Articles tagged with "aerospace-technology"
GE Aerospace tests new hybrid electric engine for future aircraft
GE Aerospace announced a significant milestone in hybrid-electric aviation with the successful ground test of a modified Passport high-bypass turbofan engine capable of extracting, transferring, and reinserting electrical power during operation. Conducted in 2025 at GE’s Peebles Test Operation in Ohio under NASA’s Turbofan Engine Power Extraction Demonstration project, this integrated test demonstrated a full hybrid electric engine system working together in real conditions. Unlike traditional hybrid designs, the engine supplements thrust electrically without relying on onboard batteries, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining flexibility. This breakthrough aims to improve efficiency and durability for next-generation single-aisle commercial aircraft in the U.S. The collaboration with NASA marked the first time electric motors, power electronics, and control systems were integrated inside a working turbofan engine, surpassing technical benchmarks designed to ensure meaningful fuel savings and meet future power demands. Although the hybrid engine still burns jet fuel, electric assistance enhances key operations, requiring new design and safety validation approaches distinct from hybrid car technology.
energyhybrid-electric-engineaerospace-technologyturbofan-engineaviation-innovationNASA-collaborationelectric-propulsionWorld’s first aerospace-powered quiet leaf blower cuts noise by 70%
Whisper Aero, founded by former NASA electric aircraft pioneer Mark Moore, has introduced the Tone T1 Quiet Leafblower at CES 2026, marking the world’s first aerospace-powered quiet leaf blower. Leveraging proprietary aerospace propulsion technology originally developed for electric aircraft, the Tone T1 operates 70% quieter than leading gas-powered blowers, producing just 52 dB(A) at peak thrust. Despite its low noise, it delivers superior performance with 880 cubic feet per minute airflow and 25 newtons of force, outperforming traditional gas models by 60%. This innovation addresses growing community demands for quieter, cleaner landscaping tools amid increasing regulations and noise restrictions. Beyond its noise reduction and power, the Tone T1 offers user-friendly features such as a 5-speed ToneShift control dial, a ToneLock Trigger to reduce user fatigue, a swappable 54V battery providing up to 50 minutes of runtime, and an integrated 700-lumen LED light for use in low-light conditions.
energyelectric-propulsionaerospace-technologybattery-powered-toolsnoise-reductionelectric-leaf-blowersustainable-landscapingWhat Would A SpaceX Public Offering In 2026 Look Like? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the potential public offering of SpaceX in 2026, highlighting a recent letter from CFO Bret Johnsen indicating plans to buy $2.56 billion of shares at $421 each—nearly double the previous internal valuation. This move hints at an initial public offering (IPO) that could raise over $30 billion, potentially making it the largest IPO ever and positioning SpaceX as the most valuable private company globally. Elon Musk, holding a 44% stake, stands to gain significant wealth, while the IPO is expected to fund ambitious projects such as increasing Starship flight rates, deploying AI data centers in space, building a Moonbase, and enabling crewed Mars missions, thereby advancing Musk’s vision of making humanity multi-planetary. SpaceX, founded in 2002 with the mission to explore space, has grown into a dominant aerospace company with a broad portfolio. Its Falcon 9 rocket, known for reusability and cost efficiency, supports a high launch cadence, while
energyspace-explorationaerospace-technologyreusable-rocketssatellite-internetSpaceXStarshipUS firm aims to shoot lasers from satellites to power solar farms
Overview Energy, a US startup founded in 2022, has unveiled plans to harvest solar energy from geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. The company aims to use large solar arrays in GEO to capture sunlight continuously and then transmit this energy via infrared lasers to terrestrial solar farms at night, enabling 24/7 power generation. Overview has already demonstrated its laser power transmission technology in an airborne test, successfully beaming energy from a moving aircraft to a ground receiver about 3 miles away. The firm has raised $20 million to date, focusing on validating its laser and optics system and conducting this airborne demonstration. It plans a low Earth orbit (LEO) demonstration by 2028 and hopes to commence commercial megawatt-scale transmissions from space by 2030. Overview Energy is part of a growing field of companies pursuing space-based solar power, alongside competitors like Aetherflux and Star Catcher. While space-based solar power benefits from reduced launch costs
