Aerospace and Defense Review : News

Space engineering has matured into a series of interconnected technologies that deliver exciting new space science missions, a fire hose of Earth observation data, and a network of global communication and navigation services. Today, it is possible to land probes on comets and access remote areas in deep space 2019 marked the 50th anniversary since the launch of Apollo 11, one of the most significant milestones in space history. This was possible primarily due to the advancements in space technology like rocket propulsion, onboard computing, and space operations , and an almost unlimited budget. Since then, space engineering has evolved into a multiverse which involves space exploration, space research, and leveraging space technology. Also, the number of participating nations in space engineering has increased multifold since 1969. Space engineering has matured into a series of interconnected technologies that deliver exciting new space science missions, a fire hose of Earth observation data, and a network of global communication and navigation services. Today, it is possible to land probes on comets and access remote areas in deep space. Once again, the fast-improving technology must be credited for the success. With new technologies emerging every day, space findings are sure to grow even more in the coming years. Over the years, miniaturization of technology has enabled a variety of spacecraft sizes, such as 100 kilogram small satellites used for Disaster Monitoring Constellation, consisting of a coordinated group of individual satellites. Small CubeSats weighing a few kilograms and carrying a range of different payloads is another result of miniaturization. These satellites are used for Earth observation, or to conduct low-cost science experiments. A large number of these can be launched at the same time as secondary payload along with larger satellites. The aim is to miniaturize the size as much as possible and compensate the same in magnitude. The Sprite Device is an example of such technology, weighing just four grams despite being loaded with sensors, communication, and onboard data processing. These devices have already been mounted on the exterior of the International Space Station . And just recently, the KickSat-2 mission deployed 105 Sprite devices, costing under USD 100 each, in orbit about the Earth. At the same time, there is also significant progress in the other end of the size spectrum. Large 30-meter deployable booms are already in use on the International Space Station to support its solar arrays. The aim here is to maximize the size of objects while keeping them lightweight. This is possible using 3D printing technology to work in a vacuum and microgravity. Large, lightweight structures directly in orbit can have a significant impact on space technology; getting around the risky hurdle of launching delicate structures from the ground. Also see:- Top Aviation Technology Solution Companies ...Read more

The company spends 70 percent of its time and money on the Electron project's first stage. If the company can successfully configure the reusable booster technology, then it will be able to send out large payloads on the Electron platform sooner California-based Rocket Lab postponed the launch of the Electron spacecraft after the company decided that it needed to conduct more tests. The Electron platform launch was supposed to be the company's tenth mission and would have also been their first reusable rocket system. This will be the first time that Rocket Lab includes technology designed to help it eventually recover and reuse elements of its launch vehicle. "We're standing down from today's launch attempt to conduct further tests on ground systems. We'll update with a new target launch date soon. The window remains open until 12 December," said the company in a statement. Rocket Lab's two-stage Electron booster was scheduled to send seven satellites into Earth orbit from New Zealand on 29 November this year. The booster also had a Japanese spacecraft onboard that is expected to create artificial meteor showers. The spacecraft is owned by a Tokyo-based company called ALE that uses microsatellites to simulate particles from meteors. The payload also included microsatellites from Alba Orbital. Rocket Lab was also set to test its recovery instrumentation load on board the Electron vehicle, including guidance and navigation systems, as well as telemetry and flight computer hardware. This will enable the company to gather real-time data about the process of re-entry for Electron’s first stage, and Rocket Lab will also attempt to make use of a reaction control system to control the orientation of the booster as it re-enters. Reusable booster technology is the key to the future as both SpaceX and Blue Origin have entered the reusable booster technology, and Rocket Lab will look to exploit the same to reduce launch costs. Currently, the company spends 70 percent of its time and money on the Electron project's first stage. If the company can successfully configure the reusable booster technology, then it will be able to send out large payloads on the Electron platform sooner. The Electron features a similar vertical touch down design like its counterparts from SpaceX and Blue Origin, making use of its engines to slow down its descent.  See also:  Top Aerospace Tech Solution Companies ...Read more

The first batch of the SKEDLAR V-200 is expected to be produced over the next few months. Simultaneously, UMS SKEDLAR will continue to develop its prototypes as it expands software operations, research, and development and training solutions. International outsource manufacturing contractor Scanfil displayed its all-new, first of its kind, vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle SKEDLAR V-200. The new UAV marks a milestone for the company and is a significant boost to production ahead of what is expected to be a big year for UMS SKEDLAR. Currently, UMS SKEDLAR is entering a critical phase of its growth, having roped in major contracts with the German Navy and Royal Canadian Navy, and essential advancements to the flagship SKELDAR V-200 platform over the last 12 months. “2020 will be a very big year for us, and one where the hard work of the team from the last 18 months will pay off as we fulfill the company’s potential. With the ability to serial produce our pioneering SKELDAR V-200 platform and thanks to further contracts in the pipeline, we are on a high growth trajectory that will place us at the forefront of the global maritime UAV market,” said Axel Cavalli-Bjorkman, CEO of UMS SKELDAR. “We have been extremely impressed by the professionalism and the rigorous standards achieved by the production team. This close relationship with Scanfil is a true partnership of expertise and importantly provides us with the required volume production at a time when our SKELDAR V-200 is being recognized for what it is; one of the best VTOL UAV platforms in its class in the market today,” he added. The first batch of the SKEDLAR V-200 is expected to be produced over the next few months. Simultaneously, UMS SKEDLAR will continue to develop its prototypes as it expands software operations, research, and development and training solutions. The research and development team is making further advancements to the SKEDLAR V-200, keeping in line with the company’s declared mission to be at the cutting edge of the VTOL UAV market. The SKEDLAR V-200's ability to provide OPVs with an embedded eye in the sky intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability to enhance their capacity to perform primary and secondary missions is unmatched. “We are proud to be a partner of UMS SKELDAR at a time when the company is going from strength-to-strength. With our expertise in manufacturing processes , we aim to provide UMS SKELDAR with the depth it needs to fulfill more contracts in the future,” said Steve Creutz, Managing Director of Scanfil Åtvidaberg. Check Out This : Managing MFG Check This Out:-  Top Aerospace Manufacturing Companies ...Read more