The Global Aerospace Corporation has developed a Pluto lander concept that uses drag from the ultra-thin atmosphere to decelerate and gently land on the surface of Pluto. The lander-hopper can then hop around the surface, investigating surface features and performing science measurements.
Global Aerospace Corporation and Northrop Grumman will develop a new exploration vehicle for Saturn's moon Titan, addressing technical challenges with innovative engineering approaches. The Titan Winged Aerobot concept incorporates ultra-low power requirements and extended vertical range, enabling long-lived flight at low altitudes.
The study compares in-orbit debris removal options, considering their potential risk of creating new debris or disabling working satellites. Inflatable drag enhancement devices are found to have the lowest risk, while electromagnetic tethers pose a high risk for disabling operational satellites.
The Gossamer Orbit Lowering Device (GOLD) uses a thin balloon envelope to increase drag, causing space junk to burn up and reducing natural orbit decay. This method is cost-effective, weighs less than propellant, and doesn't create new debris.
The Hypersonic Control Modeling and Simulation Tool (HyperCMST) will be used for control studies of planetary atmospheric entry and descent, aerodynamic orbital capture, and aerodynamic gravity assist. The tool allows engineers to model optimal control trajectories for hypersonic vehicles.
The Dakota model will enable managers and engineers to predict Li-ion battery behavior, optimize designs, and assess mission requirements. The model will also facilitate the development of new cell technologies and power subsystems.
A new concept, funded by NASA's NIAC, proposes using guided balloons to study the Martian surface in unprecedented detail. These balloons can be steered towards specific targets and drop small science packages, allowing for faster exploration of the planet.
The DARE concept uses balloons with a StratoSail device to control their path in strong atmospheric winds, enabling pole-to-pole exploration of Venus and Titan's atmospheres and targeted observations of Mars and Jupiter's Great Red Spot.
The new Stratospheric Satellites use NASA-developed super-pressure balloons to fly at 110,000 feet and provide 20 times higher resolution surface images of disasters than space-based satellites. With a projected life-cycle cost of $500,000 or less per unit, these satellites are poised to revolutionize disaster monitoring and telecommun...
The proposed system uses autonomous spaceships to transport crews between Earth and Mars, enabling frequent 5-month trips. The design architecture includes Astrotels and Taxis, which will facilitate sustainable Mars habitation and exploration.
Global Aerospace Corporation wins NASA award to develop DARE system, which uses autonomous balloons to explore planetary atmospheres and surfaces from atmospheric altitudes. The system can deploy micro probes to study the atmosphere, surface, and subsurface, offering high-resolution imaging and direct measurements.
The StratoSail system uses a wing suspended below the balloon to steer it through wind, enabling maneuvering towards desired regions or away from unfavorable conditions. With NASA funding, this technology aims to increase science observation strategies, safety, and payload recovery for stratospheric balloons.