Articles tagged with "aerospace-engineering"
Max Space wants to replace the ISS with expandable space stations
The International Space Station (ISS) is set to be deorbited by 2030 amid rising geopolitical tensions, with the US and Russia preparing to separate their low Earth orbit operations. In response, NASA plans to transition to commercially operated space stations, following a model similar to its partnership with SpaceX. Max Space, a Florida-based startup, is positioning itself as a key player in this new era by developing expandable space station modules that offer significantly more interior volume than traditional rigid modules while remaining compact enough for single-rocket launches. This approach aims to reduce costs, simplify construction, and enhance safety, with potential applications extending beyond Earth to the Moon, Mars, and deep space habitats. Max Space initially intended to supply modules to other companies but shifted strategy after NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program announced funding for new space stations. The company unveiled its own expandable station, Thunderbird, designed to support a crew of four and launch on medium-lift rockets like SpaceX’s Falcon
materialsspace-stationsexpandable-habitatsmodular-designspace-technologyorbital-infrastructureaerospace-engineeringChina's homegrown 1,200 kW turboprop engine passes ignition test
China has successfully completed the ignition test of its domestically developed 1,200-kilowatt-class turboprop engine, the ATP120A, in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. Developed by Harbin Dongan Civil Aviation Engine Co, a subsidiary of the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), this milestone marks a significant step toward China’s goal of aviation self-reliance. The engine demonstrated stable ground operation at -30°C and is designed for low fuel consumption, extended service life, and reduced costs. It is adaptable to extreme environments, including high-altitude cold regions and hot, humid island climates, with potential applications in general aviation, drones, and emerging propulsion technologies like hydrogen and hybrid systems. This development aligns with China’s broader ambitions to reduce dependence on foreign aerospace technology, particularly in commercial aviation. While China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has made strides with aircraft like the ARJ21 and C919—both currently powered by foreign engines—ind
energyaviation-technologyturboprop-engineaerospace-engineeringindigenous-technologyhybrid-propulsionaircraft-enginesChina to supercharge J-20 stealth fighter with new radar, engines, AI
China is set to upgrade its J-20 stealth fighter with enhanced avionics, new engines, and artificial intelligence (AI) integration, marking a significant step in the aircraft’s development as it celebrates 15 years since its first flight. The J-20, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and in service since 2017, is a key component of China’s military modernization and a counter to advanced US stealth fighters like the F-22. The upcoming upgrades will focus on improving internal systems such as radar and infrared tracking to boost target detection and situational awareness, especially for long-range engagements. In addition to avionics, the J-20’s weapons and engines will see advancements. Future air-to-air missiles are expected to have longer ranges and enhanced resistance to electronic interference. Engine upgrades have progressed from Russian Saturn AL-31 models to China’s domestically produced WS-10C and now the more powerful WS-15, which offers better thrust and high-speed performance. AI integration is anticipated to serve
robotartificial-intelligenceavionicsstealth-technologymilitary-technologyradar-systemsaerospace-engineeringUS Marines test deadly autonomous drones to assist crewed fighter jets
Northrop Grumman and Kratos Defense are collaborating to develop autonomous military drones, specifically enhancing Kratos’ Valkyrie drone, to support US Marine Corps fighter jets in high-threat environments. The Valkyrie, capable of flying at speeds up to 659 mph and altitudes of 45,000 feet, is designed as a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) that can autonomously provide aerial support, divert enemy fire, and perform backup roles alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and future F-47 jets. This initiative is part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR) program, which builds on prior testing by the US Air Force’s Skyborg program focused on CCAs. Northrop Grumman will contribute advanced mission kits, including sensors and software-defined technologies, as well as its Prism open architecture autonomy software to enable the Valkyrie’s autonomous operations. Kratos aims to deploy these drones globally, emphasizing their
robotautonomous-dronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesdefense-systemsartificial-intelligenceaerospace-engineeringWorld’s only self-flying F-16 tests path toward autonomous air combat
The X-62A VISTA, a heavily modified F-16D Fighting Falcon, is currently the world’s only self-flying F-16 and serves as a key experimental platform for advancing autonomous air combat capabilities. Originally built in the early 1990s as a variable in-flight simulator, it was reconfigured in 2021 by Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works and Calspan to test artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning technologies that enable the jet to fly, maneuver, and eventually fight without human input. The aircraft retains the performance characteristics of a frontline fighter, including speeds approaching Mach 2, but carries no weapons and operates with a safety pilot onboard during tests. In 2022, the X-62A successfully flew with an AI agent controlling the aircraft for extended periods, marking a milestone as the first tactical jet actively flown by AI. Lockheed Martin’s efforts with the X-62A have accelerated under DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution program, which focuses on training
robotautonomous-systemsartificial-intelligencemilitary-technologyaerospace-engineeringmachine-learningdefense-technologySixth-gen fighter: China speeds up development of J-36, J-50 jet
China is accelerating the development of two advanced sixth-generation fighter jets, the J-36 and J-50, aiming to challenge U.S. air dominance and enhance its future military aviation capabilities. According to a U.S. Department of War report from December 2025, these aircraft have moved beyond the conceptual phase and are currently in active flight testing, with operational readiness expected by the mid-2030s. The J-36 is primarily designed for air superiority and long-range missions, featuring a tailless or blended-wing design that enhances stealth, aerodynamic efficiency, and internal fuel capacity. It is expected to incorporate advanced artificial intelligence and sensor integration, enabling it to act as a command node that can direct uncrewed aerial vehicles, manage electronic warfare, and coordinate networked combat operations. The J-50, in contrast, is tailored for carrier-based operations to support China’s expanding naval ambitions. It is likely to include structural reinforcements, stronger landing gear, and possibly folding wings to accommodate
robotartificial-intelligenceunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmilitary-aviationsensor-integrationnetworked-systemsaerospace-engineeringCleanTechnica Exclusive: Inside Santa's Global Refueling Network - CleanTechnica
The article, presented as a satirical piece by CleanTechnica, humorously explores a fictional global refueling network supporting Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve operations. It describes covert cryogenic depots embedded within civilian retail infrastructure across six continents, combining aerospace engineering, local logistics, and geopolitical considerations. The piece highlights key hubs such as the Asia-Pacific Primary Hub at the SM Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines, noted for its solar-powered liquefaction plant and record-fast 22-second refueling time maintained by Elf Division 63. The hub’s history is linked to early 20th-century military bases and Filipino inventor Leonardo Salvador Sarao, who supposedly influenced the design of Santa’s sleigh. The article also details the Asia-Pacific Secondary Hub at Alibaba’s Logistics Center in Hangzhou, China, established in 2018 following geopolitical tensions over airspace in the Taiwan Strait. This facility serves as a commercial front for Alibaba’s distribution network under the guise of aerospace diplomacy. Additionally, the Oceania Hub
energycryogenic-depotssolar-poweraerospace-engineeringlogisticsrefueling-networkgeopoliticalSouth Korea launches $3.4B program for new 16,000lb fighter engine
South Korea has committed approximately $3.4 billion (W3.4 trillion) to develop an indigenous fighter jet engine producing 16,000 pounds of military thrust and 24,000 pounds with afterburners. The Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project, scheduled from 2027 to 2040, aims to create a prototype engine, conduct testing and certification, and prepare for integration into domestically produced fighter jets. This engine is intended to power the KF-21 Block 3 fighter, expected to enter service around 2040, marking the first South Korean fighter to fly with a fully domestic engine. The new engine targets a 15% reduction in specific fuel consumption compared to the General Electric F414 engine currently used in earlier KF-21 variants. To ensure effective program management, South Korea has established an inter-ministerial coordination body involving defense, industry, and aviation authorities to avoid delays seen in past aerospace projects. Hanwha Aerospace will lead industrial development, leveraging its experience with licensed
energyaerospace-engineeringfighter-jet-enginespropulsion-systemsSouth-Korea-defenseadvanced-aviation-technologymilitary-technologyTDK Ventures, Accel set to back India’s EtherealX in reusable launch vehicle push: sources
Ethereal Exploration Guild (EtherealX), an Indian spacetech startup founded in 2022, is developing Razor Crest Mk-1, a fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed to place up to eight tonnes into low Earth orbit and deliver payloads to geostationary transfer and trans-lunar injection orbits. The Bengaluru-based company aims to compete with SpaceX by offering significantly lower launch costs—estimated between $350 and $2,000 per kilogram compared to SpaceX’s $1,600 to $2,000 per kilogram—and targets capturing 30% to 40% of the market. EtherealX plans its first launch in early 2027 and has secured $130 million in contracts from six customers, reflecting strong early commercial demand. The startup is close to closing a funding round expected to raise about $20.5 million, up from an initial $15 million target, co-led by TDK Ventures and Vietnam-based BIG Capital, with participation from Acc
energyspace-technologyreusable-launch-vehicleaerospace-engineeringrocket-propulsionspacetech-startupcommercial-space-industryYouTuber builds 'world's largest' blended-wing aircraft prototype
A US startup, Natilus, has partnered with popular YouTuber Ramy RC to build a flying prototype of the Horizon, a Blended Wing Body (BWB) passenger aircraft designed to revolutionize air travel. Unlike traditional tube-and-wing planes, the Horizon features a manta ray–like carbon-fiber blended wing design aimed at reducing fuel consumption by 30% and accommodating 200 passengers in a spacious cabin. Ramy RC, known for his large-scale remote-controlled jet models, documented the prototype’s construction, showcasing the use of advanced carbon fiber composites combined with wood and foam for a lightweight yet durable structure. The 24-foot wingspan prototype was built using CAD models and custom 3D-printed molds to ensure aerodynamic precision. With engine nacelles, wings, and landing gear integrated, the prototype is mechanically ready for its maiden flight, which will be the critical test of its real-world performance and stability. Natilus is pursuing FAA certification and aims for a commercial debut in the early
materialscarbon-fiber-compositesaerospace-engineeringblended-wing-bodyprototype-aircraftfuel-efficiency3D-printingRolls-Royce tests new engine for US Army’s next-gen MV-75 aircraft
Rolls-Royce has commenced testing its AE 1107 engine for prototypes of the US Army’s MV-75 Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), a critical step in the multibillion-dollar tiltrotor program aimed at replacing much of the Black Hawk helicopter fleet. Testing is underway at Rolls-Royce’s Indianapolis facility to validate engine performance and reliability. The MV-75, designated as the FLRAA in June, is designed to offer extended range and speed, with two AE 1107F engines powering each aircraft. The AE 1107F shares about 80% commonality with other AE engine variants, which is expected to simplify logistics, maintenance, and supply chain management, supporting the Army’s goal of fielding a reliable, high-performance tiltrotor for tactical assault and utility missions. The FLRAA program, part of the broader Future Vertical Lift modernization effort launched in 2019, aims to deliver a survivable, long-range, and
energyaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyaircraft-enginesRolls-Roycefuture-vertical-liftdefense-innovationUS' new computer model rapidly tests hypersonic heat shield materials
A team of engineers at Sandia National Laboratories has developed a new computer modeling approach to rapidly test and predict the performance of thermal protection systems (heat shields) for hypersonic vehicles. These heat shields are crucial for protecting spacecraft and high-speed vehicles from extreme heat during atmospheric reentry or supersonic travel. The project, spanning three years, combined computer simulations, ground-based experiments, and flight tests to better understand material behavior under severe heat and stress conditions typical of hypersonic speeds—defined as traveling faster than Mach 5 (over 3,800 mph). Unlike reusable spacecraft heat shields, those for US hypersonic missiles are designed for single use, making rapid and accurate material assessment essential. The researchers examined a wide range of materials, from common graphite to advanced carbon-based and ceramic composites, producing hundreds of samples with support from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They employed specialized facilities such as an inductively coupled plasma torch at the University of Texas to simulate plasma hotter than the sun’s surface and
materialsheat-shieldshypersonic-vehiclesthermal-protection-systemsaerospace-engineeringcarbon-compositessimulation-technologySpaceX veteran Tom Mueller on rocket engines and Impulse Space
Tom Mueller, a pioneering aerospace engineer, played a crucial role in the rise of commercial spaceflight as SpaceX’s first employee and lead designer of its Merlin, Kestrel, and Draco rocket engines. His early passion for rockets and mechanical engineering led him to build the world’s largest amateur liquid-fuel rocket engine in his garage, which caught Elon Musk’s attention. At SpaceX, Mueller helped develop the propulsion systems that underpin the Falcon 9 rocket, a vehicle that has revolutionized space access by significantly lowering launch costs through reusability and enabling the return of astronaut launches to the U.S. after the Space Shuttle’s retirement. After departing SpaceX in 2020, Mueller founded Impulse Space, focusing on in-orbit mobility—efficiently moving payloads once they are already in space, addressing the next major challenge in space transportation. Impulse has successfully flown three Mira spacecraft on Falcon 9 rideshare missions, demonstrating progress in this emerging sector. Mueller credits his time at Space
energyaerospace-engineeringrocket-enginesspace-propulsionspace-technologyin-space-mobilityspacecraftChina tests 570 mph-speeding spy drone aimed at surveillance
China’s CH-7 stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has successfully completed its maiden flight at a Northwest China airfield, marking a significant milestone in the country’s high-altitude reconnaissance drone program. Developed by the 11th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the initial flight focused on validating the drone’s aerodynamic design and core control systems, including autonomous taxiing, takeoff, landing, and trajectory tracking. The CH-7 features a tailless, flying-wing layout that enhances endurance and stealth but complicates flight stability and system integration, increasing the technical challenges of early testing. Designed for high-altitude, long-endurance stealth reconnaissance missions, the CH-7 carries advanced sensor payloads such as visible-light and infrared cameras while maintaining a low radar and infrared signature through features like upper-surface air intakes, semi-concealed engine exhaust, radar-absorbing structures, and stealth coatings. Its design supports operations in contested airspace with dense
robotdronestealth-technologyautonomous-systemsaerospace-engineeringsurveillance-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehicleWorld’s first software-defined fuselage to boost fighter jet agility
Swedish aerospace company Saab, in partnership with Divergent Technologies, has developed the world’s first software-defined aircraft fuselage, marking a significant advancement in fighter jet design and manufacturing. This experimental fuselage, over five meters long and composed of 26 unique 3D-printed metal parts, was produced using large-scale metal additive manufacturing combined with software-driven production techniques. Notably, no traditional tooling or fixtures were needed, making it one of the largest additively manufactured metal structures prepared for powered flight. Having passed structural proof-loading tests, the fuselage is slated for flight testing in 2026. This innovation aligns with Saab’s strategic move toward model-based engineering (MBE), which uses shared digital twins and 3D digital instructions to streamline design, simulation, and system optimization, as demonstrated in the Gripen E fighter program. Saab’s internal innovation team, The Rainforest, is pushing the concept further by exploring “Software-Defined Hardware Manufacturing,” aiming to bring the same software
roboticsadditive-manufacturingsoftware-defined-hardwaredigital-twinaerospace-engineeringindustrial-automation3D-printing-materialsUS restores $2 billion B-2 strategic bomber for just $23 million
Four years after a landing-gear failure caused severe damage to the B-2 Spirit bomber known as the Spirit of Georgia, the US Air Force and Northrop Grumman successfully completed an extensive, multiyear repair effort, returning the aircraft to flight on November 6. The incident began in September 2021 when a hydraulic issue led to a landing gear collapse on touchdown, causing structural damage to the left main landing gear bay and lower wing. Emergency crews quickly stabilized the aircraft, enabling detailed inspections that confirmed the extent of the damage and allowed for a one-time ferry flight to Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale facility for permanent repairs. The restoration process, costing just $23.7 million compared to the bomber’s $2 billion value, involved innovative solutions such as harvesting a composite skin panel from a test article to avoid fabricating new parts, and overcoming challenges like composite disbonds, fuel-tank contamination, and the inability to use autoclaves for repairs. The repair
energymaterialsaerospace-engineeringcomposite-materialsstructural-repairmilitary-technologyaircraft-maintenanceUS Air Force receives final 'Zombie' F-16 for full-throttle flights
The US Air Force has received its final QF-16 fighter aircraft, concluding a 15-year program to convert retired F-16 Fighting Falcons into remotely piloted aerial targets, known as “F-16 Zombies.” Delivered by Boeing in late November, these drones are used primarily for live-fire missile tests and combat training, enabling pilots to engage realistic, full-scale maneuvering fighter targets. The QF-16 program began in the early 2010s to replace the older QF-4 Phantom drones, with the first converted F-16 flying in 2012 and reaching operational capability by 2016. Boeing was responsible for retrofitting the retired jets with advanced flight-control systems and telemetry to enable unmanned operation, a complex task given the original manned design of the aircraft. The final QF-16, serial number 83-1079, originally entered service in 1984 and was retired in 2007 before conversion. Although no new QF-16 conversions
robotunmanned-aircraftdrone-technologyaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyremote-control-systemstelemetry-systemsUS firm tests solid rocket motor, propulsion tech for target vehicles
Northrop Grumman, a Virginia-based US firm, has successfully tested the first of two new solid rocket motors—SMASH!22 and BAMM!29 2.0—under its Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) program. The SMASH!22, a 22-inch diameter motor, underwent a static test fire that incorporated advanced manufacturing techniques, new materials, and innovative processes aimed at speeding development, improving performance, and reducing costs. This test generated extensive data to enhance understanding of these novel technologies, which are the first of their kind in the solid rocket motor industry. The SMART Demo program is an annual initiative designed to develop, build, and test new solid rocket motors and associated tooling, focusing on technologies such as complex additively manufactured components and alternative manufacturing materials. The second motor, BAMM!29 2.0, a 29-inch diameter Bombardment Attack Missile Motor, is scheduled for static testing in early 2026. Northrop
energysolid-rocket-motorpropulsion-technologyadvanced-manufacturingadditive-manufacturingmaterials-scienceaerospace-engineeringNASA's non-linear Space Shuttle design can guide today's innovators: Study
A recent study published in the Strategic Management Journal analyzes NASA’s non-linear design process behind the Space Shuttle, the world’s first reusable spacecraft. Researchers from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business examined extensive archival materials from 1969 to 1971 to map the shuttle’s design evolution. They found that NASA employed a distinctive approach involving two intertwined processes: oscillation and accumulation. Oscillation involved deliberately stepping back from a current design focus to explore alternative solutions before returning with new insights, while accumulation referred to progressively meeting more performance goals by building on knowledge gained from each iteration. This synergistic use of oscillation and accumulation enabled NASA to balance competing demands such as payload capacity, reusability, fuel efficiency, size, weight, and cost. The study highlights how this non-linear, iterative design strategy allowed NASA engineers to temporarily abandon superior solutions—such as switching from advanced liquid hydrogen fuel back to kerosene—to test other components and accumulate broader knowledge. This approach required humility and flexibility but
energyaerospace-engineeringreusable-spacecraftspace-shuttle-designfuel-efficiencyNASA-innovationspacecraft-materialsChina conducts combat tests of unmanned helicopter at 13,100 feet
China is advancing its high-altitude unmanned aviation capabilities with the Moyujian reconnaissance and strike helicopter, developed by Sichuan Tengden Technology. Recently showcased at the Asia General Aviation Exhibition in Zhuhai, the Moyujian has successfully completed live-fire tests at altitudes above 13,100 feet (4,000 meters), demonstrating its ability to operate reliably in challenging plateau environments. Designed for multiple roles—including reconnaissance, precision strikes, communications relay, emergency rescue, and forest fire prevention—the helicopter supports both high-altitude and maritime missions, boasting a maximum range of 621 miles (1,000 km), a flight time of nine hours, and a service ceiling of 23,600 feet (7,200 meters). The next phase of testing will push the Moyujian to operate beyond visual line of sight using satellite communication at altitudes exceeding 19,600 feet (6,000 meters), requiring enhanced engine performance and data link reliability. Its design addresses the unique challenges of the Tibetan
robotunmanned-aerial-vehiclehigh-altitude-dronemilitary-technologyreconnaissance-helicopterautonomous-flightaerospace-engineeringWorld's 5 most expensive military aircraft in history
The article highlights the five most expensive military aircraft in history, emphasizing their advanced technology, strategic importance, and staggering costs driven by research, development, and specialized infrastructure. Leading the list is the Northrop B-2 Spirit, with a total program cost of approximately $44.75 billion for 21 bombers, averaging about $2 billion per unit when including R&D and sustainment. Known for its stealth capabilities, the B-2 has been active in multiple conflicts and remains in service until its planned retirement around 2032, to be succeeded by the B-21 Raider. Next is the VC-25B, the next-generation Air Force One, costing around $2 to $2.5 billion per aircraft before operating expenses. These aircraft serve as flying command centers for the U.S. president, equipped with EMP shielding, secure communications, and self-defense systems. The program has faced delays, with delivery expected between 2027 and 2029. The B-21 Raider, still
materialsmilitary-technologyaerospace-engineeringstealth-technologyavionicsdefense-systemsadvanced-materialsUS Space Force awards first Golden Dome space interceptor contracts
The US Space Force has initiated its Golden Dome missile defense program by awarding the first prototype contracts for space-based boost-phase missile interceptors. These contracts, issued on November 25 through competitive Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), mark a significant step toward developing a multi-layered homeland missile defense system that integrates space-based sensors, rapid command-and-control, and both ground and orbital interceptors. The number of companies selected and contract values were not disclosed due to security and the flexible nature of OTAs, which aim to accelerate technology development and attract non-traditional defense contractors. Golden Dome’s boost-phase interceptors are designed to destroy enemy missiles within minutes of launch, capitalizing on the missile’s bright, hot rocket plume for easier tracking. However, this approach requires rapid reaction times and a large constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, raising concerns about feasibility. Analysts highlight challenges such as satellite “absenteeism,” where interceptors are often out of position to engage launches, with estimates suggesting nearly 950 orbit