energysolar-powersatellite-technologyspace-based-solarlaser-power-transmissionrenewable-energyaerospace-technologyChina’s low-cost ‘cement-coated’ hypersonic missile could hit Mach 7
Chinese aerospace company Lingkong Tianxing has developed the YKJ-1000, a low-cost hypersonic glide missile capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 7 and striking targets up to 1,300 kilometers away. Notably, the missile uses unconventional, civilian-grade materials such as foamed concrete for its heat-resistant coating, earning it the nickname “cement-coated missile” on Chinese social media. The YKJ-1000 reportedly entered mass production following successful combat trials, with a unit cost around US$99,000—dramatically lower than comparable Western interceptors like the U.S. SM-6 or THAAD missiles, which cost millions of dollars each. This cost advantage could disrupt global defense markets by providing an affordable yet potent precision strike capability. Analysts highlight the strategic implications of the YKJ-1000’s affordability and performance, noting it could allow smaller nations to challenge advanced military assets such as U.S. carrier strike groups within operational range. The missile’s
materialshypersonic-missileaerospace-technologydefense-technologylow-cost-materialsmissile-technologymilitary-innovationNew hybrid-electric engines could power next-gen supersonic aircraft
A UK electric powertrain company, Helix, has partnered with US-based supersonic aerospace startup Astro Mechanica to develop the Duality™ hybrid-electric propulsion system aimed at enabling affordable, long-range supersonic flight. This innovative engine architecture combines a turbogenerator core with multiple high-power electric motors, separating the compressor and fan stages from the gas turbine to boost fuel efficiency and reduce operational costs. The system is designed to operate efficiently across a wide speed range, switching between turbofan mode at subsonic speeds, turbojet at low supersonic speeds, and ramjet at higher supersonic speeds, enabling sustained flight above Mach 3. The fourth-generation prototype features four lightweight SPX242-94 electric motors, each delivering up to 400 kW peak power and 470 Nm torque, with continuous output capabilities that meet the extreme demands of supersonic airflow. Helix is also developing custom motors for the next generation of Astro Mechanica’s propulsion system, capable of delivering
energyhybrid-electric-enginessupersonic-aircraftelectric-powertrainsaerospace-technologypropulsion-systemselectric-motorsJoby Aviation makes ‘corporate espionage’ claims in lawsuit against rival Archer
Joby Aviation has filed a lawsuit against rival Archer Aviation, accusing Archer of corporate espionage involving stolen trade secrets. The complaint alleges that George Kivork, a former Joby employee who joined Archer, exfiltrated confidential Joby documents containing sensitive information on partnerships, business strategies, vertiport infrastructure, and aircraft operations shortly before resigning. Joby claims Archer used this stolen information to approach one of Joby’s strategic partners and interfere with its business. The lawsuit characterizes these actions as "planned and premeditated" corporate espionage, forcing Joby to seek legal protection for its proprietary information. Archer strongly denies the allegations, with its chief legal officer Eric Lentell calling the lawsuit baseless and an attempt by Joby to distract from its own weaknesses. Archer contends that the accused employee was non-technical and that no specific trade secrets or evidence of misappropriation have been identified. The company also emphasizes its rigorous employee onboarding procedures designed to prevent such issues and acc
electric-aviationair-taxisVTOL-aircrafthybrid-electric-propulsionautonomous-flightaerospace-technologycorporate-espionageCan China’s J-20 Detect the F-35?
The article examines the ongoing technological contest between two advanced stealth fighters: China’s upgraded J-20 “Mighty Dragon” and the U.S. F-35 Lightning II. China asserts that its J-20 can now detect the F-35 at distances exceeding 700 kilometers, leveraging next-generation AESA radar and infrared search systems enhanced by silicon carbide technology. This claim highlights significant advancements in China’s sensor capabilities aimed at countering the F-35’s stealth features. However, the article emphasizes that despite these improvements, the F-35 retains critical advantages through its sophisticated sensor fusion, extremely low radar cross-section, and integrated networked data links. These capabilities collectively enhance the F-35’s situational awareness and survivability in combat. Ultimately, the piece argues that future air engagements will be less about individual aircraft performance and more about the effectiveness of integrated systems and networked warfare, shifting the paradigm from jet-versus-jet dogfights to system-versus-system battles.
