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My guest on 🎙Redefining Energy - Tech this month is Kevin Antcliff, the head of product at Xwing, a firm that is already flying cargo autonomously in the United States. We dove into the transformative trends shaping the aviation industry. Apple: https://lnkd.in/gUXhiwQD Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dtrzT7Qj Transcript: https://lnkd.in/deFr9KPD Antcliff, with a rich background from his years at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration focusing on urban air mobility and autonomy, shared his journey and passion for aerospace, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to XWing. Antcliff sheds light on pressing challenges the aviation sector faces today, such as the acute pilot shortage, escalating operational costs, and the hurdles posed by stringent regulatory frameworks. We explored the promising potential of electric aircraft to revolutionize the industry by offering cost-effective solutions for certification, maintenance, and operations, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future. A key focus of our discussion was on Regional Air Mobility (RAM), emphasizing its role in exploiting the existing airport infrastructure to boost connectivity. We assessed the historical significance of the numerous airports established post-World War II in the US, and how shifts in regulatory landscapes have reinvigorated the small plane manufacturing sector. The conversation underscored the industry's inevitable move towards embracing autonomy and electrification, not just for cost savings but also for enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Antcliff's NASA study on RAM revealed it as a critical solution for improving regional connectivity, leveraging established infrastructures in a way that could transform how we think about air travel. 🚁 Antcliff's journey from NASA to leading product development at XWing brings a unique perspective on the importance of autonomy and electrification in aviation's future. 🔋 The challenges and opportunities in pilot recruitment, aircraft operational efficiency, and the overall industry's direction towards uncrewed flights is enlightening. 📚 The definitions and implications of RAM, UAM (Urban Air Mobility), and AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) provided a better understanding of these concepts' roles — or not — in the broader context of aviation's evolution. #aviation #climateaction #autonomy #innovation #future

#dlr_gsoc #RICADOS (Rendezvous, Inspection, Capture And Detumbling by Orbital Servicing) has now reached the second half of the project duration (2023-2025). Five #DLR institutes continue to develop together all those key capabilities in an holistic manner right from the start. We treat space segment, ground segment and operations of #OnOrbitServicing missions as an integrated whole. "Compatibility before completion" is our strategy. Agile management is our way. We drive new features and performance improvements forward every bi-weekly Scrum-Sprint and test those changes during our Scrum-Reviews in our fully-integrated, end-to-end, hardware-in-the-loop simulation environment. With ground segment, operations and automated onboard rendezvous powered by #dlr_gsoc! A big thanks 👏 to the team for the great work! DLR Raumflugbetrieb und Astronautentraining, DLR Institut für Optische Sensorsysteme, DLR Institute of Software Technology, DLR Institute of System Dynamics and Control, DLR Institute Robotics and Mechatronics #DLR #RICADOS #FlightDynamics #OnOrbitServicing #Innovation

Happy to be part of this collaborative project #RICADOS! 🛰️ The goal is to repair damage to satellites directly in orbit in order to increase satellite lifetime and thus reduce space debris. The DLR Institute of Software Technology is working specifically on two different aspects of visualization in this project: ✔️ Firstly, software is being developed that simulates the camera images of the rendezvous GNC and the robotic system in a virtual approach with physically correct lighting. Thus, physically plausible image data sets can be generated via a user interface, which can subsequently be used for training the image-based attitude estimation between the robot and the uncontrolled moving satellite. ✔️ Secondly, our VR experts are working on the integration of VR-based teleoperation approaches into the repair process. In virtual reality, the teleoperator of the robotic systems can gain a better overview of the current situation and make informed decisions through three-dimensional visualization and real-time attitude information of the systems. We are looking forward to completing the second half of the project as part of this great team! 👏