energyspace-defensemissile-interceptorssatellite-technologyPentagon-contractsaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyX-65 test aircraft with 14 nozzles takes shape in West Virginia
DARPA’s experimental X-65 aircraft, under development by Aurora Flight Sciences in West Virginia, is designed to test an innovative Active Flow Control (AFC) system that replaces traditional mechanical control surfaces like flaps, rudders, and ailerons with precise air jets emitted from 14 nozzles in its wings and tail. This approach aims to reduce aircraft weight, complexity, drag, and radar visibility by controlling airflow to maneuver the plane, such as rolling, pitching, and steering, without physical moving parts. The X-65 features a distinctive diamond-shaped wing, chosen for its natural generation of diverse airflow patterns and susceptibility to flow separation, which the AFC system exploits to create virtual control surfaces. Although the aircraft will initially include conventional control surfaces as “training wheels” for safety and baseline performance, the ultimate goal is to operate solely using the AFC system. The X-65 is expected to achieve transonic speeds and improve low-speed handling and high-angle-of-attack performance, areas where diamond
robotaerospace-engineeringactive-flow-controlunmanned-aerial-vehicleDARPAaircraft-designexperimental-aircraftHow engineers plan world's first hydrogen-powered hypersonic jet
The article discusses the development of the world’s first hydrogen-powered hypersonic jet, highlighting the efforts of Hypersonix Launch Systems, a Brisbane-based aerospace startup. Building on the legacy of the SR-71 Blackbird, the new generation of hypersonic aircraft aims to achieve sustained speeds of Mach 5 to Mach 12 using hydrogen-fueled scramjet engines. Hypersonix’s Spartan scramjet engine, entirely 3D-printed from high-temperature alloys, is designed for efficiency and thermal resilience at these extreme speeds. Their 11.5-foot DART AE demonstrator, scheduled for a test flight from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, seeks to prove the viability of green hydrogen as a clean, high-energy fuel for hypersonic propulsion, potentially transforming both military and civilian aviation. This development is part of a broader global race in hypersonic technology, driven by strategic defense competition involving the US, China, Russia, and European entities. While other companies and agencies
energyhydrogen-fuelhypersonic-flightaerospace-engineeringscramjet-enginessustainable-fuelsadvanced-manufacturingBlue Origin steps into Starship territory with massive New Glenn 9×4 super-heavy rocket
Blue Origin has unveiled a super-heavy variant of its New Glenn rocket, named the New Glenn 9×4, marking a significant advancement toward higher-capacity orbital and lunar missions. This new model features nine BE-4 engines on the first stage and four BE-3U engines on the upper stage, increasing thrust and lifting capability compared to the existing 7×2 configuration. The 9×4 can deliver over 70 metric tons to low Earth orbit, more than 14 metric tons to geosynchronous orbit, and over 20 metric tons to trans-lunar injection, placing it in the super-heavy class alongside SpaceX’s Starship. It also introduces a wider 8.7-meter fairing to accommodate larger satellites and multi-payload stacks, targeting missions such as mega-constellations, lunar exploration, and national security launches. Alongside the introduction of the 9×4, Blue Origin is upgrading the current New Glenn 7×2 variant with enhanced propulsion, structures
energyrocket-propulsionaerospace-engineeringreusable-rocketsspace-launch-systemsBE-4-enginelunar-missionsUS to test fighter jet materials with world’s brightest X-rays for Mach 7 speed
A research team from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, is developing a novel device to test materials for hypersonic aircraft capable of flying at Mach 5 to Mach 7 speeds. Supported by a $1.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense Joint Hypersonics Transition Office, the device aims to replicate the extreme heat and stress conditions experienced during hypersonic flight without relying on energy-intensive wind tunnels. This approach leverages the recently upgraded Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne, which now produces X-ray beams up to 500 times brighter than before, enabling real-time, high-resolution analysis of material changes under simulated hypersonic conditions. The project addresses a critical engineering challenge: developing materials that are simultaneously thin and lightweight yet strong enough to endure the intense pressures, heat fluxes, and skin friction encountered at hypersonic speeds. Traditional testing methods are limited in accessibility and
materialshypersonic-aircraftadvanced-X-raysmaterial-testingaerospace-engineeringsynchrotron-radiationenergy-efficient-testingRussia's 5th-gen turbofan engine promises supercruise for fighter jets
Russia has unveiled its new 177S fifth-generation turbofan engine, designed as an advanced evolution of the AL-31F/FP series currently used in the Su-27 family of fighters. Weighing 1,530 kg and delivering 14,500 kgf of afterburning thrust, the 177S maintains dimensional compatibility with its predecessor, enabling easy retrofitting of existing aircraft with minimal modifications. Key improvements include a reduced specific fuel consumption below 0.67 kg/kgf·h for extended range, a service life extended to 6,000 hours, and a fourfold increase in time between overhauls. The engine also features thrust-vectoring nozzles for enhanced maneuverability, a full-authority digital engine control system with backups, integrated health monitoring, and a new blisk fan resistant to foreign-object damage. The 177S is intended primarily for late-model Su-35S fighters, the Su-57 Felon, and the upcoming single-engine Su
energyaerospace-engineeringturbofan-enginefighter-jetspropulsion-technologyfuel-efficiencyadvanced-materialsHow a startup is reinventing cryogenic rocket hardware
Astrophel Aerospace, a startup focused on reusable cryogenic rocket engines, is innovating turbopump technology to overcome one of rocketry’s toughest challenges: surviving extreme thermal gradients and mechanical stresses. Turbopumps must operate with one end exposed to turbine gases near 980°C and the other to cryogenic fuels below –180°C, spinning at 25,000 RPM. This creates severe material and design challenges, as thermal expansion mismatches can warp shafts, degrade seals, and seize bearings, often destroying engines and preventing reuse. Astrophel’s gas-generator-cycle turbopump, currently undergoing tests at ISRO facilities, aims to withstand 60–70 thermal cycles while eliminating battery packs, reducing mass, and delivering liquid oxygen at 4.1 kg/s with a pressure ratio of about 10. Unlike electric pump-fed engines that rely on heavy battery packs, Astrophel’s design uses a gas generator to burn a small fraction of propellant, driving the turbine and powering the
materialsaerospace-engineeringcryogenic-technologyturbopumpreusable-rocketsthermal-managementpropulsion-systemsQantas's new Airbus to fly 22 hours non-stop between Sydney, New York
Qantas has unveiled its specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed to operate ultra-long-haul flights of up to 22 hours non-stop between Sydney and major global hubs like New York and London by 2027. This aircraft, currently being assembled in Toulouse, France, features an additional 20,000-litre rear fuel tank and advanced onboard systems, enabling it to cut up to four hours off current one-stop travel times. The A350-1000ULR will be central to Qantas’s Project Sunrise program, marking a significant milestone in Australian aviation by overcoming the challenges of extreme flight durations with a focus on passenger wellbeing. Qantas has collaborated with designers and sleep scientists to create a cabin environment that minimizes jet lag and maximizes comfort, including a reduced seating capacity of 238 passengers (compared to over 300 in typical A350-1000s) and the introduction of a Wellbeing Zone featuring exercise facilities, hydration stations, and refreshments. The initiative
energyaviationAirbus-A350long-haul-flightsfuel-efficiencyaircraft-materialsaerospace-engineeringFast, accurate drag predictions could lead to more fuel-efficient aircraft
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed AeroMap, a computational framework designed to provide fast and accurate aerodynamic drag predictions during the early stages of aircraft design. AeroMap estimates drag for various wing-body configurations operating near transonic speeds, delivering datasets 10 to 100 times faster than current high-fidelity simulations while maintaining good accuracy. By enabling reliable drag predictions early in the design process, AeroMap can reduce the need for costly wind tunnel testing and large-scale simulations, thereby accelerating design iterations and improving fuel efficiency. AeroMap’s approach is based on a viscous-coupled full potential method that combines a simplified form of the Navier–Stokes equations with a model of the thin boundary layer of air along the aircraft surface. This allows it to capture the main effects of drag without the computational expense of more detailed simulations. Validated against NASA wind tunnel data, AeroMap shows close agreement with experimental results, making it a practical and reliable tool for sustainable aircraft development. The framework addresses limitations of
energyaerospace-engineeringaerodynamic-dragfuel-efficiencyaircraft-designcomputational-modelingsustainable-aviationGE engine to power Shield AI's new X-BAT autonomous fighter jets
US aerospace company GE Aerospace has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Shield AI to provide propulsion for Shield AI’s new autonomous fighter jet, the X-BAT. The X-BAT is an AI-piloted, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter designed for deployment in contested and communication-limited environments. It is powered by GE’s F110-GE-129 engine, a highly reliable powerplant with over 11 million flight hours since its introduction in the 1980s. This engine features an advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) that enables the thrust vectoring necessary for the X-BAT’s VTOL capabilities. Unveiled in October 2023, the X-BAT combines VTOL functionality with a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and can carry a full mission payload. Shield AI’s proprietary Hivemind autonomy software allows the jet to operate independently or as a drone wingman alongside piloted aircraft. The compact design enables
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIaerospace-engineeringpropulsion-systemsVTOLdefense-technologyMIT tool can forecast lightning strikes on aircraft and wind turbines
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel physics-based simulation tool that predicts how lightning interacts with various aircraft designs, enabling engineers to optimize lightning protection more effectively. Unlike traditional methods that rely on historical data from conventional tube-and-wing aircraft, this tool uses computational fluid dynamics and electrostatics to model lightning attachment, movement, and exit on aircraft surfaces. The resulting color-coded zoning maps identify regions requiring different levels of protection, allowing for weight-efficient design by avoiding unnecessary heavy shielding on less vulnerable areas. This advancement is particularly important as the aerospace industry shifts toward unconventional, lightweight designs such as truss-braced wings and blended-body aircraft, where existing lightning protection standards may not apply. The MIT team validated their model by comparing it with established lightning protection data for conventional planes, finding close alignment and confirming its accuracy. Beyond aviation, the researchers see potential applications for the tool in other lightning-prone technologies, including offshore wind turbines, which currently suffer significant blade damage from lightning strikes. The project, partially funded by Boeing,
energyaerospace-engineeringlightning-protectionaircraft-designcomputational-fluid-dynamicselectrostaticssimulation-technologyChina’s first orbital oven lets astronauts cook barbecue in space
China’s astronauts aboard the China Space Station have achieved a new milestone by using the station’s first orbital oven to cook freshly grilled foods like New Orleans–style chicken wings and black pepper steak. This smokeless, oil-free oven was specially designed to operate safely and efficiently in microgravity, incorporating advanced technologies such as temperature control, residue collection, high-temperature catalysis, and multi-layer filtration. It can reliably perform up to 500 cooking cycles and significantly outperforms previous space cooking experiments, such as NASA’s prototype that took over two hours to bake a single cookie, by grilling chicken wings in just 28 minutes. Beyond enhancing nutrition, the oven represents an important improvement in astronauts’ quality of life during long missions, providing psychological comfort by allowing them to enjoy familiar, freshly prepared meals. The Shenzhou-21 mission has expanded the onboard menu to over 190 dishes on a 10-day rotation, including nuts, cakes, and fresh vegetables grown in the station’s vegetable garden, which has