materialssilicon-carbideradar-technologystealth-technologysensor-fusionaerospace-technologymilitary-technologyBlue Origin sticks first New Glenn rocket landing and launches NASA spacecraft
Blue Origin successfully landed the booster of its New Glenn rocket on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean during its second launch attempt, becoming the second company after SpaceX to achieve this milestone. The launch, which took place on Thursday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, also marked the deployment of New Glenn’s first commercial payload: twin NASA spacecraft destined to study Mars’ atmosphere. This dual achievement is significant for Blue Origin’s efforts to establish New Glenn as a viable option for sending larger payloads to space, the Moon, and beyond, positioning the company as a competitor to SpaceX’s dominant launch services. The booster landing is a critical step toward making New Glenn reusable, a capability that reduces launch costs and is essential for commercial and government missions. Blue Origin had faced delays and a failed booster landing during New Glenn’s maiden flight in January but made necessary fixes in coordination with the FAA to ensure success on this second attempt. Looking ahead, Blue Origin must demonstrate the ability to refurbish and relaunch the
energyspace-explorationreusable-rocketsBlue-OriginNASArocket-landingaerospace-technologyChina's new adaptive-cycle jet engine delivers unprecedented thrust, efficiency
Chinese researchers at the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics have developed and tested a new adaptive cycle engine (ACE), a next-generation jet engine capable of dynamically adjusting its airflow and combustion processes to optimize performance across a wide range of speeds—from takeoff to Mach 4. This engine reportedly delivers 27–47% more thrust than comparable current engines while reducing fuel consumption by about one-third. Unlike traditional turbofan or turbojet engines, which are optimized for either low-speed efficiency or high-speed power but not both, the ACE can switch between modes, effectively acting as both a turbofan and a turbojet depending on flight conditions. This adaptability eliminates the usual trade-off between thrust and fuel efficiency. The Chinese ACE introduces a novel three-stream bypass system, adding a third cooler air stream alongside the two used in U.S. ACE designs like GE’s XA100. This design enhances thermal management, potentially protecting sensitive electronics and stealth coatings by absorbing excess heat and lowering exhaust temperatures to reduce infrared signatures. It also may
energyjet-engineadaptive-cycle-engineaerospace-technologyfuel-efficiencypropulsion-systemshypersonic-flightOldest US bomber tests America’s most advanced nuclear missile ever
A B-52H Stratofortress bomber, known as Torch52, was photographed on October 29, 2025, over Owens Valley, California, carrying what appears to be the AGM-181 Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) stealth nuclear cruise missile. This marks the missile’s first public sighting. The AGM-181 LRSO is a next-generation nuclear-capable cruise missile designed to replace the older AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile. It features advanced stealth capabilities, including composite materials and a smaller radar cross-section, fold-out wings, an inverted-T tail, and electronic countermeasures to evade enemy radar and defenses. The missile is approximately 20 feet long, subsonic, and uses an air-breathing engine, allowing it to strike strategic targets from long distances beyond enemy air defenses. Developed by Raytheon since 2020, the LRSO is compatible with both the B-52H and the forthcoming B-
materialsenergyaerospace-technologystealth-technologymissile-guidance-systemscomposite-materialsavionicsChina claims its new missile can change shape at hypersonic speed
China has developed a prototype "morphing" hypersonic vehicle capable of flying faster than Mach 5 (over 6,174 kph) with retractable wings that can change shape mid-flight. This innovation allows the missile to reduce drag by folding its wings for high-speed travel and extend them to gain lift and maneuverability, enabling turns and glides that are typically difficult at hypersonic speeds. The technology, developed by Professor Wang Peng’s team at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), has progressed beyond theoretical models to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, demonstrating real-time control of physical components under simulated flight conditions. This morphing capability addresses a longstanding challenge in hypersonic design, where vehicles usually must compromise between speed and control. By combining both, China could enhance its missile systems' ability to evade interception and engage moving or high-value targets such as aircraft carriers or stealth planes. However, the technology faces significant hurdles, including extreme temperatures exceeding 2
materialsaerospace-technologyhypersonic-vehiclesmorphing-wingsmilitary-technologyadvanced-materialsaerodynamicsChina claims its new missile can change shape at hypersonic speed
