Manned Systems

SiPhog Technology: Enabling GPS‑Independent Flight for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles

On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, we sit down with the CEO of Anello Photonics Mario Paniccia to explore how their breakthrough SiPhog technology is transforming drone navigation. Listen now!

Tactical Radio Upgrades for US Navy Vessels, Jets and Drones

The U.S. Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace, a $248 million production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional...

Monitoring and Control of Each Nanosatellite within a Cluster of Nanosatellites

NASA has developed an innovative combination of a Magnetometer, low-powered ElectroMagnets, and Resonant Inductive Coupling (MEMRIC) to create and control relative positioning of nano satellites within a cluster. This is a game-changing approach to enable distributed nanosatellite (nanosat) clusters. Read on to learn more.

Rapidly Evaluating Heat Shield Materials

A team of engineers at Sandia National Laboratories has developed ways to rapidly evaluate new thermal protection (heat shield) materials for hypersonic vehicles.

Peering through Lunar Darkness: Laser Invention to Steer the Next Generation of Moon Landers

In a pivotal step toward autonomous lunar exploration, Advanced Navigation has announced the successful completion of the critical terrestrial validation for its LUNA (Laser Measurement Unit for Navigational Aid) sensor. Read on to learn more.

Hard(ware) to the Core

The core Flight System (cFS) is an open-source software framework that allows spacecraft to have a common starting point, without having to code all the base functions from scratch. Managed out of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, cFS covers all the basics that a spacecraft’s computer needs to operate. Read on to learn more about it.

Top 5 Videos of 2025

If you’re wondering which of our videos from 2025 were the most popular, wonder no more! We’ve put together a list below of the top 5 Tech Briefs videos.

Top 5 Tech Briefs Quizzes of 2025

Learn which of our little tests were the most popular this year. Find out which five quizzes topped our 2025 list. Thanks for yet another year of loyal readership; we appreciate your devotion to Tech Briefs. Happy Holidays!

High-Temperature-Resistant Material Perfect for Applications Like Energy-Efficient Aircraft Engines

A new material might contribute to a reduction of the fossil fuels consumed by aircraft engines and gas turbines in the future.

A New Method to Protect Aircraft Against GPS Outages

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories and Ohio State University are taking experimental navigation technology to the skies, pioneering a backup system to keep an airplane on course when it cannot rely on global positioning system satellites. Read on to learn more.

A New Additive Manufacturing Accelerator for the U.S. Navy in Guam

On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast we examine the technical and strategic foundations behind Guam’s new advanced manufacturing hub. Neal Orringer of ASTRO America and Alex Benham of GAMMA are the guests to discuss the facility’s additive manufacturing capabilities, supply-chain objectives, and workforce development plans. Listen now!

The Hidden Heroes of Hydrogen Flight: Sealing and Materials

In this sponsored episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Margaux Ningre-Coirier, Aerospace Sales and Market Development Manager at Omniseal Solutions, is the guest to analyze how advanced sealing solutions are becoming the hidden enablers of safe, efficient hydrogen-powered advanced air mobility (AAM). Listen now!

How Forterra Is Enabling Modular Military Vehicle Autonomy

On this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast, Patrick Acox, Forterra Vice President of Defense Growth, is the guest to explain how the company provides autonomy-enabling modules for a wide variety of military applications.

Printable Heat Shield Formulations Advance Spacecraft Construction

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed additively manufactured thermal protection system (AMTPS) comprised of two printable heat shield material formulations. This technology could significantly decrease heat shield or thermal protection system (TPS) fabrication cost and time. Read on to learn more.

Autonomous Targeting Systems for a New Autonomous Ground Vehicle

Bryan Bockmon, CEO of AimLock, is the guest on this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast to discuss their new partnership with Overland AI and the future of autonomous targeting systems in modern warfare.

Thin Film Sensor for Ultra High-Temp Measurement

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a thin film sensor that measures temperatures up to 1200 °F, and whose prototype successor may achieve measurements up to ~3000 °F — which was the surface temperature of the Space Shuttle during its atmospheric reentry. Read on to learn more.

How ISS Will Be Evaluating Photovoltaic Materials

Solar cells account for approximately six percent of the electricity used on Earth; however, in space, they play a significantly larger role, with nearly all satellites relying on advanced solar cells for their power. That’s why Georgia Tech researchers will soon be sending 18 photovoltaic cells to the International Space Station (ISS) for a study of how space conditions affect the devices’ operation over time. Read on to learn more.

Advanced Motion Control Components for Critical Aerospace Applications

Using higher-quality, custom-engineered motion control components provides significant advantages for aerospace manufacturers. Whether through advanced gas springs, precision dampers, or electric linear actuators, the right components ensure that equipment will operate smoothly and reliably for the expected lifespan, while meeting the rigorous standards of modern aerospace. Read on to learn more.

Tri-Rotor Steering Wheel Yields Programmable Vehicular Control

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have developed a programmable steering wheel called the Tri-Rotor, which allows an astronaut the ability to easily operate a vehicle on the surface of a planet or Moon despite the limited dexterity of their spacesuit. This technology was originally conceived for the operation of a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) to improve upon previous Apolloera hand controllers.

New Spacecraft Power System Passes First Test

A spacecraft power system that combines the technological know-how of engineers and scientists at the University of Leicester and NASA Glenn has passed its first test with flying colors. Read on to learn more about it.

Active Turbulence Suppression System for Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicles

NASA Ames researchers have developed a novel approach for actively controlling Dutch-roll oscillations of an eVTOL aircraft by using existing outboard propellers to dampen oscillations. This novel technology avoids the need to add hardware or change the design of eVTOL vehicles to address the negative effects of turbulence. Read on to learn more.

Why Going Back to the Moon Powers Humanity Forward

Exploration of the Moon and Mars is not only a scientific pursuit; it is also a driver of technological advancement and global cooperation. Deep space missions compel us to address fundamental questions — about life beyond Earth, resilience in extreme environments and the origins of our solar system. Read on to learn more.

Orion: Paving Humanity’s Path to the Moon

Launching atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket, Orion will carry four astronauts to lunar orbit and safely return them to Earth on Artemis missions. Read this interview with Debbie Korth, Orion Deputy Program Manager, NASA Johnson Space Center, to learn more about the lessons learned from the first mission, improvements, and the key milestones the Orion team is working on to achieve this year.

NASA Marks Artemis Progress with Gateway Lunar Space Station

The Gateway lunar space station is a multi-purpose platform that offers capabilities for long-term exploration in deep space in support of NASA’s Artemis campaign and Moon to Mars objectives. Gateway will feature docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, as well as space for crew to live, work, and prepare for lunar surface missions. Read on to learn more.

Engineering the Blue Ghost: From Idea to Moon Landing

In this interview, Joseph Marlin, Deputy Blue Ghost Chief Engineer at Firefly Aerospace, delves deeper into how their first mission is establishing an improved awareness of the lunar environment ahead of future crewed missions and how it will help plan for long-duration surface operations under Artemis.

A Next-Generation Space Suit for Artemis III

In October 2024, Axiom Space and Prada revealed the flight design of the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit spacesuit that will be used for NASA's Artemis III mission. The outer-layer design and materials work was jointly developed starting when the two industry leaders came together, blending creativity and engineering to enhance the next-generation spacesuit design. Read on to learn more.