energyspace-technologyastronaut-life-supportthermal-controlspace-station-innovationaerospace-engineeringmicrogravity-cookingInside world’s largest wind tunnel that changed future of flight forever
The NASA Ames Research Center, established in 1939 as part of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), played a pivotal role in advancing American aeronautics, particularly through its development of the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). Located at Moffett Field near Silicon Valley, Ames evolved from a modest laboratory into a major research hub that contributed to innovations such as the swept wing and vertical takeoff aircraft. When NASA was formed in 1958, Ames expanded its scope to include space exploration, supercomputing, and early internet technologies, reflecting a blend of technical rigor and visionary imagination. The centerpiece of Ames’ legacy is the NFAC, home to the world’s largest wind tunnel test section—an open-circuit 80×120-foot tunnel capable of accommodating full-scale aircraft like the Boeing 737. Completed in the late 1980s, this massive facility allows researchers to simulate real flight conditions and conduct aerodynamic testing on a scale unmatched anywhere else
energywind-tunnelaerodynamicsNASA-Amesaviation-technologyaerospace-engineeringrenewable-energyUS firm debuts missile that cruises at 35,000 feet with 575-mile range
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has introduced the Ragnarök Low-Cost Cruise Missile (LCCM), a new precision strike weapon designed to offer long-range capabilities at a significantly reduced cost. The missile features a 575-mile (500-nautical-mile) range, can cruise at altitudes up to 35,000 feet at speeds exceeding Mach 0.7, and carries an 80-pound payload optimized for precision strikes against high-value or time-sensitive targets. With an estimated unit cost of around $150,000 in bulk production, Ragnarök is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional cruise missiles like the Tomahawk, which costs about $1.5 million per round. The missile’s design emphasizes manufacturability, modularity, and tactical flexibility. It incorporates a carbon-composite fuselage for weight reduction, a wing-folding mechanism for compact storage, and compatibility with various launch platforms, including manned and unmanned aircraft such as the XQ-58 Valkyrie
materialsaerospace-engineeringunmanned-systemsdefense-technologycomposite-materialspropulsion-systemsmissile-technology7 sci-fi space suits mixing futuristic style with functional design
The article highlights seven sci-fi space suits from films and series that blend futuristic aesthetics with functional design, illustrating how costume designers and filmmakers envision the future of astronaut gear. These suits are not merely theatrical props but often incorporate realistic elements inspired by current or emerging space technologies. For example, the suits in Sunshine (2007) feature gold-plated helmets modeled after NASA’s anti-radiation visors, combining visual appeal with scientific accuracy. Similarly, The Wandering Earth (2019) showcases a highly detailed and realistic approach, with modular life-support systems, exoskeletal plating, and color-coded suits designed for different roles, reflecting a deep commitment to functional realism. Other notable designs include Prometheus (2012), which uses spherical transparent helmets with built-in lighting and internal displays, and Netflix’s Lost in Space reboot (2018–2021), where sculpted armor, LED illumination, and fiber-optic panels create a suit that feels like a plausible near-future NASA design. The article also
robotmaterialsenergywearable-technologyspace-suitsfuturistic-designaerospace-engineering7 most remarkable flying cars turning science fiction into reality
The article highlights seven cutting-edge flying cars that are transforming the long-held dream of flying vehicles into tangible reality as of 2025. These vehicles combine automotive and aviation technologies, allowing them to operate both on roads and in the air with varying degrees of speed, range, and functionality. Notably, the Alef Model A is the first flying car to receive an FAA special airworthiness certificate, featuring electric VTOL capabilities, a 200-mile driving range, and the ability to park in standard spots. Other standout models include the PAL-V Liberty, a gyroplane-based flying car with a 1,300 km driving range and 500 km flying range, and the Klein Vision AirCar, which transforms from car to airplane in under two minutes and boasts over 170 flight hours of testing. Additional vehicles such as the Samson Sky Switchblade offer a more accessible price point around $170,000, featuring hybrid propulsion and speeds up to 305 km/hr in flight. The AeroMobil 5.
robotflying-carselectric-VTOLhybrid-propulsionaviation-technologyautonomous-vehiclesaerospace-engineeringRobot Talk Episode 127 – Robots exploring other planets, with Frances Zhu - Robohub
In the Robot Talk Episode 127, Claire interviews Frances Zhu from the Colorado School of Mines about the development and application of intelligent robotic systems for space exploration. Frances Zhu, who holds advanced degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering including a Ph.D. from Cornell University, has a strong background in machine learning, dynamics, systems, and controls engineering. Her previous roles include being a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow and an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Hawaii, where she focused on geophysics and planetology. Since 2025, Zhu has been an Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, contributing to both the Robotics and Space Resources programs. The episode highlights her expertise in designing autonomous robots capable of exploring other planets, emphasizing the integration of advanced AI and control systems to navigate and operate in challenging extraterrestrial environments. The podcast, Robot Talk, regularly covers topics related to robotics, artificial intelligence, and autonomous machines, providing insights into cutting-edge research and technology in these fields.
robotroboticsspace-explorationautonomous-systemsmachine-learningaerospace-engineeringintelligent-robotsUS chases tough material for detonation engines that eat shockwaves
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $2 million grant to a Lehigh University-led team to develop resilient materials for rotating detonation engines (RDEs), a new propulsion technology that promises higher power, improved fuel efficiency, and lower emissions compared to conventional rocket and jet engines. RDEs generate thrust by sustaining a supersonic detonation wave inside a ring-shaped chamber, releasing significantly more energy than traditional combustion methods. This could enable more compact, efficient engines capable of delivering satellites to precise orbits at lower cost and fuel consumption. A major challenge preventing RDEs from advancing beyond laboratory prototypes is the extreme temperatures and pressures generated by the detonation wave, which rapidly degrade existing engine materials. Current metal components fail after only a few engine cycles under these punishing conditions. The Lehigh-led team, collaborating with Carnegie Mellon University, University of California Irvine, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and industry partners, aims to overcome this by developing high-performance copper-based alloys.
materialsrotating-detonation-enginepropulsionaerospace-engineeringadvanced-alloysshockwave-technologyenergy-efficiencyAir Force confirms Boeing is building F-47 stealth jet for 2028
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that Boeing is actively building the F-47, a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet intended to succeed the F-22 Raptor, with a planned first flight by 2028. Announced by Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin at the Air and Space Forces’ Air, Space and Cyber Conference, the F-47 program is progressing rapidly, with manufacturing already underway just months after Boeing was selected in March 2025. The jet is designed to feature advanced stealth capabilities, modern sensors, powerful engines capable of exceeding Mach 2 speeds, a combat radius over 1,000 nautical miles, and autonomous drone wingmen. The Air Force aims to procure at least 185 units, matching or surpassing the current F-22 fleet size, to maintain air superiority in future conflicts. Despite an ambitious development timeline extending through fiscal 2030, officials suggest the F-47 could become operational earlier, though some advanced features like next-generation engines may be introduced
robotautonomous-dronesstealth-technologyaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyBoeingfighter-jetsStudents build Bond-style micro pocket drone that flies instantly
Students at Texas A&M University’s Advanced Vertical Flight Laboratory have developed a groundbreaking micro air vehicle (MAV) weighing just 112 grams that folds to smartphone size and unfolds midair to stabilize itself within seconds. This pocket-sized drone features foldable propeller arms that extend and lock automatically when thrown, enabling it to recover from extreme spins—up to 2,500 degrees per second—and hover smoothly. Its stability is achieved through an advanced onboard feedback controller that uses sensors and algorithms to detect orientation and adjust propeller speeds in real time, allowing immediate flight readiness without careful handling or controlled takeoff. The design balances portability, strength, and performance, supported by a sophisticated six degrees of freedom (6DOF) flight dynamics model validated with real-world motion tracking data. This rigorous testing ensures reliable operation even under unpredictable launch conditions. The MAV’s compactness and rapid deployment make it ideal for practical applications such as emergency response, where first responders could quickly launch drones into hazardous zones for damage assessment or survivor
robotdronemicro-air-vehiclesensorsflight-controlstabilizationaerospace-engineeringSpace-time method unlocks unprecedented accuracy in fluid dynamics
Researchers at Rice University and Waseda University have advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) by developing a space-time computational flow analysis method that significantly improves accuracy in modeling complex fluid flows. Originally introduced by Tayfun Tezduyar in 1990, this approach integrates spatial and temporal dimensions of fluid flow simultaneously, unlike traditional methods that treat them separately. This unified representation allows for high-fidelity simulations that capture intricate, time-dependent flow patterns with unprecedented precision, enabling solutions to problems previously considered intractable. The method has been successfully applied across diverse fields including aerospace, medicine, automotive, and renewable energy. Notably, NASA used it to design reliable parachutes for the Orion spacecraft, while medical researchers employed it to simulate blood flow through heart valves, aiding cardiovascular surgeries. Automotive tire manufacturers analyze aerodynamics and cooling, and renewable energy experts assess turbulent wakes of wind turbines to optimize placement and reduce risks to aircraft and wildlife. By placing dense computational points in critical flow regions, the technique avoids accuracy losses
energyrenewable-energyfluid-dynamicscomputational-fluid-dynamicswind-turbinesaerospace-engineeringsimulation-methodsUS military backs wind-riding drone concept inspired by birds
The US military, through DARPA, is funding the Albatross project, a research initiative inspired by the soaring flight techniques of birds like the albatross, which can glide long distances using rising warm air and shifting wind patterns without flapping their wings. Researchers from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), Mississippi State University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are developing autonomous drone technology that mimics these natural air patterns to significantly reduce energy consumption in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). The project aims to enable drones to exploit small, short-lived, and unpredictable air currents to extend flight duration and range beyond current battery limitations. The scientific principle behind the project involves drones detecting and utilizing rising thermal air currents—similar to how birds soar—to stay aloft with minimal power use. This approach could revolutionize drone operations by making them more energy-efficient and capable of longer missions, which is particularly valuable for applications such as environmental monitoring, disaster response, and military surveillance.