China has developed a prototype “morphing” hypersonic vehicle capable of flying faster than Mach 5 (over 6,174 kph) that can change shape mid-flight by using retractable wings. This innovation allows the vehicle to reduce drag by folding its wings for high-speed travel and extend them to gain lift and maneuverability, addressing a longstanding challenge in hypersonic technology where craft typically must choose between speed and control. The vehicle was developed by Professor Wang Peng’s team at the National University of Defence Technology (NUDT), and their work, published in a leading Chinese aerospace journal, includes hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests demonstrating real-time control with physical components, not just simulations. The morphing capability could significantly enhance China’s military capabilities, potentially allowing hypersonic missiles to reach targets quickly and then adjust their trajectory to evade interception, making them effective against moving or high-value targets such as aircraft carriers or stealth planes. However, the technology faces substantial challenges, including
materialsaerospace-technologyhypersonic-vehiclesshape-changing-technologymilitary-technologyaerodynamicsadvanced-materialsLockheed’s new drone can take off like helicopter, cruise like jet
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division has introduced the Nomad family of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, featuring a twin-proprotor design that combines helicopter-like vertical agility with the speed and range of fixed-wing aircraft. This scalable drone series can be tailored from small Group 3 UAS to sizes comparable to a Black Hawk helicopter, enabling runway-independent operations for diverse missions including reconnaissance, light attack, contested logistics, and humanitarian aid. The Nomad drones are designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft to enhance situational awareness, logistics, and strike capabilities, particularly in challenging environments like the Indo-Pacific region. The Nomad family incorporates Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology, developed with DARPA, which enables autonomous route planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission execution. The initial Nomad 50 prototype, with a 10.3-foot wingspan, demonstrated strong aerodynamic performance and vertical lift in 2025 flight tests, and a larger Nomad 100 variant is expected to
robotdroneautonomous-aircraftVTOLhybrid-electricaerospace-technologymilitary-technologyNew kirigami parachute design stabilizes instantly in free fall
Engineers at Polytechnique Montréal have developed a novel parachute design inspired by kirigami, the Japanese art of folding and cutting. This parachute is created by laser-cutting a plastic sheet with a closed-loop kirigami pattern, which transforms the sheet into an inverted bell shape during free fall when weighted at its center. Unlike conventional parachutes, it stabilizes instantly, follows a straight ballistic descent without pitching, and uses a single suspension line, reducing tangling and enabling rapid deployment. The design’s seamless construction and predictable, pin-straight descent were confirmed through simulations, wind tunnel tests, laboratory experiments, and outdoor drone drops. The kirigami parachute’s unique structure allows air to pass through small slits formed by the cuts, preventing turbulent airflow that typically destabilizes traditional canopies. This results in smooth, steady descents that remain consistent across different sizes, making the design scalable for various payloads. The researchers see immediate applications in humanitarian aid deliveries to remote areas,
materialskirigamiparachute-designmechanical-engineeringaerospace-technologyhumanitarian-aidspace-explorationCoral-inspired New 3D printed fuel cell could power lighter jets
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a novel, lightweight fuel cell called the Monolithic Gyroidal Solid Oxide Cell (The Monolith), inspired by coral structures and manufactured using 3D printing. This fully ceramic fuel cell eliminates heavy metal components that typically constitute over 75% of conventional fuel cells' weight, resulting in a device that produces over one watt per gram—an unprecedented power-to-weight ratio suitable for aerospace applications. Its gyroid-based architecture maximizes surface area, enhances gas flow, improves heat distribution, and increases mechanical stability. The manufacturing process is simplified to just five steps, avoiding fragile seals and multiple materials, which enhances durability and longevity. The Monolith fuel cell demonstrates remarkable resilience, withstanding extreme temperature fluctuations of 100°C and repeated switching between power-generating and power-storing modes without structural failure. It also produces hydrogen at nearly ten times the rate of standard models during electrolysis. These features make it a promising technology for aerospace and space missions, where
energyfuel-cells3D-printinghydrogen-productionaerospace-technologyceramic-materialsrenewable-energyTwo flying cars crash into each other in China rehearsal flight
