Energy

Better Texture for Better Batteries

To create the new batteries needed for EVs, mobile devices, and renewable energy storage, researchers have explored new materials, new designs, new configurations, and new chemistry. But one aspect — the texture of the metals used — has been historically overlooked. Read on to learn more.

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Briefs
Energy

A Successful Catalyst Design for Advanced Zinc-Iodine Batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have attracted extensive attention due to their high safety, abundant reserves, and environmental friendliness. However, the low electrical conductivity of iodine hinders the redox conversion for an efficient energy storage process with zinc. Read on to learn how a research team addressed the existing issues in Zn-I2 batteries.

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Briefs
Energy

Leading the Charge to Better Batteries

A team led by Kelsey Hatzell, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, has uncovered insights that could help power a new type of battery, called an anode-free solid-state battery, past lithium-ion’s limitations.

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Briefs
Materials

Researchers Develop Efficient Lithium Extraction Method, Setting Stage for Sustainable EV Battery Supply Chains

In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium, a team of researchers from Rice University’s Elimelech lab has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. Read on to learn more about it.

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Briefs
Power

A Path to Safer, High-Energy Electric Vehicle Batteries

This research has far-reaching implications, offering a path to safer, more efficient batteries that can support the growing demand for electric vehicles. As the world moves towards cleaner energy solutions, these advancements are crucial for making EVs more viable and attractive for consumers. Read on to learn more.

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Articles
Energy

48V Electrical Systems: A Key to Meeting Evolving Industry Demands

The commercial vehicle industry is at a turning point, facing increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and meet changing global standards. As vehicle electrification advances and power demands rise, manufacturers are exploring innovative solutions to enhance performance while optimizing fuel consumption. One promising technology trend leading this transition is the adoption of 48V electrical systems. Read on to learn more about them.

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Articles
Power

Testing Times: Understanding the Impact of Climatic Conditions on EV Charging Times

Charging times have become a hot topic among automotive OEMs and consumers. Premium cars, in particular, are increasingly defined by their technology. A slick charging experience is one of the ways that premium manufacturers can distance their high-value luxury offerings from more mundane machinery. Read on to learn more.

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Original Equipment
Energy

ACT Expo 2025: Heavy-Duty EVs, H2 Trucks and Tariff Talk Dominate Day One

Opening day of the ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, was a flood of product announcements and clean-fuel initiative updates. While the trucks and the technology...

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News
Power

ACT Expo 2025: Battery Experts Fret Tariffs, Encourage Specific Designs

There’s a chaotic elephant in almost every room of the 2025 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo: Tariffs and the Trump administration’s seemingly hostile approach to environmentally friendly technology like EVs and alternative energy sources. Read on to learn more about it.

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News
Transportation

Taiwan Suppliers Look Around the World for Solutions

Speaking at the 360 Mobility shows in Taipei in late April, the chairman of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, James Huang, put a positive spin on the chaos that new tariffs – which at the time of writing were 25% for automobiles and auto parts – are putting on the many auto parts suppliers. Read on to learn more about it.

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News
AR/AI

Clarios Brings AI to Idle Management for Heavy Trucks

The predominant low-voltage battery maker Clarios today announced that IdleLess, a sensor-and-AI-driven system for heavy-duty trucks that it says can save up to $3,300 per year per...

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News
Energy

New York Auto Show 2025: News from the Floor

The 2025 edition of the New York International Auto Show proved some automakers still value the attention that comes with debuting a vehicle on a flashy convention center stage. Hyundai, Kia and...

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Articles
Energy

Challenges and Opportunities of Electrifying Off-Highway Machines

The off-highway machine industry is embracing new technologies to optimize operations, specifically regarding electric and hybrid off-highway equipment. The electric...

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