dronesautonomous-soaringenergy-efficiencyuncrewed-aircraft-systemsDARPAaerospace-engineeringrenewable-energySpaceX Starship survives harsh reentry with heat shield, flaps intact
SpaceX’s Starship completed its 10th test flight, successfully demonstrating key systems despite enduring intense reentry conditions. The spacecraft’s stainless steel body showed burn marks, dents, and scorched tiles after splashing down in the Indian Ocean, highlighting the extreme heat and friction it faced. Notably, the heat shield—comprising thousands of silica tiles—was tested with new metal tiles and intentional gaps, resulting in dramatic orange and red streaks from rusted tiles and white patches where insulation replaced lost tiles. Despite this damage, the heat shield held firm, providing valuable data for engineers to improve its resilience. The flight also tested Starship’s large flaps, which guide the vehicle during its belly flop descent. These flaps endured red-hot temperatures and partial ablative layer burn-off but successfully controlled the spacecraft’s descent and splashdown. Additionally, Starship’s payload bay was used for the first time to deploy eight dummy Starlink satellites, proving its capability to handle real missions. The six
materialsaerospace-engineeringheat-shield-technologystainless-steelthermal-protectionSpaceXspacecraft-durabilityBoeing teases US Navy stealth jet with 25% more range than F-35
Boeing has unveiled its F/A-XX, a sixth-generation stealth fighter jet designed to replace the US Navy’s aging F/A-18 Super Hornets in the 2030s. The F/A-XX is notable for its carrier-ready design, including features like canards for improved low-speed agility during carrier landings, and a maximum operating range exceeding 1,700 miles—about 25% greater than the current F-35C Lightning II. This extended range is particularly significant for operations in the Pacific, where US carriers face threats from China’s long-range missiles. The aircraft is envisioned as a “quarterback” for unmanned drones, leveraging advanced AI to manage sensor data and extend operational reach, potentially covering an area larger than North America with aerial refueling. Boeing’s design contrasts with its main competitor, Northrop Grumman, whose concept prioritizes extreme stealth without canards. Boeing’s approach balances stealth with enhanced maneuverability and carrier compatibility, accepting a
robotartificial-intelligenceunmanned-aircraftstealth-technologyaerospace-engineeringmilitary-dronesnaval-aviationUS firm to build fighter jet engines that deliver 40,000-lb thrust
Pratt & Whitney, a Connecticut-based firm, has secured a contract to produce Lot 18 of the F135 engines, which power all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The F135 engine delivers over 40,000 pounds of thrust, making it the world’s most powerful fighter jet engine. It boasts advanced features such as low-observability, superior thermal management, and an integrated engine control system, providing a significant technological edge in modern combat scenarios. The engine’s design emphasizes reliability, ease of maintenance, and affordability, supported by a global sustainment network and advanced digital health monitoring. The F135 engine distinguishes itself from fourth-generation engines through enhanced power, thermal management, flight control integration, and signature management, enabling the F-35 to operate effectively in advanced anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments. This capability aligns with the U.S. National Defense Strategy by maintaining air superiority against adversaries. Pratt & Whitney highlights the
energyfighter-jet-enginespropulsion-technologyPratt-&-WhitneyF135-engineaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyWith Starship Flight 10, SpaceX prioritized resilience over perfection
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 10 test emphasized resilience and fault tolerance over flawless performance, marking a key step toward achieving rapid, full reusability for missions to Mars and beyond. The flight intentionally introduced faults to evaluate critical systems such as the heat shield, propulsion redundancy, and engine relighting capabilities. Engineers removed heat shield tiles and tested new actively cooled tiles to assess how much damage the vehicle could endure during atmospheric reentry, addressing one of the biggest engineering challenges for reusability. Additionally, the Super Heavy booster demonstrated engine-out capability by disabling one center Raptor engine during landing burn and successfully using a backup engine, while the in-space relight of a Raptor engine was confirmed for the second time, crucial for deep-space missions. These tests align with NASA’s stringent safety requirements for crewed lunar missions under the Artemis program, which depends on a heat shield that can survive reentry and reliable orbital engine restarts. NASA has contracted SpaceX for a lunar Starship variant, aiming for
energyaerospace-engineeringreusable-rocketsheat-shield-materialspropulsion-systemsSpaceXRaptor-engineThe next Starship flight will test much more than hardware
SpaceX is preparing for its next Starship test flight from South Texas, aiming to recover from a series of recent setbacks including the breakup of the upper stage during reentry and the booster’s explosion during landing attempts. The last flight, nearly three months ago, marked progress but ended with significant losses. Subsequent ground testing mishaps forced hardware replacements and delayed the program. The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared investigations related to the previous flight, allowing SpaceX to proceed. This upcoming flight is critical not only for testing hardware but also for demonstrating SpaceX’s ability to learn from failures and achieve new milestones in its iterative “build-fly-fix-repeat” development approach. Starship remains central to SpaceX’s long-term ambitions, including NASA’s Artemis program, which relies on a Starship variant to return astronauts to the Moon by mid-2027. To meet this goal, SpaceX must perfect several challenging technologies such as the reusable heat shield, in-orbit cryogenic propellant transfer, and lunar
materialsenergyspace-technologyreusable-rocketsaerospace-engineeringSpaceXStarshipUS' secret, unmanned military space plane to embark on new mission
The U.S. Space Force's secretive X-37B orbital test vehicle, an uncrewed and autonomous military space plane developed by Boeing, is set to launch its eighth mission on August 21, 2025, from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The X-37B, resembling a smaller space shuttle, requires a rocket boost to reach orbit and will be carried aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for this mission. Known for its modular design, the space plane supports a wide range of experiments and missions in both high and low Earth orbits, although many of its specific functions remain classified. Its autonomous re-entry capability allows for safe returns and rapid refurbishment, enabling multiple re-flights and contributing to ongoing space exploration and technological advancements. The X-37B recently completed its seventh mission in March 2025, successfully landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base after conducting various tests, including space domain awareness technology experiments. These experiments aim to enhance the U.S. Space Force’s
robotautonomous-spacecraftmilitary-technologyspace-explorationaerospace-engineeringunmanned-vehiclespace-domain-awarenessChina's 'scissor wing' project could revive hypersonic drone concept
Chinese engineers are revisiting the oblique wing aircraft concept, originally developed in the 1940s, which features a single wing that pivots around the fuselage like a scissor blade. This design allows the wing to be perpendicular at low speeds for takeoff and landing, then rotate to align with the fuselage at high speeds, reducing drag and enabling hypersonic flight. Unlike previous variable-sweep wing aircraft like the F-14, the oblique wing uses a simpler mechanism involving just one wing. However, past attempts, such as NASA’s 1970s AD-1, faced significant stability and control challenges. To overcome these issues, the Chinese project incorporates advanced technologies including supercomputers, artificial intelligence for airflow modeling, smart materials, and sensors to manage structural stresses. The design also uses canards, tailplanes, and active control surfaces to maintain stability during wing movement. The aircraft aims to serve as a hypersonic “mother ship” drone carrier capable of Mach
robotdronehypersonic-technologysmart-materialssensorsartificial-intelligenceaerospace-engineeringChina tests Long March-10 rocket with 990-ton thrust for moon mission
China has successfully conducted a critical ground test of the Long March-10 rocket’s first stage, marking a significant milestone toward its goal of a manned lunar mission by 2030. The test, performed at Hainan Island’s coastal spaceport, involved firing seven YF-100K engines simultaneously for 30 seconds, producing approximately 900 tonnes of thrust. This demonstrated the engines’ ability to operate in sync under both normal and high-power conditions, providing valuable data for future rocket development. The Long March-10, standing 92 meters tall and equipped with 21 engines in total, is about three times more powerful than China’s current Long March-5 rocket and can send roughly 27 tonnes toward the moon. The Long March-10 rocket is central to China’s lunar ambitions, which include a two-launch mission involving a crew vehicle (Mengzhou) and a lander (Lanyue) that will dock in lunar orbit before astronauts descend to the surface. Beyond the initial landing,
energyrocket-propulsionspace-explorationlunar-missionliquid-rocket-enginesthrust-testingaerospace-engineeringChina unveils ‘world’s first’ jet-powered vertical landing drone for warships
China has unveiled what it claims to be the world’s first jet-powered vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone designed for deployment from warships without the need for runways. Developed over a decade by aerospace engineers at Beihang University starting in 2015, the drone combines small rotors for vertical lift with a turbojet engine for high-speed cruise flight. A patented retractable fairing system encloses the rotors during forward flight, reducing drag by up to 60%, enabling speeds up to 142 mph as demonstrated in tests. The composite airframe, made from advanced carbon fiber materials, is built to withstand harsh maritime conditions and repeated deck landings, while heat shielding protects the drone from jet exhaust temperatures exceeding 1,292°F. This VTOL drone is intended to operate from a variety of Chinese naval vessels—including destroyers, frigates, and amphibious ships—effectively turning them into forward-operating bases capable of launching reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or light strike
robotdronevertical-takeoff-and-landingjet-powered-dronecomposite-materialsaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologySpaceX redesigns Starship's grid fins to improve stability, control
SpaceX has redesigned the grid fins on its Super Heavy booster, part of the Starship system destined for Mars, to enhance stability and control during descent. The new design replaces four smaller fins and a landing fin with three larger, 50% bigger and stronger grid fins featuring a honeycomb-like structure. These fins, among the largest aerodynamic control surfaces ever built for a rocket, enable the booster to descend at steeper angles with improved maneuverability. The fins are also repositioned lower on the booster to align with the launch tower’s catch arms, allowing the rocket to be caught directly during landing—eliminating the need for a landing pad—and to protect the fins from engine heat. Internal components like the fin shafts are now housed inside the main fuel tank for added protection. This redesign follows recent test flight failures, including a May incident where the Super Heavy booster crashed into the Gulf of Mexico after failing to return to the launchpad, and a June explosion of the upper stage during ground testing.
