Aerospace & Defense - October 2020
In this compendium of recent articles from the editors of Tech Briefs and Aerospace & Defense Technology, you'll learn about NASA's return to the moon with Apollo's twin sister Artemis, how autonomous "wingman" vehicles will impact the future battlefield, the latest developments in electric propulsion aircraft, and much more. Brought to you by NI, the leader in automated test and measurement systems.
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Overview
The Aerospace and Defense Special Report from October 2020 focuses on significant advancements in space exploration and military technology, with a particular emphasis on NASA's Artemis program and the future of lunar exploration.
The report highlights the Moon as a vital resource for scientific discovery, noting that the lunar samples collected during the Apollo missions have only scratched the surface of what can be learned. With plans for a sustained human and robotic presence on the Moon, the next phase of exploration promises to deepen our understanding of the lunar environment and its potential for future missions, including those to Mars.
Central to this exploration is the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024. The program envisions the Gateway, an orbital outpost that will serve as a home and office for astronauts, facilitating missions to the Moon and beyond. This infrastructure is crucial for supporting long-term human presence and scientific research on the Moon.
The report also discusses the technological advancements necessary for modern aerospace and defense applications. It emphasizes the need for enhanced processing power, lower latency, and faster networks to support complex tasks such as image processing and sensor fusion in unmanned vehicles. The integration of high-performance computing (HPC) systems and robust onboard networks is essential for the operation of these vehicles, especially in combat scenarios where they may sustain damage.
In addition to lunar exploration, the report touches on the evolution of military unmanned vehicles, highlighting the development of autonomous "wingman" vehicles that can operate alongside manned aircraft. These technologies are expected to revolutionize military operations by providing enhanced capabilities and reducing risks to human pilots.
The report also includes various application briefs and tech briefs that showcase innovative technologies in aerospace. These include advancements in satellite communications, instrumentation for high-speed rotor systems, and systems designed to improve the safety and efficiency of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Notably, it discusses methods for drones to detect landmines using machine learning, which represents a significant step forward in humanitarian efforts and military operations.
Overall, the Aerospace and Defense Special Report presents a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of aerospace exploration and military technology. It underscores the importance of the Moon as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration and the critical role of advanced technologies in enhancing both civilian and military capabilities. The report serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment to innovation in the aerospace sector, paving the way for new discoveries and applications that will shape the future of exploration and defense.
