Aerospace

Better Data for Bodies in Motion

To discover why astronauts returning to Earth frequently experience head and neck injuries, NASA awarded SBIR contracts to miniaturize an acceleration data recorder. It’s now used in safety testing for parachute drops, cars, drones, and more.

In-Memory Computing Chip Is a Processing Breakthrough for On-Device AI Applications

EnCharge AI CEO Naveen Verma is the guest on this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast to explain the in-memory computing architecture of their new AI chip.

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.

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.

Space Laser Tech Maps Mysterious Nearshore Terrain

Despite all the technological evolution in navigation, waters just off coastal shores around the globe have remained a black box. That is, until researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and Oregon State University developed a new technology that uses satellites in space to map out these tricky areas. Read on to learn more about it.

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.

Additive Manufacturing Enables Advanced Thermal Control Systems for Next-Generation Space Missions

3D Systems is collaborating with researchers from Penn State University and Arizona State University on two projects sponsored by NASA intended to enable groundbreaking alternatives to current thermal management solutions.

Preparing Robots to Crawl on the Moon

A CU Boulder team is using digital twins — hyper-realistic VR environments — to provide a useful proxy for the moon, giving people a chance to get the hang of driving robots without risking damage to multi-million-dollar equipment.

How Much Do You Know About Model-Based Systems Engineering?

How much do you know about MBSE terms and its adoption by the aerospace and defense industry? Test your knowledge with this quiz.

Intelligent Machines Remove Humans from the Loop

As international trade is beginning to digitize its documentation and transactions, an AI technology born with the help of NASA’s Ames Research Center offers an automation solution.

5Ws of an All-Electric Delivery Drone

An all-electric drone developed by Blueflite with vertical take-off and landing capabilities and advanced maneuverability for faster and more cost-effective deliveries.

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.

“I Told You the Moon Was Made of Cheese”

If the title grabs your attention, you're going to have to read on. We promise you there is an explanation, but you must first read the article.