#Aeronautical Development Agency

[defencecapital]

Trump confirms American F-35 contest with Russian Su-57 for India 5th Gen combat jet deal

By N. C. Bipindra New Delhi: It is official now. US President Donald Trump has effectively set up a contest between American F-35 and Russian Su-57 for India‘s big-ticket need for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft to catch up with arch-rival China on high-end combat jets. Trump, after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington, D.C., announced that the US is offering India the…

[ameceeashish]

Aeronautical Engineering Education Requirement in Dehradun: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you fascinated by aircraft, space shuttles, and the science behind flight? If yes, aeronautical engineering could be your gateway to an exciting and high-paying career. Dehradun, the educational hub of North India, has emerged as a prime destination for aeronautical engineering aspirants due to its serene learning environment, modern infrastructure, and availability of top-rated institutes.

In this blog, we’ll explore the aeronautical engineering education requirements in Dehradun College, eligibility criteria, admission process, and why Dehradun is a perfect place to pursue this prestigious course.

📌 What is Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautical engineering is a branch of aerospace engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of aircraft and related systems. From aerodynamics to avionics, it is a multidisciplinary field requiring a solid foundation in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles.

📚 Aeronautical Engineering Education Requirements in Dehradun

To pursue a degree in aeronautical engineering from a reputed institute in Dehradun, here are the essential academic and skill-based requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications

10+2 in Science Stream: The candidate must have completed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as compulsory subjects.

Minimum Marks: Most institutes require at least 50% aggregate marks in PCM. However, some top colleges may set the bar at 60% or above.

English Proficiency: English is often a medium of instruction. Hence, proficiency in English is essential.

2. Entrance Exams

Some colleges in Dehradun admit students based on national or institutional entrance tests:

JEE Main: A few reputed institutes accept Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main scores.

Institute-level Tests: Institutes like the Alpine Group of Institutes may conduct their own entrance exams or personal interviews.

3. Age Criteria

Most institutes require candidates to be between 17 to 25 years at the time of admission.

4. Medical Fitness

Students must be medically fit, especially when the course involves hands-on training in labs and aircraft maintenance workshops.

🏫 Top Colleges for Aeronautical Engineering in Dehradun

Dehradun is home to many esteemed institutions offering aeronautical engineering programs. Some of the popular names include:

Alpine Institute of Aeronautics

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)

DIT University

Graphic Era University

Among these, the Alpine Group of Institutes is highly recognized for its DGCA-approved curriculum, experienced faculty, and industry-integrated training programs, making it a top choice for aspiring aeronautical engineers.

🎓 Course Curriculum Overview

A typical aeronautical engineering course in Dehradun is a 4-year B.Tech program. The syllabus usually includes:

Aerodynamics

Aircraft Structures

Propulsion Systems

Avionics

Flight Mechanics

Materials Science

CAD and Simulation Tools

Students also undergo industrial training and live aircraft maintenance exposure, enhancing their practical knowledge and job readiness.

💼 Career Opportunities After Aeronautical Engineering

Graduates of aeronautical engineering from Dehradun have access to diverse job opportunities, including:

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME)

Aerospace Design Engineer

Flight Test Engineer

Avionics Engineer

Systems Engineer

R&D Engineer in DRDO, ISRO, HAL, NAL, and more

🌟 Why Choose Dehradun for Aeronautical Engineering?

✔️ Educational Excellence

Dehradun is known for its academic culture, making it an ideal environment for technical education.

✔️ Industry-Linked Programs

Colleges collaborate with aviation organizations to provide hands-on training and real-time industry exposure.

✔️ Affordable Living

Compared to metro cities, Dehradun offers affordable accommodation, food, and transport, making it easier for students from all backgrounds.

✔️ Serene and Safe Environment

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehradun provides a peaceful and safe setting, perfect for academic focus and personal growth.

📝 How to Apply for Aeronautical Engineering in Dehradun

Follow these steps to secure admission:

Research and Shortlist: Identify top aeronautical engineering colleges in Dehradun.

Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet the academic and age criteria.

Apply Online: Most colleges have an online application process.

Entrance Exam (if applicable): Prepare and appear for entrance tests.

Submit Documents: Class 10th and 12th marksheets, ID proof, photos, etc.

Attend Interview/Counselling: Depending on the college’s admission policy.

Confirm Admission: Pay the fees and secure your seat.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is aeronautical engineering different from aerospace engineering?

Yes. Aeronautical engineering deals specifically with aircraft within the Earth's atmosphere, while aerospace includes both aeronautics and astronautics (spacecraft).