NASA’s vision for Air Mobility Pathfinders (AMP) is to support emerging aviation markets to safely develop an air transportation system that moves people and cargo between places previously not served or underserved by aviation—local, regional, intraregional, urban—using revolutionary new aircraft that are only now becoming possible. This initiative, which includes NASA’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) efforts, is set to bring substantial benefits to both the #aviation industry and the public. The AMP project will drive these markets forward by acting as a community catalyst and by developing and validating system-level concepts and solutions. This work will be conducted both within the AMP initiative and in collaboration with other #Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) projects focused on advancing urban air mobility (UAM). 🔹 These ARMD projects are: * Air Traffic Management — eXploration (ATM-X): Transforming air traffic #management to safely accommodate new air vehicles for various missions. * Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT): Developing critical technologies for new air travel options like cargo vehicles and passenger air taxis. * Flight Demonstration and Capabilities (FDC): Conducting complex flight research demonstrations and supporting strategic goals. * System-Wide Safety (SWS): Ensuring safe transformation of aviation to meet growing air transportation demands. * Transformational Tools and Technologies (TTT): Advancing state-of-the-art computational and experimental tools for future aircraft performance. The AMP project, meanwhile, is organized to include this technical content and approaches: * Automated Flight and Contingency Management: Creating validated UAM system architectures for collaborative automation. * High-Density Verti plex: Prototyping high-density operations to assess scalable #aircraft operations. * National Campaign: Hosting events to promote public confidence in AMP safety and facilitate community learning. Ready to join the innovation wave? 🚀 Stay connected for the newest insights and career prospects. #Aerviva #AirMobilityPathfinders #UrbanAirMobility #AviationFuture #AviationCareers #AdvancedAirMobility #CareerOpportunities

Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing new technology to improve hypersonic jets, potentially revolutionizing space travel. This technology focuses on using optical sensors and adaptive control systems to improve engine control and prevent unstarts (sudden airflow changes) in scramjet engines. These advancements could lead to safer, more efficient, and reusable hypersonic aircraft that take off and land like traditional airplanes, eliminating the need for multi-stage rockets. #hypersonic #hypersonicjets #futureofspacetravel #scramjets #spacetravel #nasaresearch #innovation #engineering #science #opticalsensors #adaptivecontrol #unstartprevention #dualmodescramjet #virginiaresearch #hypersonicengine #reusable #efficiency #safety #accessibility #singlestagetoorbit #horizontallounch #aircraftlike #scifibecomesreality #futureisnow #changingtheworld #mach10 #hypersonicspeed #spaceexploration

#snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designing Article for aerospace Title: "Innovations Shaping the Future of Aerospace Technology" Introduction: The aerospace industry is at the forefront of technological advancements, pushing the boundaries of human achievement. From cutting-edge aircraft designs to space exploration breakthroughs, the field continues to evolve, driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation. This article explores key developments that are shaping the future of aerospace technology. Supersonic Travel: One of the most exciting frontiers in aerospace is the revival of supersonic travel. Companies like Boom Supersonic are developing aircraft capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 2. These advancements not only promise reduced travel times but also pose new challenges in terms of aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact. Space Tourism: With companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin leading the way, space tourism is becoming a reality. Commercial space travel is no longer confined to science fiction, as private companies work towards making space accessible to civilians. This shift opens up new possibilities for exploration and paves the way for a burgeoning space tourism industry. Autonomous Systems: Advancements in artificial intelligence and automation are influencing aerospace technology, leading to the development of autonomous aircraft and drones. These systems promise increased safety, efficiency, and mission capabilities, transforming the landscape of aviation and space exploration. Advanced Materials: Materials science plays a crucial role in aerospace innovation. The development of lightweight, durable, and high-performance materials is essential for constructing aircraft and spacecraft that can withstand extreme conditions. Advancements in materials contribute to fuel efficiency, structural integrity, and overall performance. Satellite Constellations: The proliferation of satellite constellations, led by companies like SpaceX's Starlink, is revolutionizing communication, internet access, and Earth observation. These constellations, consisting of numerous small satellites working together, promise global connectivity and enhanced data collection capabilities. Conclusion: The aerospace industry is undergoing a transformative era, marked by unprecedented technological advancements. From supersonic travel to space tourism, the future promises a dynamic landscape of innovation. As these developments continue to unfold, the aerospace sector will undoubtedly shape the way we travel, explore space, and connect with the world. The journey into the future of aerospace technology is both thrilling and limitless, pushing the boundaries of human achievement and expanding our understanding of the universe

