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Quantum cryptography: On wings of light

Scientists have transmitted a secure quantum code via satellite, promising secure global communication. The experiment uses quantum states of single light quanta, making data transmission virtually un-hackable.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 3, 2013

Aerospace industry adapts to global marketplace

A Concordia University study found that Canadian aerospace companies can adapt to the global pace by adopting a smaller-is-better approach and focusing on integrated low-cost differentiation strategies. The research suggests that companies should develop marketing plans to convince large global companies of the benefits of working with...

SourceConcordia University·JournalOperations Management Research·DateMar 20, 2013

Accurate water vapor measurements for improved weather and climate models

A new laser hygrometer has been proven suitable as a transfer standard for atmospheric water vapor measurements, improving the accuracy of weather and climate models. The SEALDH system has demonstrated excellent performance in field conditions, with a detection limit in the ppm range and an ability to work autonomously.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalApplied Physics B·DateMar 4, 2013

CMU and CTC to develop robotic laser system to strip paint from aircraft

A robotic laser system developed by Carnegie Mellon University and CTC uses high-powered lasers to remove coatings from fighter and cargo aircraft. The system promises to reduce labor, waste volume, environmental risk, and overall cost, making it an environmentally superior alternative to traditional methods.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 26, 2012
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Short booms still annoying: Scientists study how mid-level noise bursts lasting less than a second affect the concentration of arithmetic-solving test subjects

Researchers from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln played quarter-second-long white noise clips to test subjects working on arithmetic problems. The researchers found that louder noises caused lower performance and higher levels of annoyance, with sound level ranges affecting participants' perceptions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 18, 2012

NASA's HS3 mission thoroughly investigates long-lived Hurricane Nadine

The HS3 mission has provided valuable insights into the characteristics of long-lived tropical cyclones like Hurricane Nadine. The Global Hawk aircraft gathered data on Nadine's winds, temperature, and humidity, helping scientists understand how these storms can intensify despite being affected by dry air and strong westerly winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Cutting-edge technology makes NASA's hurricane mission a reality

The Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission uses Global Hawks to gather critical measurements of wind, temperature, humidity, and aerosol patterns in tropical storms. The mission aims to improve storm predictions and prevent costly coastal evacuations by analyzing previously difficult-to-get data.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 25, 2012

'Sweet' chemicals from a 'green' raw material

The biobased chemical industry is transitioning towards producing ingredients sold to companies making medicines, detergents, and plastics from basic compounds made from sugar. Six companies have already opened manufacturing plants or will soon, with plans for three more by next year.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 19, 2012

New airport system facilitates smoother take-offs and landings

The new system uses wind measuring instruments and computational formulas to alert pilots to areas of moderate and severe turbulence. It enables pilots to plan better routes, reducing bumpy rides and flight delays.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateSep 19, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

High-flying NASA aircraft helps develop new science instruments

The ER-2 aircraft will fly test models of two future satellite instruments, the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) and the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL), to gather data on clouds and aerosols. These instruments will be used to improve studies of aerosol transport and cloud motion.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 17, 2012

Delivering solar geoengineering materials may be feasible and affordable

A cost analysis of delivering solar geoengineering materials to the stratosphere shows that it is feasible and affordable, with costs estimated at $1-2 billion per year. The study concludes that using aircraft is the cheapest option, while guns and rockets are more expensive due to lack of reusability.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 30, 2012

Is this real or just fantasy? ONR Augmented-Reality Initiative progresses

The Office of Naval Research is advancing an augmented-reality project to change the way warfighters view operational environments. The system will allow trainees to view simulated images superimposed on real-world landscapes, providing a revolutionary training capability with reduced costs and increased flexibility.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateAug 23, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

NASA sees a strengthening Tropical Storm Ernesto

Tropical Storm Ernesto is strengthening with NASA tracking its progress, revealing strong thunderstorms and deep convection on August 5. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph on August 5, and it continued to strengthen after passing over the Aqua satellite.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2012

Taking a bird's eye view could cut wildlife collisions with aircraft

A US Department of Agriculture study found that using lights on aircraft makes them more visible to birds, reducing the risk of collisions. Researchers tested Canada geese's response to radio-controlled model aircraft with different lighting conditions, finding that geese respond more quickly to aircraft with lights on.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 9, 2012

Variable camber airfoil: New concept, new challenge

The variable camber airfoil has obvious advantages in controlling separation and flight maneuverability. Research shows that the stall type determines the distinction between different camber deformation paths, with trailing-edge stalls being softer and having higher lift.

SourceScience China Press·DateJun 20, 2012

NASA mission sending unmanned aircraft over hurricanes this year

NASA's Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel (HS3) mission will deploy two Global Hawk aircraft to study hurricane formation and intensity changes. The aircraft will sample the environment of storms and measure winds, precipitation, and other factors to improve hurricane prediction.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 1, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

QUT research to help safer emergency aircraft landings

A QUT research team is developing a GPS-based system to aid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in making safer emergency landings. The system will incorporate a camera to pinpoint safe landing options, such as fields or roads, and help pilots navigate away from populated areas.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateJan 4, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

ONR navigation and tracking mobile app extended for sea

The Office of Naval Research has developed a smartphone app called PASSION that allows deployed sailors to navigate, locate, and track people and assets on ships in real-time. This system provides low-cost, real-time situational awareness for enhanced navigation and force protection.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateSep 15, 2011