Q2: Can I become a pilot after aeronautical engineering?

Yes. While the degree doesn't directly make you a pilot, it can be a stepping stone. You will still need to complete commercial pilot training.

Q3: Is there any scholarship available for aeronautical engineering in Dehradun?

Yes. Several institutes offer merit-based or need-based scholarships, and some provide fee concessions for students from economically weaker sections.

Q4: What is the average fee for aeronautical engineering in Dehradun?

Fees typically range from ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per year, depending on the college and facilities offered.

Q5: Are internships mandatory in this course?

Yes. Internships are a crucial part of the curriculum, helping students gain practical exposure to aircraft systems and engineering workflows.

📣 Final Thoughts

If you're dreaming of a career that combines innovation, science, and adventure, aeronautical engineering is a fantastic choice. With its world-class education infrastructure and scenic academic setting, Dehradun is quickly rising as a preferred destination for future aerospace professionals.Choose wisely, prepare well, and take flight into a high-altitude career from the aeronautical engineering colleges in Dehradun.

[journosatyam]

india-5th-generation-stealth-fighter-jets-amca-explainer

भारत में बनेंगे 5वीं पीढ़ी के लड़ाकू विमान, क्या होगा खास? सबकुछ जानिए

अब 5वीं जनरेशन के स्टील्थ लड़ाकू विमान भारत में ही बनेंगे. रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह ने इसकी मंजूरी दे दी है. उन्होंने मंगलवार को एडवांस्ड मीडियम कॉम्बैट एयरक्राफ्ट (AMCA) को डिजाइन करने और बनाने के लिए 'एग्जीक्यूशन मॉडल' को मंजूरी दी. इसका मतलब यह हुआ कि अब सबसे एडवांस्ड 5वीं जनरेशन के लड़ाकू विमानों को भारत में ही बनाया जाएगा. 

यह इसलिए खास है क्योंकि भारत अपने दम पर 5वीं पीढ़ी का लड़ाकू विमान बनाने की तैयारी कर रहा है. पहले रूस के साथ मिलकर विमान को बनाने की तैयारी थी लेकिन बात नहीं बन सकी.

पूरा आर्टिकल पढ़ने के लिए नीचे लिंक पर क्लिक करें👇

भारत में बनेंगे 5वीं पीढ़ी के लड़ाकू विमान, क्या होगा खास? सबकुछ जानिए

[defencestar]

LCA Tejas: Indigenous Digital Flight Control Computer tested successfully

Indigenous Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control System for Tejas: In a major step towards achieving self-reliance in defence sector, Indian scientists and engineers have successfully integrated indigenously developed Digital Fly by Wire Flight Control Computer (DFCC) in prototype LSP7 on Monday (February 19, 2024). The digital fly-by-wire flight control computer has been indigenously developed by…

[jcmarchi]

Researchers release open-source space debris model

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/researchers-release-open-source-space-debris-model/

Researchers release open-source space debris model

MIT’s Astrodynamics, Space Robotics, and Controls Laboratory (ARCLab) announced the public beta release of the MIT Orbital Capacity Assessment Tool (MOCAT) during the 2023 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Space Forum Workshop on Dec. 14. MOCAT enables users to model the long-term future space environment to understand growth in space debris and assess the effectiveness of debris-prevention mechanisms.

With the escalating congestion in low Earth orbit, driven by a surge in satellite deployments, the risk of collisions and space debris proliferation is a pressing concern. Conducting thorough space environment studies is critical for developing effective strategies for fostering responsible and sustainable use of space resources. 

MOCAT stands out among orbital modeling tools for its capability to model individual objects, diverse parameters, orbital characteristics, fragmentation scenarios, and collision probabilities. With the ability to differentiate between object categories, generalize parameters, and offer multi-fidelity computations, MOCAT emerges as a versatile and powerful tool for comprehensive space environment analysis and management.

MOCAT is intended to provide an open-source tool to empower stakeholders including satellite operators, regulators, and members of the public to make data-driven decisions. The ARCLab team has been developing these models for the last several years, recognizing that the lack of open-source implementation of evolutionary modeling tools limits stakeholders’ ability to develop consensus on actions to help improve space sustainability. This beta release is intended to allow users to experiment with the tool and provide feedback to help guide further development.

Richard Linares, the principal investigator for MOCAT and an MIT associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics, expresses excitement about the tool’s potential impact: “MOCAT represents a significant leap forward in orbital capacity assessment. By making it open-source and publicly available, we hope to engage the global community in advancing our understanding of satellite orbits and contributing to the sustainable use of space.”