🚀✈️ Navigating the Skies of Innovation: The Aerospace Industry ✈️🚀 The aerospace industry has always been synonymous with innovation, pushing boundaries, and expanding horizons. As we look to the skies, we're not just seeing planes and spacecraft; we're witnessing the future of technology and exploration. In a rapidly changing world, the aerospace sector continues to inspire us with cutting-edge advancements in aircraft design, propulsion systems, and space exploration. From reducing carbon emissions to exploring new frontiers beyond Earth, this industry sets the stage for a sustainable and interconnected future. 🌍🌌 Key Trends and Challenges: 🚁 Sustainable Aviation: The quest for greener skies drives research into sustainable aviation fuels and electric propulsion. 🌐 Global Connectivity: Satellite technology is connecting the world, providing broadband access even in remote areas. 🛰️ Space Exploration: With commercial ventures reaching for the stars, the opportunities for human space travel are expanding. 💼 Talent and Collaboration: A diverse, talented workforce is essential to fuel this industry's growth. 📚 Innovators and Thought Leaders: The aerospace industry thrives on visionaries who dare to dream and engineers who make those dreams a reality. Together, they're pushing us to new heights, fostering collaboration across borders, and shaping the future of transportation and exploration. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the incredible advancements in the aerospace industry. 🌠🌎 #AerospaceIndustry #Innovation #SpaceExploration #SustainableAviation #FutureTech #AerospaceTrends #GlobalConnectivity #AerospaceInnovators #DreamBig Amrit Soni Sakal Jain

#Space4ALL "international innovation #competition organised by #DLR #GermanSpaceAgency in cooperation with #ESA, #Airbus, #MercedesBenz & #OHB. Open to companies of all sizes, #startups, #research institutions & #universities, as well as individuals from all over the world. The competition promotes #ideas for the transfer of technology and expertise from other industries to the #spacesector (spin-ins/ #NewSpace) or from #space to non-space sectors (spin-offs). The overall theme for the 2024 round of the competition is: Space up your #Life – #Innovations for a smarter #Earth and #Space" https://lnkd.in/eQ-2jDmG

Our MARSBalloon experiments are on their way to the project headquarters! Well done to Olly, Lily and Cohen for working so hard on the first stage. We are looking forward to tracking the progress of our experiments. The MARSballoon will carry over 150 experiments, housed in decorated Kinder egg containers, to an altitude of 30km, more than twice the height of commercial airliners, where they will be above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere. Along the way they will experience conditions very similar to the surface of Mars including temperatures of -50°C, pressures 1/100th that of sea level and an increased radiation dose. This allows pupils to test the response of electronics, materials, plants and even food to the conditions outside of a future Mars base, helping future explorers to prepare for this strange and hostile environment. The whole flight lasts approximately four hours and the MARSBalloon team will chase after the balloon to recover the experiments after landing, allowing them to be returned to the pupils for analysis. The MARSBalloon project is supported by Thales UK and run by enthusiastic STEM supporters from Thales Alenia Space, that will test pupil ideas for technologies that could one day be destined for Mars. Their aim is to test anything that humans or robots will be doing on Mars in the future. Text credit from Thales. Further information can be found at https://lnkd.in/g2Uzh35r #futuremartians #marsballoon #space #stem

Following European Space Agency - ESA's objective for transformation, a new FIRST! campaign for avionics and GNC has been launched. The ‘’Future Innovation Research in Space Transportation’’ (FIRST) is an initiative of the ESA STS Future Launchers Preparatory Programme (FLPP) and designates a series of procurements in open competition, aiming at fostering disruptive technologies in #SpaceTransportation and accelerating their de-risking through rapid prototyping and testing. The primary objective is to detect, select, and demonstrate technologies with the potential to transform their respective fields. In pursuit of these goals, the new FIRST! campaign focuses this time on key technologies in the domain of #avionics and Guidance, Navigation and Control (#GNC). Marking the inaugural phase of this new campaign, a call for ideas has just been launched on ESA’s Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) and will be open until March 11th, 2024. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dXAbiEBh