Aerospace is an interesting field that involves both aerospace science and engineering. Aerospace engineers design, test, analyze, and simulate all aircraft, spacecraft, land vehicles, outer space vehicles, and satellites. Aerospace technology also includes many other areas of application involving materials, gasses, and liquids. This article covers some interesting areas of Dragonfly Aerospace technology.
The main area of aerospace engineering is the space program. NASA and various other space agencies are developing vehicles and technologies for human exploration of the moon, Mars, and beyond. Space enthusiasts and engineers are also trying to build the largest solar-powered airplane (the first one was made in 2021). They also hope to send people to Mars in the future.
Engineers at NASA's Space Center have been studying, building, and testing long-term communications satellite systems. These include communications satellite systems, optical and radio communications, data transmissions, and power communications. These systems will provide extended and continuous communications for the international space station, as well as for crewed spaceflight. Aerospace engineers are also studying and testing reusable parts for use in future vehicles. This research is important for future manufacturing techniques, as well as reducing the cost of production for reusable parts.
Engineers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are designing and testing reusable components for future satellites. One system being developed uses four nitrogen thrusters at various levels to maneuver the satellite into a specific orbit. The thrusters, made from nitrogen tethered springs, push the satellite out of the way to move it into a new position, where it can move into the correct orbit and point in the right direction. Engineers claim the thrusters reduce the time the satellite needs to reach the desired position to avoid debris; they also claim they produce significant amounts of thrust. A test conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, demonstrated that the ability to move a satellite using nitrogen thrusters is analogous to the operation of a fan on an airplane's wing.
Aerospace engineer Ray Narayan of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Houston, has designed an innovative robotic space plane that would not require astronauts. Called the Autonomous Astronomy Project (AAP), this spaceplane would use onboard computer software to navigate and perform flight maneuvers. Although the project is still in its early stages, many in the aviation industry are viewing it as an effective alternative to unmanned aerial vehicle operations (USV). If the project is successful, it will greatly reduce the costs and risks associated with manned aerial travel. Some experts believe that in the future, all spaceplanes will be autonomous, with no human supervision. However, even if the final design does not resemble the final model, many believe this technology has already made significant strides forward.
The development of capsules and robotic spacecraft is another area of aerospace research being pursued by engineers. The design of a cargo spacecraft is particularly interesting because it does not need to take off into orbit. Instead, it could simply be launched into a low Earth orbit (LEO), where it would autonomously travel around the moon and return to Earth. This capsule could then carry supplies, experiments, or even military equipment back to Earth. In fact, this technology already exists in the form of the SoftBank Satellite Phone System, which is a small cell phone mounted on a robotic probe that communicates with ground control stations.
While capsules and robotic spacecraft propulsion systems are just the beginning of the initiatives being taken to develop new aerospace technology, there is also a need for faster transportation systems. One way to do this is through advancements in the use of lightweight materials. Lightweight construction means that components can be stowed away and then easily accessed when needed. One such system is called the Thermal Spray-Laminated Capability (TSColor) which uses a polymer material to coat solar cells, batteries, and sensors.
Perhaps the most exciting initiative developed for aerospace research today is the concept of attitude control. Attitude control involves using onboard actuators to change the angle of an aircraft's wing by up to 40 degrees. This ability to fine-tune the performance of the air-to-air missiles and fighter jets offers tremendous advantages over existing missile systems. In fact, this might also allow existing fighter jets to fire their weapons from within an airplane as well! This opens up a whole new class of defense for the United States and its allies.