materialsaerospace-engineeringSpaceXrocket-technologyaerodynamic-control-surfacesgrid-finsspacecraft-designStudent-built satellite to study rare atmospheric phenomenon in space
A team of University of Calgary students is preparing to launch FrontierSat (CTS-SAT-1), the city’s first student-built satellite, in early 2026. Led primarily by undergraduates from the Schulich School of Engineering and the Faculty of Science, the CubeSat-sized satellite aims to study a rare upper atmospheric phenomenon called Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE), which is a narrow, purple light similar to the aurora borealis but less understood. FrontierSat will carry two instruments: a mini plasma imager to capture data on STEVE and a deployable composite lattice boom equipped with a camera to monitor the spacecraft and capture space imagery. The project is managed by CalgaryToSpace, a student group founded in 2020 with over 100 members involved, and is partly funded by the Canadian Space Agency along with university and student fundraising efforts. Despite technical challenges and delays in securing a launch provider, the satellite has undergone rigorous testing, including a final vibration test to simulate launch stresses
materialssatellite-technologyCubeSatspace-weatheraerospace-engineeringstudent-projectplasma-imagingChina unveils space-debris catcher with possible military use
Chinese researchers have developed a novel space-debris catcher that uses a closed-gas, energy-absorbing launcher to quietly propel a net-carrying capsule toward orbital debris. Unlike traditional guns, this device produces no smoke, flash, or significant vibration, enabling precise operation without destabilizing the host spacecraft. The launcher employs a gunpowder charge to generate high-pressure gas that drives a piston, with a specially designed angled ring absorbing recoil to minimize barrel displacement and prevent contamination of the space environment. Its primary purpose is to capture and remove space debris by enveloping it in a net and guiding it to burn up upon reentry, addressing the growing threat posed by defunct satellites and spent rocket stages. While the official mission is debris removal, analysts highlight the launcher’s potential military applications, such as covertly disabling adversary satellites without visible signs of attack, which could appear as natural failures to outside observers. This capability raises concerns amid increasing geopolitical competition in space, especially since the 1967 Outer Space
energyspace-technologysatellitespace-debrispropulsion-systemaerospace-engineeringmilitary-technologyChina’s new mystery stealth jet's flight sets social media on fire
Leaked images and video circulating on Chinese social media have sparked intense speculation about a new, mysterious tailless aircraft believed to be an advanced stealth design. The aircraft features a sharply pointed nose blending into delta wings, twin-engine intakes, no vertical stabilizers, and a heavy-duty tricycle landing gear, suggesting a conventional or carrier-capable weight class. Its lack of a visible cockpit raises the possibility that it is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone, potentially part of China’s ongoing development of autonomous “loyal wingman” stealth drones, such as the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” or FH-97 series, which are comparable to U.S. programs like the Valkyrie and Ghost Bat. Experts remain cautious about the aircraft’s exact role or classification, with theories ranging from it being a next-generation fighter or bomber to a carrier-optimized platform or a Chengdu-developed counterpart to the J-36 stealth fighter. The design shares some similarities with existing Chinese
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-vehiclestealth-technologyautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologyaerospace-engineeringChinese engineers design drones that survive 87% of missile attacks
Chinese aerospace engineers have developed a novel evasive maneuvering system for combat drones that could increase their missile survival rate from about 10% to 87%. The technology involves equipping drones with lightweight, side-mounted rocket boosters that enable rapid, high-G acceleration and abrupt course changes just one or two seconds before missile impact. This "terminal evasion" system aims to make drone movements unpredictable, causing incoming missiles to miss and often detonate harmlessly in mid-air. The research team, led by Bi Wenhao from Northwestern Polytechnical University, emphasizes three core principles for the system: precise timing of booster ignition, directional intelligence to decide the optimal evasive maneuver (climb, dive, or lateral boost), and sufficient thrust to generate at least 16Gs of acceleration. While promising, the system has so far only been tested in digital simulations, and real-world trials remain pending. Additionally, integrating rocket boosters poses trade-offs by adding weight and reducing battery life, fuel capacity, and payload space. The
robotdrone-technologymissile-evasionaerospace-engineeringmilitary-roboticsunmanned-aerial-vehiclesdefense-technologyHow Venus Aerospace is engineering the first Mach 9 passenger jet
Venus Aerospace is pioneering the development of the first Mach 9 hypersonic passenger jet, the Stargazer M4, leveraging innovative propulsion technology centered on rotating detonation rocket engines (RDRE) combined with air-breathing ramjets. Hypersonic flight, defined as speeds above Mach 5, could drastically reduce global travel times to under four hours, effectively collapsing global distances. Venus Aerospace CEO Sassie Duggleby highlights that this technology could enable passengers to circumnavigate the globe within a single day, marking a transformative shift in aviation. The RDRE technology, originally conceptualized in the 1950s through Soviet research, utilizes detonation waves traveling around an annular combustion chamber to burn fuel more efficiently than conventional rocket engines that rely on deflagration. Advances in computational modeling, materials science, and experimental testing—such as NASA’s 2023 successful 251-second test firing of a 3D-printed RDRE producing 5,800 lbs of thrust—have
energyaerospace-engineeringhypersonic-flightrotating-detonation-engineramjet-technologypropulsion-systemsadvanced-materialsA Secretive US Space Plane Will Soon Test Quantum Navigation Technology
The US Space Force’s secretive X-37B space plane is set to launch its eighth mission no earlier than August 21 from Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The X-37B, a small, uncrewed vehicle about 29 feet long and built by Boeing, has flown multiple long-duration missions since its debut in 2010, with previous flights lasting up to 908 days. For this upcoming mission, the space plane will carry a service module to increase its experimental payload capacity, hosting projects from the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Innovation Unit. Key objectives for this flight include testing high-bandwidth inter-satellite laser communications, which aims to enhance the resilience, reliability, and speed of US satellite communications by leveraging commercial space networks. Additionally, the mission will demonstrate a cutting-edge quantum inertial navigation sensor based on electromagnetic wave interference and atom interferometry. This technology promises precise navigation and timing in GPS-denied or contested environments, such as near the Moon or
robotquantum-navigationsatellite-communicationsspace-technologyinertial-sensorsaerospace-engineeringUS-Space-ForceRaindrops at rocket speeds: Water's impact on hypersonic craft revealed
A recent study has revealed how tiny water droplets, such as raindrops, can significantly affect hypersonic vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (over 6,173 km/h). When these droplets impact a hypersonic aircraft or missile, they tend to break up into smaller droplets that become entrapped and accelerate near the vehicle’s surface. This interaction can disrupt the airflow around the vehicle and increase the likelihood of droplet impacts, especially with larger droplets, potentially affecting the vehicle’s structural integrity. The research team used advanced simulations combining Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks to model the complex multiphase flow interactions between water droplets and hypersonic airflows. Their findings emphasize the importance of considering droplet breakup dynamics when estimating impact forces on hypersonic vehicles. This work not only aids in the design and development of next-generation hypersonic aircraft but also enhances the fundamental understanding of multiphase flows under extreme conditions. The researchers plan to conduct more detailed simulations to further explore individual
materialshypersonic-vehiclesfluid-dynamicsmultiphase-flowaerospace-engineeringsimulationdroplet-impactGermany's simulation tech improves engine stability in aerospace design
German researchers at the University of Stuttgart, led by Professor Malte Krack, have developed advanced simulation tools to improve the safety and stability of aircraft engines and lightweight aerospace structures by addressing the complex challenge of damping. Damping, which reduces harmful oscillations through energy loss primarily at joints via friction and shocks, is critical to preventing damage such as engine blade fractures or fairing detachment during flight. The team’s innovation lies in accurately modeling these damping effects across vastly different scales—from tiny joint movements a hundred times thinner than a human hair to oscillations in the millimeter range—something conventional simulation methods have struggled to achieve. To tackle this multi-scale problem, the researchers created new measurement and modeling strategies, including a tribometer that captures the nonlinear behavior of friction under realistic aerospace conditions. This allows for precise predictions of how damping functions, which is essential for designing stable, lightweight structures that are more susceptible to oscillations and nonlinear effects. The new simulation methods are already being applied in industry to enhance engine and
energyaerospace-engineeringsimulation-technologydampingtribometerengine-stabilityvibration-controlUK’s sixth-gen stealth fighter emerges as next-gen war machine
The UK’s Combat Air Flying Demonstrator marks the nation’s first piloted supersonic fighter aircraft developed in 40 years, spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and MBDA UK. Currently, two-thirds of the aircraft’s structural weight—including its main body, wings, and tail fins—is in production at BAE Systems’ Lancashire facilities, utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques such as robotic assembly, 3D printing, and digital twins. This demonstrator aims to test and mature technologies critical for a future sixth-generation stealth fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Programme, emphasizing stealth capabilities, advanced design approaches, and streamlined production processes. Extensive simulator flights totaling over 300 hours have allowed engineers and test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the RAF to evaluate flight control systems and gather performance data ahead of the aircraft’s maiden flight. Collaborative efforts have also included high-speed ejection seat trials with Martin Baker and aerodynamic engine testing
roboticsdigital-manufacturingadvanced-materialsaerospace-engineeringstealth-technology3D-printingdigital-twinsUS supercomputer models airflow to reduce jet drag and emissions
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory is leveraging its Aurora supercomputer, one of the world’s first exascale machines capable of over a quintillion calculations per second, to advance aircraft design by modeling airflow around commercial airplanes. A research team from the University of Colorado Boulder employs Aurora’s immense computational power alongside machine learning techniques to simulate complex turbulent airflow, particularly around airplane vertical tails. These simulations aim to improve predictive models and inform the design of smaller, more efficient vertical tails that maintain effectiveness in challenging flight conditions, such as crosswinds with engine failure, thereby potentially reducing drag and emissions. The researchers use a tool called HONEE to conduct detailed airflow simulations that capture the chaotic nature of turbulence. These high-fidelity simulations train AI-based subgrid stress (SGS) models, which predict the effects of small-scale turbulent air movements often missed in lower-resolution models but critical for accurate airflow prediction. Unlike traditional turbulence modeling that relies on extensive offline data analysis, their approach integrates machine