MOCAT consists of two main components. MOCAT-MC evaluates space environment evolution with individual trajectory simulation and Monte Carlo parameter analysis, providing both a high-level overall view for the environment and a fidelity analysis into the individual space objects evolution. MOCAT Source Sink Evolutionary Model (MOCAT-SSEM), meanwhile, uses a lower-fidelity modeling approach that can run on personal computers within seconds to minutes. MOCAT-MC and MOCAT-SSEM can be accessed separately via GitHub.

MOCAT’s initial development has been supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and NASA’s Office of Technology and Strategy.

“We are thrilled to support this groundbreaking orbital debris modeling work and the new knowledge it created,” says Charity Weeden, associate administrator for the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy at NASA headquarters in Washington. “This open-source modeling tool is a public good that will advance space sustainability, improve evidence-based policy analysis, and help all users of space make better decisions.”

[nasa]

LaRue Burbank, mathematician and computer, is just one of the many women who were instrumental to NASA missions.

4 Little Known Women Who Made Huge Contributions to NASA

Women have always played a significant role at NASA and its predecessor NACA, although for much of the agency’s history, they received neither the praise nor recognition that their contributions deserved. To celebrate Women’s History Month – and properly highlight some of the little-known women-led accomplishments of NASA’s early history – our archivists gathered the stories of four women whose work was critical to NASA’s success and paved the way for future generations.

LaRue Burbank: One of the Women Who Helped Land a Man on the Moon

LaRue Burbank was a trailblazing mathematician at NASA. Hired in 1954 at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory (now NASA’s Langley Research Center), she, like many other young women at NACA, the predecessor to NASA, had a bachelor's degree in mathematics. But unlike most, she also had a physics degree. For the next four years, she worked as a "human computer," conducting complex data analyses for engineers using calculators, slide rules, and other instruments. After NASA's founding, she continued this vital work for Project Mercury.

In 1962, she transferred to the newly established Manned Spacecraft Center (now NASA’s Johnson Space Center) in Houston, becoming one of the few female professionals and managers there.  Her expertise in electronics engineering led her to develop critical display systems used by flight controllers in Mission Control to monitor spacecraft during missions. Her work on the Apollo missions was vital to achieving President Kennedy's goal of landing a man on the Moon.

Eilene Galloway: How NASA became… NASA

Eilene Galloway wasn't a NASA employee, but she played a huge role in its very creation. In 1957, after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, Senator Richard Russell Jr. called on Galloway, an expert on the Atomic Energy Act, to write a report on the U.S. response to the space race. Initially, legislators aimed to essentially re-write the Atomic Energy Act to handle the U.S. space goals. However, Galloway argued that the existing military framework wouldn't suffice – a new agency was needed to oversee both military and civilian aspects of space exploration. This included not just defense, but also meteorology, communications, and international cooperation.

Her work on the National Aeronautics and Space Act ensured NASA had the power to accomplish all these goals, without limitations from the Department of Defense or restrictions on international agreements. Galloway is even to thank for the name "National Aeronautics and Space Administration", as initially NASA was to be called “National Aeronautics and Space Agency” which was deemed to not carry enough weight and status for the wide-ranging role that NASA was to fill.

Barbara Scott: The “Star Trek Nerd” Who Led Our Understanding of the Stars

A self-described "Star Trek nerd," Barbara Scott's passion for space wasn't steered toward engineering by her guidance counselor. But that didn't stop her!  Fueled by her love of math and computer science, she landed at Goddard Spaceflight Center in 1977.  One of the first women working on flight software, Barbara's coding skills became instrumental on missions like the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) and the Thermal Canister Experiment on the Space Shuttle's STS-3.  For the final decade of her impressive career, Scott managed the flight software for the iconic Hubble Space Telescope, a testament to her dedication to space exploration.

Dr. Claire Parkinson: An Early Pioneer in Climate Science Whose Work is Still Saving Lives

Dr. Claire Parkinson's love of math blossomed into a passion for climate science. Inspired by the Moon landing, and the fight for civil rights, she pursued a graduate degree in climatology.  In 1978, her talents landed her at Goddard, where she continued her research on sea ice modeling. But Parkinson's impact goes beyond theory.  She began analyzing satellite data, leading to a groundbreaking discovery: a decline in Arctic sea ice coverage between 1973 and 1987. This critical finding caught the attention of Senator Al Gore, highlighting the urgency of climate change.