During a rehearsal flight for the Changchun Air Show in northeastern China, two electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) developed by Xpeng Aeroht collided mid-air due to "insufficient flight distance," resulting in one vehicle catching fire upon landing and one pilot sustaining minor injuries. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene, and the injured passenger was hospitalized but reported to be stable. Xpeng Aeroht, Asia’s largest flying car company, confirmed the incident is under investigation and emphasized that all other personnel were safe. Xpeng Aeroht’s flying cars, priced around USD 281,000 each, are designed to operate at altitudes between 300 and 500 meters with features such as a panoramic cabin and single-lever controls. The company has garnered significant attention with its modular flying car technology, including a road vehicle that carries a detachable two-person eVTOL. With over 4,000 orders and ongoing development—including a new factory in Guangzhou aiming for mass production by
roboteVTOLflying-carselectric-vehiclesurban-air-mobilityaerospace-technologyXpeng-AerohtChina’s new reusable rocket prepares to challenge Elon Musk's SpaceX
China’s private aerospace company Space Pioneer has successfully completed a critical full-scale ground test of its Tianlong-3 reusable rocket, marking a major milestone toward its planned maiden flight later in 2025. The test involved firing nine Tianhuo-12 engines simultaneously for 35 seconds, generating about 1,102 tons of thrust. The 72-meter tall, medium-lift Tianlong-3 is designed to be partially reusable and capable of carrying 17 to 18 tonnes to low Earth orbit, putting it in direct competition with SpaceX’s Falcon 9. The rocket aims to support China’s ambitious broadband satellite constellations, Guowang and Qianfan, which plan to deploy over 13,000 satellites each but have faced delays partly due to launch vehicle shortages. Tianlong-3 is one of several Chinese reusable rocket projects progressing toward operational status this year. Rival private company LandSpace is developing the Zhuque-3, expected to launch between September and November 202
energyreusable-rocketsspace-launchaerospace-technologysatellite-deploymentrocket-enginesspace-industry10-watt laser sends 1 Gbps from plane to satellite in world-first test
General Atomics (GA-EMS) and Kepler Communications have achieved the world’s first high-speed laser communication link between an aircraft and a satellite, transmitting data at rates up to 1 gigabit per second over a distance of nearly 3,400 miles. The test involved a 10-watt Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) mounted on a De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter plane communicating with a Kepler satellite in low Earth orbit, compatible with the U.S. Space Development Agency’s (SDA) Tranche 0 architecture. This milestone validates a critical component of the Pentagon’s proliferated space network, demonstrating secure, high-throughput data transfer capabilities between airborne platforms and orbiting satellites. The system’s success highlights the challenges and advancements in free-space optical communications, which require precise pointing, acquisition, tracking, and lock mechanisms to maintain stable links from moving platforms to satellites. General Atomics’ OCT, housed in a Laser Airborne Communication Turret (
IoTsatellite-communicationlaser-communicationoptical-communicationaerospace-technologysecure-data-transmissionspace-networkJetBlue will use Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites for free in-flight internet
JetBlue has announced it will use Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites to provide free in-flight internet, marking the first airline partnership for Amazon’s satellite internet service. The Kuiper terminals installed on JetBlue’s planes will offer download speeds up to 1 Gbps, significantly faster than SpaceX’s Starlink service currently maxing out at 250 Mbps. While Amazon plans a smaller satellite constellation of 3,226 satellites compared to SpaceX’s 8,000+, this move positions JetBlue uniquely in the in-flight connectivity market, diverging from the trend of airlines partnering with Starlink. Amazon began launching Kuiper satellites in April 2025 and has also integrated its satellite internet technology with Airbus planes, signaling major commercial advancements for the project. Despite earlier production challenges, Amazon remains on track to meet the FCC’s mid-2026 deadline to deploy half of its planned satellite network. This partnership with JetBlue represents a significant milestone for Project Kuiper as it moves closer to operational status and expands
IoTsatellite-internetAmazon-Project-Kuiperin-flight-connectivityaerospace-technologylow-Earth-orbit-satellitesbroadband-communicationUS' 3D-printed hybrid rocket engine system passes first flight test
Firehawk Aerospace, a Texas-based company, has successfully completed the first flight test of its 3D-printed hybrid rocket engine system, called the GMLRS-class Firehawk Analog (GFA), under a Phase III SBIR contract with the U.S. Army Applications Laboratory (AAL). The test demonstrated the system’s directional stability and thrust performance, achieving a vertical ascent exceeding 18,000 feet and breaking the speed of sound. This milestone highlights the advantages of hybrid propulsion combined with advanced additive manufacturing, including adaptability, affordability, and rapid production capabilities. The GFA test is the initial flight demonstration in a series under the AAL contract, with upcoming tests planned for Javelin-class and Stinger-class analogs designed as drop-in replacements for existing solid rocket motors in Department of Defense weapon systems. Firehawk emphasizes that their approach drastically reduces production cycles from weeks to hours and supports mobile manufacturing, enhancing force sustainment and ensuring a resilient, U.S.-controlled supply chain for critical energet