energysupercomputingmachine-learningaerospace-engineeringairflow-simulationturbulence-modelingexascale-computingChina claims to fix design flaw that doomed US X-47B stealth drone
Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre, led by Huang Jiangtao, claim to have overcome a critical design bottleneck in stealth aircraft development by creating a new software platform that efficiently optimizes hundreds of aerodynamic and stealth parameters simultaneously. Demonstrated on the US Navy’s X-47B stealth drone—a program previously canceled due to unresolved trade-offs among stealth, aerodynamics, and propulsion—the software optimized 740 variables at once, achieving significant improvements without the exponential increase in computational cost typically associated with such complexity. Their method, published in Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, uses a geometric sensitivity computation approach that decouples gradient calculation costs from the number of design variables, enabling full-scale aerodynamic and stealth optimization including radar-absorbent materials. This breakthrough addresses the longstanding “curse of dimensionality” in aircraft design, where increasing parameters traditionally force engineers to simplify or compromise. Instead of relying on brute-force computing power, the team employed a “DeepSeek-style
robotdronestealth-technologyaerodynamic-optimizationradar-absorbent-materialscomputational-designaerospace-engineeringA Top NASA Official Is Among Thousands of Staff Leaving the Agency
NASA is experiencing a significant exodus of staff amid the Trump administration’s proposal to cut the agency’s budget by 25 percent. Among those leaving is Makenzie Lystrup, director of the Goddard Space Flight Center since April 2023. Goddard, NASA’s largest scientific research center with over 8,000 employees and a $4.7 billion budget, manages major projects including the James Webb and Hubble telescopes and is assembling the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Lystrup, who previously worked at Ball Aerospace and holds a doctorate in astrophysics, will step down on August 1, with deputy director Cynthia Simmons named acting chief. The announcement coincided with the release of “The Voyager Declaration,” an open letter signed by hundreds of current and former NASA employees expressing formal dissent against recent policy changes and budget cuts. The letter criticizes rapid programmatic shifts that risk wasting public resources, compromising safety, and undermining NASA’s core mission. It urges the administration to
robotspace-explorationNASArobotic-space-missionsaerospace-engineeringscientific-researchspace-telescopesEurope’s first hydrogen hypersonic jet aims to fly at Mach 5 speed
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the Invictus research program in partnership with UK-based Frazer-Nash, aiming to develop Europe’s first hydrogen-fueled hypersonic jet capable of flying at Mach 5 (3,836 mph). This fully reusable experimental vehicle will utilize a precooled air-breathing propulsion system, building on technology from ESA’s previous SABRE engine studies led by Reaction Engines Ltd. The program, funded through ESA’s General Support Technology Program (GSTP) and Technology Development Element (TDE), seeks to overcome challenges such as extreme heat from shock and friction at hypersonic speeds, enabling horizontal takeoff and sustained flight at Mach 5. The consortium also includes Spirit Aero Systems and Cranfield University, with a preliminary full flight system design targeted within 12 months. Invictus aims to provide a testbed for future hypersonic technologies relevant to aerospace, defense, and space access, marking a significant step toward reusable spaceplanes that can take
energyhydrogen-propulsionhypersonic-technologyaerospace-engineeringESAsustainable-aviationadvanced-materialsGermany's JUPITER becomes fourth fastest supercomputer in the world
Germany’s JUPITER supercomputer, located at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), has become the fourth fastest supercomputer globally and the fastest in Europe. This achievement was supported by a collaboration with Georgia Tech, where Assistant Professor Spencer Bryngelson accessed JUPITER through the JUPITER Research and Early Access Program (JUREAP). Bryngelson’s Multi-Component Flow Code (MFC) was tested on JUPITER to study the behavior of droplets subjected to high-velocity shockwaves, a complex fluid dynamics problem with significant engineering implications, especially for supersonic and hypersonic aerospace applications. The simulations revealed how droplets deform and break apart under shockwaves, providing valuable insights that help reduce risks and costs associated with physical testing. The MFC project, part of the broader Exascale Multiphysics Flows (ExaMFlow) collaboration between Georgia Tech and JSC, demonstrated strong performance on JUPITER’s key components—the JUWELS
energysupercomputinghigh-performance-computingsimulationsaerospace-engineeringfluid-dynamicsexascale-computingMars Sample Return under threat as Trump budget slashes NASA science
The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, a flagship NASA project designed to retrieve soil samples collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars and return them to Earth, faces cancellation under the Trump administration’s proposed FY26 budget. The mission, originally budgeted at over $7 billion and criticized by NASA’s Office of Inspector General for financial mismanagement and delays, has ballooned in cost estimates to potentially $11 billion. MSR is one of NASA’s most technically complex endeavors, involving landing a spacecraft near Perseverance’s sample caches, deploying a fetch rover, launching samples into Martian orbit, and transferring them to an orbiter for the journey back to Earth. In response to the budget threat, Lockheed Martin has proposed a significantly leaner, fixed-price alternative priced at $3 billion. This plan involves replacing existing spacecraft designs with lighter, proven models from previous planetary missions, aiming to reduce weight and thus fuel and overall costs. Lockheed Martin would absorb any cost overruns under this
robotspace-explorationNASAMars-roverplanetary-scienceaerospace-engineeringrobotic-missions156-foot-long solid rocket motor produces 4 million pounds of thrust
Northrop Grumman successfully conducted a full-scale static fire test of NASA’s Booster Obsolescence and Life Extension (BOLE) solid rocket motor, the world’s largest segmented solid rocket motor built for human spaceflight. The 156-foot-long, five-segment booster produced over 4 million pounds of thrust during a two-minute test, monitored by more than 700 data channels. This new booster features a composite carbon fiber case, updated propellant formulation, and advanced components, resulting in over 10 percent increased performance compared to the current five-segment Space Launch System (SLS) booster. The enhanced efficiency allows the booster to deliver an additional five metric tons of payload to lunar orbit, a critical capability for deep space missions. The BOLE booster development, initiated in 2017, aims to replace aging components no longer in production while aligning with commercial manufacturing standards and supporting a U.S.-based supply chain. Northrop Grumman leveraged its extensive experience from previous NASA programs, including
energyrocket-propulsionsolid-rocket-motorcomposite-materialsspace-launch-systemaerospace-engineeringcarbon-fiber-compositesUS' new AI assistant will help astronauts tackle emergencies in space
Researchers at Texas A&M University, led by Dr. Daniel Selva, have developed Daphne-AT, a virtual assistant designed to help astronauts quickly diagnose and resolve spacecraft anomalies during long-duration space missions. Daphne-AT continuously monitors critical life support and environmental systems, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, using real-time spacecraft data to detect anomalies and provide clear, step-by-step guidance to astronauts. This system aims to reduce mental workload and improve problem-solving efficiency when immediate expert support is unavailable. Testing of Daphne-AT involved virtual reality simulations at NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) facility with participants of varying aerospace expertise. Results showed that the assistant helped participants solve anomalies faster and handle more issues without compromising situational awareness. However, in longer-duration tests with trained professionals at HERA, the time to resolve anomalies did not significantly change, likely due to participants’ experience and the limited number of anomalies presented. Beyond space missions, Daphne-AT’s approach could also benefit emergency responders by providing timely
IoTvirtual-assistantspace-technologyanomaly-detectionreal-time-dataaerospace-engineeringhuman-machine-interactionSupersonic travel is back: New Concorde to fly from US by 2026
The iconic Concorde supersonic airliner is set to make a commercial comeback by 2026, following the U.S. government's lifting of a longstanding ban on supersonic flights over land. Signed into law by President Donald Trump in June 2025, this legislative change aims to reestablish the U.S. as a leader in high-speed aviation. The new Concorde, developed by Fly-Concorde Limited, will feature modern engineering advancements, including a 50% lighter airframe made from advanced composite materials, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions by 80%, and the ability to fly at 60,000 feet—higher than conventional jets. This updated design promises quieter, safer, and more efficient supersonic travel, potentially cutting the New York to London flight time from over six hours to just two. The original Concorde, a product of a 1962 treaty between France and the UK, was an engineering marvel capable of flying at
energysustainable-aviation-fuelcomposite-materialssupersonic-travelaerospace-engineeringemissions-reductionadvanced-materialsBreakthrough math model could unlock 3,836 mph hypersonic flight
Researchers at San Diego State University, in collaboration with Stanford University, have developed a novel computational mathematics model that simulates the behavior of gas and fuel droplets in detonation waves occurring in hypersonic propulsion systems such as scramjets and rotating detonation engines. This model, termed the Liouville method, builds on classical equations like the Fokker–Planck and Langevin models to predict particle dynamics at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 3,836 mph). Funded by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the model provides new insights into the stability and thermal behavior of gases near hypersonic vehicles, addressing critical challenges that arise when flight conditions become unstable at these extreme speeds. Beyond its primary application in advancing hypersonic military aircraft design, the model has potential interdisciplinary uses in climate science and medicine, where understanding particle dynamics and shock wave interactions is essential. For example, it could improve climate modeling by better describing particle behavior in the atmosphere and assist medical techniques that use
energyhypersonic-flightcomputational-modelingscramjet-enginesrocket-propulsionparticle-physicsaerospace-engineeringNew space startup Lux Aeterna wants to make satellites reusable
Lux Aeterna, a Denver-based space startup emerging from stealth mode, aims to revolutionize satellite technology by creating reusable satellites. Their first design, called Delphi, is planned for launch and landing in 2027. Unlike traditional satellites that burn up in the atmosphere or are moved to "graveyard" orbits at the end of their operational life, Delphi is designed to survive multiple re-entries using a conical heat shield inspired by proven NASA spacecraft designs. This reusability could significantly reduce costs and increase flexibility in satellite deployment, as current satellites are typically designed to remain in orbit for years without modification. The startup has attracted $4 million in pre-seed funding from investors including Space Capital, Dynamo Ventures, and Mission One Capital, and has garnered interest from the Department of Defense due to the strategic importance of low-Earth orbit. Founder and CEO Brian Taylor, who has experience with SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper program, and Loft Orbital, envisions leveraging heavy
