VAAASPACE, Author at VAAASPACE

NASA and Moog’s Air Taxi Noise Tests Make Noise Reduction Possible!

Air taxis have the potential to completely transform the way we travel through the skies. NASA is fully committed to turning this vision into a reality and is actively collaborating with industry partners to address one crucial aspect – reducing aircraft noise in our communities.

As we look towards the future, it becomes evident that quiet flight will play a pivotal role, especially when air taxis and drones take off and land in designated vertiports located in both rural and urban areas. These vertiports will seamlessly integrate into our communities, ensuring a smooth and efficient transportation system.

To support the industry in designing vehicles that prioritize noise reduction, NASA is equipping them with the necessary tools to predict noise levels during the vehicle’s design phase. By providing these tools well in advance, companies can make informed decisions and optimize their designs even before seeking certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

In a significant step towards this goal, NASA’s researchers from the Glenn Research Center traveled to the Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Ohio during the summer of 2023. Their mission was to test an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) taxi developed by Moog. Throughout the testing process, NASA’s team collected valuable data during the aircraft’s departure, landing, and even while it hovered at an altitude of 60 feet. The eVTOL was remotely piloted by a skilled operator from a nearby ground station.

This collaboration with Moog marked the second round of testing conducted by NASA. In 2022, researchers had already acquired noise data during the initial piloted testing phase, where the Moog vehicle hovered in a fixed location.

The data collected from both rounds of testing will be instrumental in enhancing and validating NASA’s noise prediction tools. The agency is committed to sharing these tools, along with the comprehensive dataset, with the U.S. industry. By doing so, NASA aims to assist in the design process of quiet air taxis and drones, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of noise reduction.

This groundbreaking research is being carried out under NASA’s Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) project, which falls under the agency’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program. The RVLT project aligns with NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility Mission, which aims to provide the industry with crucial data to guide the development of electric air taxis and drones. Together, we are shaping the future of air transportation, making it quieter, more efficient, and accessible for all.

The X-65 CRANE Demonstrator Aircraft Set to Soar at Mach 0.7

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, is currently developing the X-65, a technology demonstrator aircraft, as part of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program. This aircraft aims to showcase the capabilities of active flow control (AFC) as a key design element, with the potential to greatly transform the future of aircraft design and enhance overall performance.

Aurora Flight Sciences initiated the development of an experimental X-plane in November 2020 as part of the DARPA’s CRANE programme. This endeavor, known as Phase 0, entailed collaborating with Boeing and the University of Arizona to establish tools and methodologies for integrating AFC into the early stages of aircraft design.

Following this initial phase, the subsequent stage focused on the preliminary design of the X-plane demonstrator, aiming to showcase the practical advantages of AFC technology.

In August 2021, the company progressed to Phase 1 of the programme, which encompassed the development of system requirements, initial design efforts, software creation, and initial airworthiness evaluations. As part of Phase 1, wind tunnel testing took place in San Diego, California, US, in May 2022. These tests laid a strong foundation for the development of flight control laws centered around AFC.

In December 2022, the DARPA allocated funds for the detailed engineering design of a full-scale X-plane, bringing the aircraft closer to flight readiness. This funding is part of Phase 2, which also includes the option to construct and fly the aircraft in subsequent phases.In January 2024, Aurora Flight Sciences was selected by the DARPA to construct a full-scale X-plane for Phase 3 of the CRANE programme. This phase will demonstrate the effectiveness of AFC actuators as the primary means of flight control. During this phase, an X-plane will be created without conventional moving control surfaces. The primary focus of the aircraft’s design will revolve around an AFC system, which will direct pressurized air to effectors that are embedded in all the flying surfaces.

To manipulate the airflow over the aircraft’s surface, jets of air will be utilized, with AFC effectors taking charge of controlling the roll, pitch, and yaw. By eliminating the need for external moving parts, the weight and complexity of the aircraft are expected to be reduced, ultimately leading to enhanced performance.The X-65, designed as a modular testbed, will showcase interchangeable outboard wings and AFC effectors, enabling the testing of various AFC designs.To gain a deeper understanding of AFC’s potential impact on future aircraft, sensors will continuously monitor the performance of AFC effectors in comparison to traditional control mechanisms.

