Aeronautics

Novel Control Method in Tailless Aircraft

A research team at the Illinois Institute of Technology has for the first time demonstrated the use of a novel control method in a tailless aircraft. The technology allows an aircraft to be as smooth and sleek as possible — making it safer to fly in dangerous areas where radar scans the sky for sharp edges.

Spacecraft with Artificial Gravity Modules

NASA Ames Research Center has developed a novel technology — a system and approach for creating artificial gravity using a non-rotating spacecraft with connected moving modules, which can be used for habitation and other purposes.

New Algorithm Keeps Drones from Colliding in Midair

When multiple drones are working together in the same airspace, perhaps spraying pesticide over a field of corn, there’s a risk they might crash into each other. To help avoid these costly crashes, MIT researchers developed a system called MADER in 2020.

Aerovy Mobility Develops Cloud Software to Support Electric Aircraft Infrastructure

Launched by Purdue University postgraduate students, Aerovy Mobility commercializes cloud-based software solutions to plan and operate infrastructure that charges electric aircraft with renewable energy.

Building Technology to Clean Up Space

In 1978, NASA scientist Donald J. Kessler theorized that an increasing amount of space pollution would lead to more collisions between objects in orbit, and thus more debris — the Kessler Syndrome. Multiple teams of researchers are working on solutions.

A Step Toward Safe and Reliable Autopilots

In the film “Top Gun: Maverick,” Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, is charged with training young pilots to complete a seemingly impossible mission — to fly their jets deep into a rocky canyon,...

Astronaut Smart Glove for Mars EVA Spacesuits

One of the most demanding needs for dexterous and sustained subtle control inputs during EVA could be the operation of drones as robotic assistants. The Astronaut Smart Glove amplifies the effects of subtle finger, hand, and wrist gestures while wearing existing rigid pressurized spacesuit gloves.

Megawatt Electrical Motor Could Help Electrify Aviation

Aerospace engineers designed a 1-megawatt electrical motor that is a stepping stone toward electrifying the largest aircraft.

Model Simulates Variable Flap Stiffness for the Best Lift

There is extensive research on how a fixed-position flap affects lift in the realm of fluid-structure interaction. However, taking the conversation in a new direction, researchers at...

7 Questions with Astronaut Eileen Collins

The first female pilot and first female commander of a space shuttle, Eileen Collins, shares leadership lessons for women in aerospace.

Tailless Jet Flies Free with Novel Control Technique

While conventional aircraft rely on protruding fins to enable steering, a tailless design makes the body as smooth and sleek as possible, making it safer to fly in dangerous areas where...

6 Pioneering Women in Aerospace/Aeronautics

Women have been contributing to the aerospace and aviation industry for decades. Take this quiz to learn more about six such trailblazing women.

Test Your Knowledge About the James Webb Space Telescope

On July 12, 2022, the James Webb Space Telescope began its official science operations. Test your knowledge about Webb with this quiz.

How Much Do You Know About GPS and its History?

The chances are very high that you're familiar with GPS. However, do you know how it came to be? Its trials and tribulations? Take this quiz to find out.

Laser-Light-Based Accelerometer

The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.

Top 5 Tech Briefs Quizzes of 2022

See Tech Briefs’ top-performing quizzes of 2022.

Hummingbird Flight Could Provide Insights for Biomimicry in Aerial Vehicles

Hummingbirds occupy a unique place in nature: They fly like insects but have the musculoskeletal system of birds. According to Bo Cheng, Associate Professor in...

Spacecraft to Remove Orbital Debris

Innovators at NASA Johnson Space Center have designed an Active Debris Removal Vehicle that can remove large orbital debris from low-Earth orbit.

Vertiport Assessment and Mobility Operations System

It is widely believed that Advanced Air Mobility is poised to have a significant societal impact in the coming years to move people and cargo more rapidly and efficiently.

The Skillful Skydiving of Wingless Springtails

Early in the pandemic, Víctor Ortega-Jiménez was exploring creeks near his home and observing springtails. The organisms are the most abundant non-insect hexapods on earth, and...

2022 Create the Future Design Contest: Aerospace & Defense Category Winner — The Well-Dressed Spacecraft

The sustainability crisis extends to low-Earth Orbit (LEO), where human-made debris poses a ubiquitous threat.

Preventing Gridlock on the Ground

NASA technology is enabling airline flight managers to improve managing traffic on the ground and scheduling departures.

What’s the Future of Lunar Exploration?

Many countries are aiming to reach the Moon in 2024 and 2025. How much do you know about these upcoming Moon missions? Take this quiz to find out.

Can You Name These Six Earthbound Benefits of ISS?

Before it goes — after more than 20 years on the job — take this quiz to test your knowledge about the ISS' earthbound benefits.

Raising the Reliability of Scientific Space Exploration

How Ada enables LASP to constantly modify OASIS-CC to control new instruments and ensure mission-critical systems remain reliable.

Do You Know Your NASA "Spin-Offs?"

There are many NASA technologies that have become commercial products and services on Earth. Take this quiz to test your knowledge about NASA “Spin-Offs.”

The Commercial Future of Low-Earth Orbit

“Godspeed, fellas. Let’s go have some fun.” These were the words of encouragement from mission control at the Kennedy Space Center — only this time for the first private astronaut mission...