satellitesreusable-technologyspace-startupaerospace-engineeringheat-shieldsatellite-re-entryspace-innovationChina planning drone with robotic arm for Mars sample hunt, eyeing bio-safety
China’s Tianwen-3 mission, planned for launch in 2028 atop two Long March 5B rockets, aims to return Martian soil and rock samples to Earth by 2031, collecting at least 500 grams of material. A key innovation in this mission is the deployment of an uncrewed helicopter drone equipped with a robotic arm and claw, designed to fly up to 100 meters from the lander to retrieve larger, scientifically valuable rocks that may contain biosignatures. The lander itself will use a robotic arm to scoop surface material and a drill capable of extracting samples from depths of up to 2 meters, targeting areas potentially shielded from harsh surface radiation. This approach enhances sample diversity from a single landing site and marks China’s first use of a drone in planetary exploration. Given the mission’s focus on searching for signs of past or present life on Mars, the Chinese team is prioritizing bio-safety and planetary protection. They are developing a comprehensive sample preservation and analysis
robotdroneMars-explorationrobotic-armspace-technologyplanetary-protectionaerospace-engineeringStarship mishap: Elon Musk’s woes continue with huge explosion before flight 10
SpaceX experienced a significant setback when the upper stage of its Starship Ship 36 exploded on the launch pad during a static fire test on June 18, 2025, delaying the planned tenth flight of the Starship rocket. The explosion occurred about 30 minutes after the propellant loading began at the company’s Starbase facility in southern Texas. Despite the dramatic event, SpaceX confirmed that no personnel were injured and no nearby property was damaged. The incident adds to a series of explosive failures that have challenged the Starship program, which is designed to enable human missions to the Moon and Mars. This latest mishap raises concerns about the Starship program’s ability to meet its ambitious schedule, especially given its critical role in NASA’s Artemis missions. The Artemis 3 mission, currently slated for 2027, depends on a modified Starship Human Landing System to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972. Elon Musk had previously indicated plans for a robot-crewed Star
robotspace-explorationrocket-technologyaerospace-engineeringSpaceXMars-missionlunar-landerFirst-time maker’s 3D-printed drone could fly 130 miles in 3 hours
Engineer Tsung Xu, a first-time maker with no formal background in aerodynamics or 3D printing, successfully designed and built a fully functional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone capable of flying 130 miles (209.2 km) in about 3 hours. Completed in just 90 days, Xu’s project involved designing, modeling, and 3D printing every aerodynamic surface and structural component from scratch using a consumer-grade Bambu Lab A1 desktop 3D printer. Non-printable elements such as motors, radio equipment, and electronic speed controllers were sourced separately and integrated into the system, which is powered by a high-energy-density lithium battery to maximize endurance. The drone’s VTOL capability allows it to take off and land vertically without a runway, then transition to efficient forward flight, a feature typically found in advanced military or commercial unmanned aerial systems. Xu’s achievement demonstrates how accessible technologies like desktop 3D printing and off-the-shelf components can enable
robotdrone3D-printinglithium-batteryVTOLaerospace-engineeringunmanned-aerial-systemsUS spy drone gets 9-foot wingman with 750-mile strike range boost
The article introduces the Precision Exportable Launched Effect (PELE), a new small unmanned aerial system developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to enhance the operational capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms like the MQ-9B SkyGuardian. PELE features an 11-foot wingspan, a 16-horsepower engine, and weighs up to 250 pounds, providing up to seven hours of flight endurance and a range exceeding 500 nautical miles (approximately 570 miles). Designed for high-risk, contested airspace, PELE is attrition-tolerant and can carry modular payloads including electro-optical/infrared sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It can be launched from air or ground platforms, allowing flexible deployment and enabling the mothership MQ-9B to remain outside threat zones while PELE units penetrate deeper into contested areas. PELE supports emerging military concepts such as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA
robotunmanned-aerial-vehicleautonomous-systemsdefense-technologysurveillance-droneaerospace-engineeringmilitary-roboticsWorld’s first art-painted rocket launched into outer space by China
In a groundbreaking collaboration, contemporary artist Jacky Tsai and Chinese aerospace company LandSpace launched the world’s first fully art-painted orbital rocket, the Zhuque-2 Enhanced (ZQ-2E Y2). Standing nearly 50 meters tall, the rocket was entirely covered with vibrant aerospace-grade paints depicting the ancient Chinese legend of Chang’e flying to the moon. The artwork, which flows continuously from nose to base, integrates traditional Eastern storytelling with bold, modern visual techniques, transforming the rocket into a unified visual narrative rather than mere surface decoration. This project required innovative materials and close cooperation between artists and engineers to ensure the paint could withstand extreme launch conditions without compromising the rocket’s performance. The successful launch and orbit insertion of the ZQ-2E Y2 validated this pioneering fusion of art and aerospace engineering, proving that complex visual art can be integrated into space vehicles without affecting functionality. Painted segments recovered after stage separation serve as tangible artifacts symbolizing the intersection of science and storytelling. This initiative redefines
energyaerospacematerialsrocket-technologyaerospace-engineeringaerospace-paintsspace-launchStudent-built tool turns sound into sight to slash airplane noise
A team at Texas A&M University, led by aerospace engineering professor Dr. Darren Hartl and Ph.D. student Kevin Lieb, has developed a student-built acoustic imaging tool designed to visualize sound sources with high precision. Unlike traditional tests that rely on mechanical noise, the team uniquely tested their device using vocal harmonies from a university choir, turning sound into visual data. This approach allowed them to explore the instrument’s capabilities beyond conventional engineering applications. The device employs dozens of microphones to accurately pinpoint where sounds originate, offering finer resolution than commercial acoustic imaging systems, which trade detail for speed. This technology is significant for reducing airplane noise by identifying specific noise sources such as landing gear or wing flaps, enabling targeted design improvements or sound insulation. Reducing aircraft noise benefits passengers, pilots, and communities near airports, while also providing strategic advantages in military contexts. The collaboration between aerospace engineering and music highlights the value of integrating creative approaches with technical research, suggesting that such interdisciplinary methods may be key to solving complex problems like
acoustic-imagingnoise-reductionaerospace-engineeringmicrophone-arraysound-visualizationaircraft-noisestudent-innovationDreamliner’s first fatal crash renews doubts over Boeing safety
The recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad marks the first deadly incident involving this widely used aircraft model and has reignited global concerns about Boeing’s manufacturing practices and overall safety. Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting an official investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the formation of a high-level committee to review aviation safety protocols. While no mechanical failure has been officially confirmed, attention has turned to prior whistleblower warnings from former Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who in 2024 alleged that Boeing took manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 and 777 models. Salehpour claimed that improperly filled gaps in the fuselage assembly and misaligned parts—sometimes temporarily forced into place by workers physically jumping on components—could compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of catastrophic failure over time. Boeing has denied these allegations, maintaining the Dreamliner’s safety, but the FAA investigated Salehp
materialsaerospace-engineeringstructural-integrityBoeing-787aircraft-manufacturingaviation-safetywhistleblowerUS Air Force reveals new nuclear cruise missile for B-21, B-52 planes
The US Air Force has unveiled the AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile, a new nuclear-armed cruise missile developed by Raytheon to replace the aging AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. Designed to arm the B-21 Raider stealth bomber and upgraded B-52 Stratofortress, the LRSO features advanced stealth capabilities, resilience against electronic warfare, and precise navigation to operate effectively in contested environments. Armed with the W80-4 thermonuclear warhead, the missile is optimized for low observability, autonomous threat avoidance, and adaptive targeting, enabling it to penetrate advanced air defenses and strike high-value targets from standoff distances. The LRSO is part of a broader integrated strike architecture involving space-based sensors, command-and-control systems, and potentially classified escort aircraft, aimed at enhancing US nuclear deterrence amid growing strategic challenges from Russia and China. Its standoff range offers flexible deterrent options, including forward deployment and mission recall, which are critical for escalation control during crises. Flight testing is underway under secrecy, with operational deployment expected in the latter half of the decade. The program is projected to cost $16 billion for over 1,000 missiles plus $7 billion for lifecycle support, with a unit cost of about $14 million. Plans for a conventional variant have been dropped, leaving the AGM-158 JASSM family to fulfill non-nuclear strike roles. The LRSO addresses a crucial gap in US nuclear capabilities and underscores continued American resolve in great power competition.
energymilitary-technologymissile-technologynuclear-weaponsstealth-technologyaerospace-engineeringdefense-systemsTrump signs orders to encourage flying cars, counter drone threats
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced aviation technologies, including drones, flying taxis (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles or eVTOLs), and supersonic commercial jets. The orders direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enable routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, deploy AI tools to expedite waiver reviews, and update integration roadmaps for drones in national airspace. Additionally, the FAA is tasked with lifting the longstanding ban on supersonic flights over U.S. land, citing advancements in noise reduction and aerospace engineering that make such travel safe and commercially viable. Trump also initiated a pilot program for eVTOL projects focusing on medical response, cargo transport, and urban air mobility. To address national security concerns, the administration established a federal task force to monitor drone activity near sensitive locations like airports and large public events, aiming to enforce laws against misuse and mitigate risks posed by disruptive drone technology. The orders emphasize reducing reliance on foreign-made drones, particularly from China, by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured drones and promoting exports to allied countries. These initiatives build on prior efforts to integrate commercial drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into various sectors, with the broader goal of fostering high-skilled job growth, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and maintaining American leadership in global aviation.
dronesflying-carseVTOLsupersonic-jetsaerospace-engineeringartificial-intelligenceurban-air-mobilityRobot Talk Episode 122 – Bio-inspired flying robots, with Jane Pauline Ramos Ramirez - Robohub
robotdronesbio-inspiredaerospace-engineeringautonomous-machinesbionicstechnology