Vehicles, Equipment, and Performance

Spacecraft

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Articles
Software

Microchip’s New Microprocessor to Enable Generational Leap in Spaceflight Computing

Microchip is launching a new class of microprocessors that the company claims will provide a generational leap in the computational performance of spacecraft avionics. Read on to learn more about it.

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Articles
RF & Microwave Electronics

How SpaceVPX is Influencing the Design of Next Generation Spacecraft Avionics

SpaceVPX is an embedded computing standard based on bridging the VMEBus International Trade Association (VITA) OpenVPX standards to space applications. OpenVPX is a set of embedded computing system standards that are widely used in safety critical aerospace and defense platforms such as vehicles and weapons.

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Articles
RF & Microwave Electronics

NASA’s Optical Communications Demo Transmits Data Over 140 Million Miles

This achievement provides a glimpse into how spacecraft could use optical communications in the future, enabling higher-data-rate communications of complex scientific information as well as high-definition imagery and video in support of humanity’s next giant leap: sending humans to Mars.

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Articles
Electronics & Computers

Adamant: A Soon-to-be Open Source, Mission-Critical Flight Software Framework Written in Ada

By embracing an open-source approach, Adamant opens the doors to wider collaboration, community contributions, and the exchange of best practices in the discipline of flight software. Adamant open-source on GitHub will be released later this year.

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Application Briefs
Imaging

Ultraviolet Spacecraft Camera

Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory is building two key flight camera systems for a NASA spacecraft that will explore the layer of the atmosphere where Earth meets space.

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Articles
Electronics & Computers

VITA 90: Small Form Factors for UAVs and Other Space Constrained Platforms

VNX+ has been selected by the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) consortium as a SFF standard to be used for C5ISR sensor payloads in space constrained applications, typical in manned and unmanned air vehicles and spacecraft.

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Briefs
Weapons Systems

Advanced Airborne Defensive Laser for Incorporation on Strike Fighter Aircraft

Short-range missiles pose a significant threat to U.S. strike fighters.

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Application Briefs
Propulsion

Hybrid Propulsion Systems

Benchmark’s turnkey hybrid chemical + electric propulsion systems will leverage the high thrust capabilities of its non-toxic chemical Halcyon HTP propulsion systems and the precision maneuverability of its Xantus metal plasma thrusters.

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News
Manufacturing & Prototyping

SAE International Extends Call for Abstracts, Seeks Submissions for AeroTech Conference

Engineering Events staff at SAE International in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, have extended the call for abstracts through September 21 for the...

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Application Briefs
Imaging

Cryogenic Thermal Subsystem

The Cryogenic Thermal Subsystem’s most critical function is to provide cooling to maintain the detectors in two of the Roman Coronagraph Instrument’s cameras at sufficiently low temperatures of approximately minus 161o F, which will allow them to function with the required sensitivity.

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Application Briefs
Power

Full-Scale Micro-launcher Rocket

Micro-launchers such as Orbex Prime give satellite manufacturers a dedicated launch service, in contrast to larger, ‘rideshare’ launchers, where small satellites are often a secondary payload, and frequently face significant delays.

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Articles
Energy

Designing for Space and Other Extreme Environments

In aerospace and defense, applications rely on mission-critical components to ensure proper functioning in extreme environments. In the many instances in this field where...

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Articles
Aerospace

Machining Beryllium

Because beryllium is extremely expensive, the learning curve for potential competitors is costly.

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Articles
Aerospace

Microtube Technology: A Catalyst for Next-Gen Aerospace Thermal Control

Intergalactic, an aerospace thermal management company, has an inventive approach to heat exchangers.

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Articles
Aerospace

Space Industry Test Challenges

Avionics engineering teams should minimize testing time to accelerate the pace of innovation required for the next era of space exploration.

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Application Briefs
Robotics, Automation & Control

Precision Micromotors

The Mars helicopter features six brushed DC motors.

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Application Briefs
Aerospace

Radiation-Hardened ICs

See how the integrated circuits supported a mission to examine asteroids.

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News
Manned Systems

Quality Management Experts Provide Guidance on AS9100 Standard, Equipment Calibration

Quality management professionals across the global aerospace and defense community discuss the AS9100 international standard, audits, and equipment...

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News
Manned Systems

Industry Invited to Participate in AeroTech Aerospace and Defense Technical Program

SAE International is inviting global participation in its AeroTech® aerospace and defense technology conference and exhibition, which is for the first time...

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Articles
Manned Systems

Time with the Teardown Titan

Competitive benchmarking has long played a vital role in the auto industry, but until recently, it’s been an insider’s game. Then came a surprise hit on YouTube: Munro Live. The ongoing series is...

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Application Briefs
Energy

Wireless Charging for Lunar Robots

See how WiBotic — a maker of wireless charging and fleet energy management technologies — is preparing robots for the Moon.

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Briefs
Sensors/Data Acquisition

Low-Impact Space Weather Sensors and the U.S. National Security Spacecraft

Low-impact sensors close a gap in the U.S. space weather observation network.

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Articles
Connectivity

Aptiv’s Satellite Route to ‘Democratizing’ Autonomous Tech

Despite the myriad challenges the world faced in 2020, it was a "great year of growth” for Aptiv, the technology company formerly known as Delphi Automotive, according to...

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Articles
Energy

Multipurpose Batteries Make it Easier to Get Around on Mars

NASA-funded research by Clemson University scientists could lead to the creation of lighter, faster-charging batteries suitable for powering a spacesuit or even a Mars rover.

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Application Briefs
Imaging

CubeSat Spacecraft

The Space Dynamics Laboratory will build six spacecraft for NASA’s Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment mission.

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Articles
Manufacturing & Prototyping

Why Heat Exchanger Manufacturers Need to Rethink Design and Fabrication

Brazing isn't efficient, says an industry expert, and it's time for a change.

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Articles
Semiconductors & ICs

New Diamond Super-Material Enhances Aircraft Survivability

A diamond composite is the ultimate optics and semiconducting super-material.

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Articles
RF & Microwave Electronics

Radiation-Tolerant FPGAs Solve Spacecraft Design Challenges

Learn about the different FPGA technologies that are available for space applications, and the process for developing the components.

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Application Briefs
Defense

Mars Rover Electric Motors

A number of maxon's precision DC and BLDC motors were designed into the Perseverance rover.

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