The uncrewed full-scale prototype will possess a wingspan measuring 30ft and a total weight of 7,000lb. It will possess the capability to achieve speeds of up to Mach 0.7. To ensure the flight test outcomes are directly applicable to practical aircraft design, the dimensions and velocity of the prototype will resemble those of a military trainer aircraft. The X-65’s unique wing shape, resembling a diamond, will facilitate extensive learning about advanced flight control in real-world testing scenarios. Moreover, the X-65’s modular platform design will enable it to function as a testing asset for not only the CRANE program but also for DARPA and other agencies. Version 1: The X-65 aircraft has been specifically designed to assess and showcase the diverse capabilities of AFC across different effects, such as tactical flight control and performance enhancement. To establish a performance benchmark, the aircraft will initially be fitted with conventional flaps and rudders alongside AFC effectors. As the testing progresses, the reliance on moving surfaces will be minimized, with subsequent tests increasingly relying on AFC effectors.

From Sky to Satellite: How INSAT-3DS is Revolutionizing Indian Meteorology

India is poised to enhance its meteorological monitoring capabilities through the launch of INSAT-3DS, an advanced weather satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Set for liftoff in February aboard the GSLV-F14 rocket, this cutting-edge satellite will play a crucial role in weather forecasting and disaster management.

The satellite has been transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre to be integrated with the rocket for a launch from Sriharikota.

INSAT-3DS is designed as a successor to the existing in-orbit satellites INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, with the aim of providing uninterrupted services and significantly improving the overall capabilities of the INSAT system.

INSAT, which stands for the Indian National Satellite System, offers a range of services including telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations.

Recently, the INSAT-3DS satellite was sent off to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota on January 25, following successful assembly, integration, and testing at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

This mission is a user-funded project in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), highlighting the substantial contributions made by Indian industries in its development.

What Can We Expect INSAT-3DS to Carry on its Space Odyssey?

INSAT-3DS, developed on ISRO’s reliable I-2k bus platform, weighs 2,275 kg and is equipped with state-of-the-art payloads to enhance meteorological observation.

The satellite’s advanced instruments consist of a 6-channel Imager and a 19-channel Sounder, specifically designed for meteorological purposes to monitor land and ocean surfaces. These tools will play a crucial role in gathering essential data for accurate weather forecasting and early warning systems, strengthening India’s preparedness and response strategies for natural disasters.

Furthermore, INSAT-3DS carries communication payloads like the Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and the Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder. The DRT will receive data from automatic Data Collection Platforms and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), thereby enhancing the country’s weather forecasting capabilities. The SAS&R transponder is a vital component for global search and rescue operations, responsible for relaying distress signals and alert detections from beacon transmitters.

The successful launch of INSAT-3DS signifies a significant achievement for India’s space program and its dedication to utilizing space technology for the betterment of society.

With its advanced features, INSAT-3DS is poised to strengthen India’s position in meteorological observation and disaster management, providing invaluable support to both national and international communities.

India’s 1st Private Astronaut Training Facility: What You Need to Know

India’s upcoming facility, situated on a 4-acre land in Navi Mumbai, will allocate 1.5 acres for an advanced training center. The proposed facility aims to provide specialized training, incorporating various modules such as hypoxia chambers, space suit acclimatization, G-Force exposure, and spacecraft ingress/egress simulations. Moreover, it will include an on-site analog habitat for extended and hyper-realistic mission simulations, promoting advancements in aerospace education.

The aspiring astronaut program is designed as a month-long course, while commercial astronaut training will span a more comprehensive duration. On the other hand, government astronaut training will cover an even longer period.

The startup has already formed a partnership with the US astronaut training facility, Nastar Centre. While more than 5,000 candidates from Asia apply for training in the US and Europe each year, only a limited number, typically 10-15, secure spots. Astroborne aims to bridge this gap by offering training opportunities to approximately 700 candidates annually. The trainers at Astroborne will undergo training and certification from Nastar, ensuring top-notch instruction in astronaut training.

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Astroborne Space & Defence Technologies was established in 2022. The company specializes in aerospace, defense, commercial spaceflight, astronaut training, space crew modules, spacesuits, and space colonization. It is led by CEO and co-founder, Akshat Mohite. Additionally, Astroborne is registered with IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre), the space regulator and promoter.