energyrocket-engineshybrid-propulsionadditive-manufacturingaerospace-technologydefense-technology3D-printingChina tests vertical takeoff drone resembling US Navy's 'Gimbal' UFO
Chinese researchers at Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics have successfully tested a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone whose design closely resembles the spindle-shaped UFO recorded by the US Navy in the 2015 "Gimbal" incident. This experimental drone features an elliptical, closed-loop wing with a straight central section and vertical stabilizers, diverging from traditional quadcopter or fixed-wing designs. Four rotors mounted at wing junctions enable vertical lift and stability during transitions to forward flight. The hybrid design aims to combine the hovering and landing flexibility of multirotor drones with the range and efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft, addressing a longstanding trade-off in UAV performance. Test flights and simulations demonstrated that the drone’s elliptical wing generates more than twice the lift slope of conventional straight wings, allowing stable flight at low speeds and high angles of attack. The aircraft is modular, capable of carrying various payloads such as sensors, supply pods, and emergency equipment, making it suitable for military surveillance, maritime reconnaissance
robotdroneVTOLaerospace-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesurveillancehybrid-wing-designAstro Mechanica’s supersonic engine design gets funding boost
Astro Mechanica, a San Francisco-based aerospace company, has received new funding from United Airlines Ventures (UAV) to advance its innovative supersonic engine design named Duality. This engine employs a hybrid electric architecture that optimizes performance across a wide range of flight speeds, from takeoff to speeds exceeding Mach 3. Duality’s adaptive propulsion system can transition between operating modes—turbofan at slower speeds, turbojet near supersonic speeds, and ramjet at very high supersonic speeds—enabling efficient and flexible supersonic flight. The design aims to address the key economic challenge of fuel efficiency in supersonic travel and has potential applications in national defense, orbital launch, and long-range cargo delivery. Astro Mechanica’s goal is to democratize high-speed flight by making supersonic travel more accessible, sustainable, and flexible, with ambitions to develop the world’s first supersonic aircraft capable of transpacific flights. Beyond building its own aircraft,
energyhybrid-electric-enginesupersonic-flightaerospace-technologypropulsion-systemsustainable-aviationorbital-launch‘Skyfall maneuver’: NASA plans mid-air drop for 6 Mars helicopters
NASA and AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) have unveiled a new Mars exploration concept called Skyfall, which plans to deploy six autonomous scout helicopters simultaneously from a larger spacecraft during its descent through the Martian atmosphere. This "Skyfall maneuver" eliminates the need for a traditional landing platform, reducing costs and risks while dramatically increasing exploration speed and range. Scheduled for a potential launch by 2028, the mission aims to gather critical high-resolution surface images and subsurface radar data from multiple candidate landing sites, aiding the safe landing of future human missions targeted for the 2030s. Building on the success of the Ingenuity helicopter, which completed 72 flights on Mars between 2021 and 2024 and far exceeded its expected lifespan, Skyfall seeks to expand aerial exploration capabilities by deploying six helicopters that operate independently once on the surface. The data collected will not only facilitate crewed landings in resource-rich areas but also contribute to the search for past life on Mars. While
robotMars-explorationNASAautonomous-helicoptersaerospace-technologyaerial-roboticsspace-missionsPrinting the future: Scott Miller on the power of hybrid electronics
The article features Dr. Scott Miller, Director of Technology at NextFlex, discussing the transformative potential of flexible hybrid electronics, which combine printed electronics with conventional semiconductor components. This integration allows electronic systems to be printed onto or embedded within objects, creating lightweight, adaptable devices with new form factors. These innovations are already impacting key industries such as defense, aerospace, and healthcare—for example, by printing antennas directly onto UAV airframes for improved robustness and reduced weight, and by enabling stick-to-skin wearable patient monitors that provide continuous health data and facilitate at-home care. Beyond performance benefits, hybrid electronics offer significant advantages for U.S. manufacturing and supply chains. By lowering capital costs, they empower small and mid-sized companies to compete without massive scale, promoting localized, distributed manufacturing that reduces environmental impact, shipping costs, and geopolitical risks. The printing process also minimizes material waste compared to traditional PCB fabrication. Additionally, hybrid electronics support a digital-first design-to-manufacturing workflow, accelerating prototyping and eliminating the need for