Parkinson's leadership extended beyond research.  As Project Scientist for the Aqua satellite, she championed making its data freely available. This real-time information has benefitted countless projects, from wildfire management to weather forecasting, even aiding in monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Parkinson's dedication to understanding sea ice patterns and the impact of climate change continues to be a valuable resource for our planet.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space! 

[blasteffect]

Supernova 1987A!

SN 1987A was the closest observed supernova to Earth since the invention of the telescope and has become by far the best studied of all time, with observations of SN 1987A giving astronomers revolutionary insights into the deaths of massive stars.

This image was captured to mark the 30th anniversary of the supernova and check how its remnant is developing.

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration , ESA - European Space Agency , and R. Kirshner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation) and P. Challis (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Report analyzes long history of NASA support for commercial space

NASA published a new report on Thursday highlighting 17 agency mechanisms that have directly and indirectly supported the development and growth of the U.S. commercial space sector for the benefit of humanity.

The report, titled "Enabling America on the Space Frontier: The Evolution of NASA's Commercial Space Development Toolkit," is available on the agency's website.

"This is the most extensive and comprehensive historical analysis produced by NASA on how it has contributed to commercial space development over the decades," said Alex MacDonald, NASA chief economist. "These efforts have given NASA regular access to space with companies, such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab, modernizing our communications infrastructure, and even led to the first private lunar lander thanks to Intuitive Machines.

"With commercial space growth accelerating, this report can help agency leaders and stakeholders assess the numerous mechanisms that the agency uses to support this growth, both now and in the future."

Throughout its history, NASA has supported the development of the commercial space sector, not only leading the way in areas such as satellite communications, launch, and remote sensing, but also developing new contract and operational models to encourage commercial participation and growth.

In the last three decades, NASA has seen the results of these efforts with commercial partners able to contribute more to missions across NASA domains, and increasingly innovative agency-led efforts to engage, nurture, and integrate these capabilities. These capabilities support the agency's mission needs, and have seen a dramatic rise in importance, according to the report.

NASA has nurtured technology, companies, people, and ideas in the commercial space sector, contributing to the U.S. and global economies, across four distinct periods in the agency's history:

1915–1960: NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), and NASA's pre-Apollo years.

1961–1980: Apollo era.

1981–2010: Space shuttle era.

2011–present: Post-shuttle commercial era.

Each of these time periods are defined by dominant technologies, programs, or economic trends further detailed in the report.

Though some of these mechanisms are relatively recent, others have been used throughout the history of NASA and NACA, leading to some overlap. The 17 mechanisms are as follows:

Contracts and Partnership Agreements

Research and Technology Development (R&TD)

Dissemination of Research and Scientific Data

Education and Workforce Development

Workforce External Engagement and Mobility

Technology Transfer

Technical Support

Enabling Infrastructure

Launch

Direct In-Space Support

Standards and Regulatory Framework Support

Public Engagement

Industry Engagement

Venture Capital Engagement

Market Stimulation Funding

Economic Analysis and Due Diligence Capabilities

Narrative Encouragement

NASA supports commercial space development in everything from spaceflight to supply chains. Small satellite capabilities have inspired a new generation of space start-ups, while new, smaller rockets, as well as new programs are just starting. Examples include CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services), commercial low Earth orbit destinations, human landing systems, commercial development of NASA spacesuits, and lunar terrain vehicles. The report also details many indirect ways the agency has contributed to the vibrance of commercial space, from economic analyses to student engagement.

The agency's use of commercial capabilities has progressed from being the exception to the default method for many of its missions. The current post-shuttle era of NASA-supported commercial space development has seen a level of technical development comparable to the Apollo era's Space Race. Deploying the 17 commercial space development mechanisms in the future is part of NASA's mission to continue encouraging commercial space activities.

IMAGE: The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov approaches the International Space Station as it orbited 261 miles above Ontario, Canada, near James Bay. Credit: NASA

[mariacallous]

The US Patent and Trademark Office banned the use of generative artificial intelligence for any purpose last year, citing security concerns with the technology as well as the propensity of some tools to exhibit “bias, unpredictability, and malicious behavior,” according to an April 2023 internal guidance memo obtained by WIRED through a public records request. Jamie Holcombe, the chief information officer of the USPTO, wrote that the office is “committed to pursuing innovation within our agency” but are still “working to bring these capabilities to the office in a responsible way.”

Paul Fucito, press secretary for the USPTO, clarified to WIRED that employees can use “state-of-the-art generative AI models” at work—but only inside the agency’s internal testing environment. “Innovators from across the USPTO are now using the AI Lab to better understand generative AI's capabilities and limitations and to prototype AI-powered solutions to critical business needs,” Fucito wrote in an email.