Astroborne is currently in the process of developing Airawat, India’s next-generation six-seater commercial space module. Specifically designed for suborbital space tourism missions, Airawat can reach altitudes of up to 400km. This groundbreaking module enables cost-effective manned commercial spaceflight, ushering in a new era of accessible outer space exploration.

India Holds Successful Mock Drills of High-Speed Expendable “ABHYAS”

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted four flight trials of the High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. These trials, which took place from January 30 to February 2, validated various parameters including endurance, speed, manoeuvrability, altitude, and range. Compared to imported equivalents, ‘ABHYAS’ is cost-effective and requires minimal logistics.

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO designed the flights to provide a realistic threat scenario for practicing weapon systems. The autopilot, developed indigenously by ADE, enables autonomous flying. The trials utilized a single booster designed by the Advanced Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad, which provided reduced launch acceleration. The objectives, such as safe booster release, launcher clearance, and achieving the required end-of-launch velocity, were successfully accomplished.

‘ABHYAS’ is equipped with a radar cross-section, visual and Infrared augmentation system, and a laptop-based Ground Control System. This system facilitates aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, data recording during the flight, replay after the flight, and post-flight analysis. The manufacturing units of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence were involved in the realization of the recently tested systems.

With its export potential for friendly countries, ‘ABHYAS’ is now ready for production.

Space-Based Nuclear Weapons: What the US Says Russia is developing?

The true nature of the weapon, and whether it even exists, remains shrouded in uncertainty. However, the potential threat of targeting satellites could lead to a wide range of disruptive consequences. This includes undermining global communications, surveillance, intelligence, and command and control systems, even within the realm of nuclear capabilities.

It is puzzling why Russia would resort to using nuclear weapons to destroy a satellite. According to The New York Times, the United States lacks the means to counter such a weapon.

On Wednesday, a source briefed on the matter informed Reuters that the United States has shared new intelligence with Congress and European allies regarding Russian nuclear capabilities that could pose a threat on an international scale. The source clarified that these new capabilities, which are linked to Russia’s efforts to develop a space-based weapon, do not present an immediate danger to the United States.

Later reports indicated that the warning pertained to Russia’s space capabilities and its satellites. While the issue was deemed serious by one source, it was clarified that it did not involve an active capability and should not be a cause for panic.

According to The New York Times, citing current and former U.S. officials, the new intelligence is connected to Russia’s pursuit of a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. ABC News also reported on this capability. However, it is important to note that the nuclear weapon in question is not currently in orbit.

This intelligence came to light after Representative Mike Turner, the Republican chair of the U.S. House of Representatives intelligence committee, issued a cryptic statement on Wednesday, warning of a “serious national security threat.”

Russia and the United States are the dominant nuclear powers, collectively possessing approximately 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. Both countries also have advanced military satellites orbiting the Earth.

During the early years of the Cold War, when Russia surged ahead in the space race and both sides developed intercontinental ballistic missiles, the West proposed a treaty to prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons in space.

During the early years of the Cold War, when Russia took the lead in the space race and both sides developed intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Western nations proposed a treaty to prohibit the deployment of nuclear weapons in space. This led to the creation of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which strictly forbids the placement of any weapons of mass destruction in orbit or outer space.

In the present day, the United States considers Russia and China as its primary competitors on the global stage. According to the US, both nations are actively working on developing various new weapons systems, including nuclear, cyber, and space capabilities. On the other hand, Russia argues that the United States’ post-Cold War dominance is crumbling and accuses Washington of causing chaos worldwide while disregarding the interests of other powers. Moscow claims that the US is also engaged in the development of numerous new weapons.

While Russia has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of such weapons, it dismisses the US warning as a “malicious fabrication” and a ploy by the White House to secure more funding from Congress to counter Moscow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on the reports until the White House reveals the details. However, he pointed out that the warning from Washington is clearly an attempt to persuade Congress to allocate more funds.

Moscow’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, who is responsible for arms control, accused the United States of spreading “malicious fabrication,” as reported by the TASS news agency. The situation remains tense as both sides exchange accusations and await further developments.