Articles tagged with Launch Systems
Southwest Research Institute's PaSTA technology stabilizes solar arrays for spacecraft docking, while ALTRIOS simulates locomotive energy technologies for efficient rail systems. Both innovations were recognized as two of the most important of 2026.
The panel discussed how advances in engineering are unlocking new scientific missions and driving breakthroughs. Emerging technologies, such as commercial capabilities and artificial intelligence, are reshaping the mission landscape.
A recent study from the University of Cambridge predicts that space launch costs will plummet over the next few years, falling more than 90% by 2040. The cost of sending a kilogram of payload into low Earth orbit is expected to drop from $3,868 last year to as little as $273 per kilo by 2040.
MIT engineers have developed a new propulsion system that integrates chemical and electrical thrusters, allowing small satellites to perform both fast maneuvers and precise adjustments. The system uses a special propellant called ASCENT, which powers both types of thrusters, enabling smaller and more flexible spacecraft.
Researchers discovered the Zwan-Wolf effect in the Martian atmosphere, which helps move solar wind plasma around the planet and makes it less dense. This finding advances scientists' understanding of how the sun interacts with the solar system, particularly on unmagnetized bodies like Mars.
Scientists have found that space debris loses altitude more quickly when the Sun is more active. This observation can help plan sustainable space operations and reduce the risk of collisions with satellites. The study used data from historic space junk objects launched in the 1960s to make this prediction.
A novel numerical prediction method for radiative heat transfer of reusable methalox rocket exhaust plumes has been developed, offering unprecedented engineering value. The method achieves remarkable accuracy with maximum relative errors below 6.0% at less than 20% computational cost.
A new framework, FlowViT-Diff, uses transformer-guided diffusion models to reconstruct high-resolution flow fields from low-resolution data. The method achieves superior accuracy and robustness compared to classical methods.
Researchers identified four distinct DDT initiation pathways and the essential characteristics of the DDT process. The team's experiments revealed that energy focusing creates a local hot spot, which then transitions into a detonation wave.
The project aims to improve propellant and life-support compound production in lunar and Martian environments. The researchers will evaluate the performance of a patent-pending electrolyzer developed with NASA support, testing its ability to produce fuel and oxygen.
A new study reveals that turbulence-induced disturbances can trigger compressor stall precursors, and a large-eddy simulation method captures these dynamics. The researchers propose several indicators for assessing stability limits and emphasize the need for scale-resolving numerical methods to simulate complex flows.
A team of researchers has made significant strides in solving one of hypersonic aerodynamics' most persistent puzzles - the unpredictable transition from smooth to turbulent airflow. They discovered two competing instability patterns that provide a possible explanation for the long-debated transition reversal phenomenon.
Researchers developed a novel passive control method inspired by bird feathers, achieving minimal additional losses while maintaining induced vortex strength. The bio-inspired herringbone groove array delays airfoil stall by strengthening mixing between mainstream and boundary layer, enhancing energy resistance.
A new dual diffusion framework, Para2Mesh, has been proposed to achieve direct prediction from design parameters to adaptive meshes aligned with the flow field. This approach overcomes the limitation of previous methods requiring posteriori solution information, enabling more efficient and accurate computational fluid dynamics simulati...
Researchers propose integrated solution combining ultrasonic vibration-assisted grinding, heat pipe grinding wheels, and minimum quantity lubrication to achieve high-efficiency precision machining with environmental sustainability. This process reduces grinding forces, minimizes thermal damage, and improves surface quality.
A research team developed an advanced adaptive aerodynamic model inspired by finite vortex theory to predict rotor performance in complex two-phase flow environments. The Finite Vortex Rotor Model (FVRM) incorporates water surface deformation and accounts for the complex feedback between rotor downwash and liquid response.
A study published in Chinese Journal of Aeronautics reveals that DSJ combines the stability of steady jets and efficiency of pulsed jets, providing better control effects under similar momentum coefficients. The unique quasi-steady characteristics of DSJ avoid large fluctuations in real-time aerodynamics.
A new analytical criterion effectively compares the aerodynamic performance of different distributed ducted propeller configurations, revealing potential for similar total thrust despite varying numbers of rotors. This innovation enables optimization of complex eVTOL systems, reducing size and weight while maintaining comparable thrust.
Researchers developed a novel approach to coupled aeroelastic analysis of panels with add-on acoustic black holes, significantly increasing the critical flutter boundary and outperforming traditional damping devices. The study highlights the importance of selecting effective AABH modes for optimal performance.
A recent UBC study found that there's a 26% annual chance of space rocket junk re-entering the atmosphere and passing through a busy flight area, highlighting the potential for uncontrolled debris to disrupt flights. The researchers emphasize the need for policymakers to take action to address this issue.
A novel disturbance rejection optimal guidance method has been proposed to enhance precision landing performance of reusable rockets. The method combines adaptive optimal steering and disturbance attenuation, allowing for improved accuracy and reduced propellant usage.
A team of scientists has introduced a novel basic detonation flow field, the Axisymmetric Inward Turning Curved Detonation Wave (AIT-CDW), which boosts compression capabilities and accelerates gas ignition. The study highlights the importance of geometric parameters in maintaining stable combustion processes.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Center for Space Technology and Operations Research, which will advance engineering, technology, and operations supporting space missions. The center will address growing demands from civil, commercial, and national security space agencies and companies.
Researchers from Tsinghua University proposed a Ram-Rotor Detonation Engine (RRDE) that improves on existing detonation engines. The RRDE uses a rotating rotor and stationary casing to create a stable detonation wave, achieving high pressure gains and efficiency.
A new course launched with funding from the UK Space Agency to address the growing skills gap in software, data, and AI for the UK space sector. The Securing the future of space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD programme will equip mid-career professionals with expertise in AI and data-science.
The Lunar Environment Monitoring System, developed by UMD researchers, will track seismic activity on the moon's surface during the upcoming Artemis III mission. The system's data will help prepare NASA for a long-term presence on other planetary bodies.
Researchers at Purdue University detect unprecedented levels of alloy aerosols in the atmosphere, likely from spacecraft and satellites. The team found that nearly 10% of large sulfuric acid particles contained aluminum and other spacecraft metals.
Researchers measured noise levels at locations around the launch pad, finding maximum sound levels exceeded predicted values by nearly 20 decibels. The study's findings will help validate and improve existing noise prediction models to protect equipment and surrounding environments.
Researchers used physics-based models and historical data to debunk internet claims about the Saturn V's acoustic power, finding levels of 203 decibels, comparable to commercial jet engines. The study also predicts sound levels for NASA's SLS Artemis 1 launch and provides educational tools for college-level physics classrooms.
Researchers estimate a 6-10% chance of casualties from uncontrolled re-entry of abandoned rocket stages within the next decade. The study suggests that governments should mandate safe re-entry guidelines to minimize risks and save lives.
Researchers calculate that low-power lasers on Earth could launch and maneuver small probes equipped with silicon or boron nitride sails, propelling them to much faster speeds than rocket engines. The lasers could propel tiny sailed probes on interplanetary or interstellar missions without requiring large amounts of fuel.
China's space transportation systems have made significant leaps in recent decades, with advancements in launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and artificial intelligence. The country aims to become a powerful space nation by the mid-21st century, with plans for manned missions to the Moon and Mars.