Propulsion

Artificial Heart Studied with a Biohybrid Fish

The first fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell-derived cardiac muscle cells has been developed by Harvard University researchers in collaboration with colleagues from Emory...

Micromobility Modes Could Replace One-Fifth of Short Car Trips

Carnegie Mellon University's Corey Harper, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Heinz School of Public Policy, led a study that...

EV vs. ICE: How Does Wire Harness Design Differ?

The wire harness is changing as vehicles become “computers on wheels.” A reader asks how electrification impacts the wiring harness.

Power Processing Unit for Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion

This scalable power processing unit (PPU) is for use with low-power Hall effect thrusters.

Process Converts Ethanol to Jet Fuel

A new catalyst and microchannel reactors improve efficiency and cost of the process.

Propulsion System for Hypersonic Flight

The system could allow for flight speeds of Mach 6 to 17 and would have applications in air and space travel.

Ignition Technology for Electric Propulsion Devices

This system would extend the life of CubeSat satellites.

Simple, Fuel-Efficient Rocket Engine for Cheaper, Lighter Spacecraft

The engine could make rockets not only more fuel-efficient, but also more lightweight and less complicated to construct.

Measuring Aggressive Launch Loads on Spacecraft

What began as a research tool to collect aerodynamic data from research aircraft is now solving technical challenges for NASA.

Flying Robots, the Size of Insects, Have Flapping Wings

This new advance could pave the way for smaller, lighter, and more effective micro flying robots for environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and deployment in hazardous...

Advancing Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems for Sustainable Flight

Hybrid-electric propulsion systems hold clear potential to reduce aircraft carbon dioxide emissions and support the goal of greater sustainability in aviation.

Mobile Molecular Robots Swim in Water

Synthesized micro-robots can convert their mechanical motion into a means of self-propulsion in water.

Micro-Robots Propelled by Air Bubbles and Ultrasound

A remotely controlled microswimmer could navigate the human body and aid in drug delivery.

Extending Quadcopter Flight Time — By Adding Wings

It might be tiny, but Peter Ryseck’s Mini QBIT offers hobbyists some serious fun — and could help foster new innovations in the field of unmanned aviation.

3 Challenges with Hydrogen Powered Engine Adoption

For hydrogen-powered engines to reach a mainstream adoption, there are questions about infrastructure and regulation that must be answered.

The James Webb Space Telescope

With the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), mankind’s understanding of the universe — and its origins — will increase exponentially.

NASA Software Helps Weather Forecasting Around the Globe

Satellite scheduling software helps consolidate data acquisition and improve weather forecasting.

LEONARDO, a Bipedal Robot, Can Ride a Skateboard and Walk a Slackline

Researchers at Caltech have built a bipedal robot that combines walking with flying to create a new type of locomotion, making it exceptionally nimble and capable of...

New Products: December 2021 Motion Design

Motors, suspension arms, slit couplings, and more.

Self-Propelled Nanorobots

The “nanoswimmers” could be used to remediate contaminated soil, improve water filtration, or even deliver drugs to targeted areas of the body.

Solar Electric Propulsion for Gateway Moon Outpost

The power and propulsion element of NASA’s Gateway is a high-power, 50-kilowatt solar electric propulsion spacecraft.

Meringue-Like Material Reduces Aircraft Noise

The low-density, graphene-based aerogel could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer.

ARTEMIS II: Astronauts on Board

With Artemis II — the first crewed flight of SLS and Orion — four astronauts will travel to the lunar environment in 2024.

ARTEMIS I: Our Return to the Moon Begins

Artemis I will launch from Kennedy Space Center into Earth orbit, where it will travel 40,000 miles beyond the Moon.

2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Automotive/Transportation Category Winner — Afreecar E-kit

The e-kit promises to be a low-cost solution in the developing world.

2021 Create the Future Design Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category Winner — How to Keep Drones Flying When a Motor Fails, without GPS

A vision-based control algorithm saves a quadrotor after the complete loss of a single motor.