materialshybrid-electronicsprinted-electronicsflexible-electronicsmanufacturing-innovationaerospace-technologyhealthcare-devicesAirbus equips A400M for drones, fire missions, and warzone jamming
Airbus is significantly upgrading its A400M tactical airlifter to enhance its versatility for modern military and crisis missions. The aircraft is being equipped with advanced broadband satellite communication systems to serve as a flying battlefield data hub, enabling large data transfers and real-time video feeds to mission commanders. This upgrade supports integration with the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS), allowing the A400M to act as a node in a shared Combat Cloud network. Additionally, the A400M is being tested as a drone mothership capable of carrying and deploying up to 50 small or 12 large drones, facilitating coordinated manned-unmanned operations well ahead of FCAS’s 2040 launch. Beyond communication and drone command roles, Airbus is enhancing the A400M’s electronic warfare capabilities. Twenty-three German A400Ms will receive Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) to defend against infrared-guided missiles, and the aircraft is being explored as a stand-off jammer platform, leveraging its size
robotdrone-technologyelectronic-warfareIoTmilitary-communicationaerospace-technologyunmanned-systemsIs the Ekranoplan back? China might be reviving a Soviet-era legend
Leaked images suggest that China is developing a modern version of the Soviet-era Ekranoplan, a wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vehicle designed to fly just above the water’s surface by using a cushion of compressed air for efficient low-altitude flight. Nicknamed the “Bohai Sea Monster,” this craft was spotted near the Bohai Sea and appears similar in size to China’s AG600 flying boat. The original Soviet Ekranoplans were high-speed amphibious vehicles used for troop transport, anti-ship warfare, and could reach speeds up to 310 mph. The Chinese version may employ composite materials for stealth and weight advantages and could serve roles such as search and rescue, personnel recovery, light cargo transport, anti-submarine operations, and sea control in coastal zones. The U.S. is reportedly developing a comparable WIG aircraft called the “Liberty Lifter,” aimed at rapid logistics across the Pacific while remaining below radar detection. Although details about China’s WIG
materialsaerospace-technologycomposite-materialsmilitary-technologywing-in-ground-effectstealth-technologyaviation-innovationChina test-fires reusable rocket with 9 engines to challenge SpaceX
Chinese rocket startup Landspace successfully conducted a static fire test of its Zhuque-3 rocket’s first stage on June 20 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The test involved firing nine proprietary Tianque-12A methane-liquid oxygen engines sequentially for 45 seconds, producing 7,542 kN of thrust. This milestone is a key step toward Landspace’s planned orbital launch of Zhuque-3, a reusable rocket designed to compete with SpaceX’s technology. The company views this successful test as foundational for advancing China’s reusable launch vehicle capabilities. Landspace aims to launch Zhuque-3 into orbit in the third quarter of 2024, carrying a prototype of the reusable Haolong cargo spacecraft developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute under AVIC. The company has been progressing steadily since its first launch failure in 2018 with Zhuque-1, achieving a significant milestone in 2023 when Zhuque-2 became the first methane-LOX rocket to reach
energyreusable-rocketmethane-liquid-oxygenrocket-enginesspace-launchaerospace-technologyrocket-propulsionChina’s liquid rocket engine clears major trial for cargo missions
China’s new liquid-fueled rocket engine, designed for the medium-lift Kinetica-2 launch vehicle, successfully passed a critical full-thrust test at CAS Space’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Test Center near Guangzhou. The test demonstrated stable engine performance and full-duration burn, validating the first-stage power system that will drive the core booster during liftoff. This facility is unique in China for its capability to test engines up to 200 tons of thrust and full-stage systems up to 400 tons, marking a significant advancement in China’s propulsion testing infrastructure. Kinetica-2, standing 52 meters tall with a liftoff mass of 625 metric tons and thrust capacity of 766 tons, is designed to deliver up to 12 tons to low-Earth orbit or 8 tons to a sun-synchronous orbit. Its maiden flight is scheduled for September from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, coinciding with the debut of Qingzhou, a new cargo spacecraft developed for rapid
energyrocket-engineliquid-propulsionspace-launchaerospace-technologycargo-spacecraftpropulsion-system