MIT: In plane view

Researchers create detection tool that spots flight glitches without prior knowledge of parameters to check. The technique uses cluster analysis to identify abnormal flights, allowing analysts to further inspect reports and prevent potential accidents.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 12, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

NASA mission seeks to uncover a rainfall mystery

Scientists use a field campaign to study convective clouds and their role in generating significant rainfall. The Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E) combines data from various sources to better understand precipitation physics and improve satellite algorithms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 27, 2011

Aviation safety: New computer tool forecasts icing hazards

A new computer-generated forecast provides pilots with critical weather information on the likelihood of encountering in-flight icing conditions. The Forecast Icing Product with Severity (FIP-Severity) offers 12-hour forecasts that help users plan safe flight paths, reducing accidents and costs related to icing hazards.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateApr 12, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA awards aircraft catalog blanket purchase agreements

NASA has selected seven contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to various airborne platforms for science research and range support. The BPAs offer a range of instrumentation payloads and access to both manned and unmanned aerial platforms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 2011

NASA loosens GRIP on Atlantic hurricane season

The NASA GRIP experiment gathered valuable data on Atlantic hurricanes Earl and Karl, capturing rapid intensification and storm development. Scientists analyzed the data to gain a better understanding of what causes hurricanes to form and strengthen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 6, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

NASA's CloudSat satellite and GRIP Aircraft profile Hurricane Karl

Hurricane Karl's powerful thunderstorms featured very high icy cloud tops, while moderate to heavy rainfall was observed from the storm. The GRIP mission gathered valuable data on Karl's rapid intensification, which went from a tropical storm to a Category 3 hurricane overnight into Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 17, 2010

NASA to fly into hurricane research this summer

NASA's six-week GRIP mission will study the creation and rapid intensification of hurricanes, analyzing factors such as cloud droplet concentrations, air temperature, and wind speed. The mission aims to better understand how tropical storms form and develop into major hurricanes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 7, 2010

Air traffic poised to become a major factor in global warming

Global air traffic will significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, doubling or tripling by 2050. The increase in emissions will be driven by the growing number of flights and the lack of improvement in fuel efficiency.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 26, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Hidden threat: Elevated pollution levels near regional airports

Research reveals elevated ultrafine particle emissions at regional airports, posing significant health risks to nearby residents. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology, highlights the need for increased attention to these overlooked emissions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 18, 2009

Dolphins get a lift from delta wing technology

Researchers have discovered that dolphins' flippers exhibit aerodynamic properties similar to modern delta wing aircraft. The study found that swept-back flippers are the most efficient at generating lift, with the bottle nose dolphin's triangular flippers being the most efficient overall.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 26, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

NASA awards aircraft catalog blanket purchase agreements

NASA has selected five contractors to receive Aircraft Catalog Blanket Purchase Agreements, allowing access to a variety of airborne platforms for science research and range support. The agreements have a maximum ordering value of $10 million and are valid through February 7, 2013.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 23, 2009

NASA flies to Greenland to extend polar science

Researchers led by William Krabill are flying over Greenland to measure ice sheet and glacier thickness, using a combination of laser and radar instruments. The mission aims to update measurements from the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and provide critical data on the future behavior of the Greenland ice sheet.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 30, 2009
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The year of the Alaska volcano: Eruptions keep observatory busy

Three Alaska volcanoes erupted in midsummer 2008, with Cleveland, Okmok, and Kasatochi volcanoes making significant changes to the landscape. Researchers from the Alaska Volcano Observatory shared their findings on recent eruptions at the American Geophysical Union's fall meeting.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateDec 16, 2008

NRL's P-3 aircraft support project to study tropical cyclones

The NRL's P-3 aircraft and Air Force Reserve WC-130J conducted meteorological research on tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific from August to September. The project aims to increase predictability of tropical cyclones and gather data to validate satellite-based techniques for intensity estimation.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·DateDec 5, 2008
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

NASA responds to California wildfire emergency imaging request

NASA deployed its unmanned Ikhana aircraft to gather information on over 300 wildfires burning in California, providing commanders with location and size data to deploy firefighting assets. The flights use a sophisticated sensor that can detect temperature differences up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 14, 2008

Nervous system for structures

A new 'Structural Health Monitoring' (SHM) system uses sensors and signal processing devices to detect cracks and defects in aircraft, pipelines, and wind turbines. The system aims to prevent damage and optimize maintenance with real-time data.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateApr 11, 2008

NASA launches airborne study of arctic atmosphere, air pollution

Scientists will investigate how air pollution contributes to climate changes in the Arctic by analyzing air and aerosol samples collected during the campaign. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric chemistry and climate effects in the region.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 1, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Purdue wind tunnel key for 'hypersonic vehicles,' future space planes

Researchers use a foot-long model in a quiet wind tunnel to study airflow over the X-51A vehicle, focusing on turbulent flow into the engine's combustor and smooth airflow over the upper surface. The findings will aid in designing vehicles that can fly at hypersonic speeds, reducing friction and heat generated during flight.

SourcePurdue University·DateJan 2, 2008

Pilot error declines as factor in airline mishaps

Researchers found a 40% decrease in pilot error-related mishaps between 1983-2002, attributed to enhanced training and technology. However, the study also revealed an increase in ground-related mishaps, highlighting areas for further improvement.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateDec 28, 2007