Outside of the testing environment, USPTO staff are barred from relying on AI programs like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude for work tasks. The guidance memo from last year also prohibits the use of any outputs from the tools, including images and videos generated by AI. But Patent Office employees can use some approved AI programs, such as those within the agency’s own public database for looking up registered patents and patent applications. Earlier this year, the USPTO approved a $75 million contract with Accenture Federal Services to update its patent database with enhanced AI-powered search features.

The US Patent and Trademark Office, an agency within the Department of Commerce, is in charge of protecting inventors, awarding patents, and registering trademarks. It also “advises the president of the United States, the secretary of commerce, and US government agencies on intellectual property (IP) policy, protection, and enforcement,” according to the USPTO’s website.

At a Google-sponsored event in 2023, Holcombe, the author of the guidance memo, said government bureaucracy makes it difficult for the public sector to use new technologies. “Everything we do in the government is pretty stupid, when you compare it to the commercial world, right?” he said. Holcombe specifically cited cumbersome budgeting, procurement, and compliance processes, arguing that they hamper the government's ability to rapidly adopt innovations like artificial intelligence.

The USPTO is not the only government agency to ban staff from using generative AI, at least for some purposes. Earlier this year, the National Archives and Records Administration prohibited the use of ChatGPT on government-issued laptops, according to 404 Media. But soon afterward, the National Archives hosted an internal presentation that encouraged employees to “think of [Google’s] Gemini as a co-worker.” During the meeting, some archivists reportedly expressed concerns about the accuracy of generative AI. Next month, the National Archives is planning to release a new public chatbot for accessing archival records developed with technology from Google.

Other US government agencies are using—or avoiding—generative AI in different ways. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, for example, specifically banned the use of AI chatbots for sensitive data. NASA did decide, however, to experiment with the technology for writing code and summarizing research. The agency also announced last week that it’s working with Microsoft on an AI chatbot that can aggregate satellite data to make it easily searchable. That tool is available only to NASA scientists and researchers, but the goal is to “democratize access to spaceborne data.”

[defencecapital]

India's quest for 5th Gen Fighters: Hope Floats for Russian Su-57, American F-35

By N. C. Bipindra Bengaluru (Karnataka): India’s search for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft for its air force doesn’t stop at its indigenous effort, but goes beyond to Russian Su-57 and American F-35, both of which are flying at Asia’s largest air show AeroIndia here from Feb. 10 to 14, 2025. “All options are open to us. We will ensure the armed forces’ preparedness in every way possible,”…

[justforbooks]

Ron Ayers

Engineer and aerodynamicist involved in land-speed record-breaking cars and guided missile design

Working at the Handley Page company, and then in the guided weapons division of the Bristol Aeroplane Company (now part of BAE Systems), in the 1950s and 60s, the engineer and aerodynamicist Ron Ayers, who has died aged 92, became one of Britain’s most experienced supersonic and high-speed aircraft designers.

Following retirement in 1988, he took on a volunteer role at the Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, and was fascinated to discover, among the aviation archives held there, aerodynamic and wind tunnel work on the prewar generation of land-speed record-breaking cars. This led to Ayers meeting Ken Norris, designer (with his brother Lew) of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird car and jet-powered boat. With these two vehicles, in 1964, Campbell had achieved world records, for land speed of 403.1mph (648.73 km/h), and for water speed of 276.3mph (444.71km/h).

Norris had also been manager of more recent world-record-breaking runs by the self-styled “adventurer and engineer” Richard Noble with Thrust, a car that gained a world record of 633mph (1018.7 km/h) in the Nevada desert in 1983. When Ayers bumped into Noble by chance, while they were both passing through Bournemouth airport in 1992, he found that Noble’s next project was the Thrust SSC, a jet-powered “car” intended to break the sound barrier on land – at a speed of about 767mph. “Don’t be an idiot – you’ll kill yourself,” Ayers said.

The problem is that a land-speed car is an “interface vehicle” running between air and earth. Designing a stable supersonic shape for that regime is quite different to making an aircraft or missile that could achieve supersonic flight safely in free air. On land, where would the supersonic shock waves around the vehicle go and how might they upset it? What would the airflow underneath it be like and how might it lift or destabilise it? There were no precedents. But, intrigued by the challenge, Ayers mulled over the problem and, a little later, got back to Noble saying that he thought he could see a way to do it.

There are no wind tunnels capable of modelling this situation, but between them, they called in favours and all their contacts to win time for day-long simulations that ran on Britain’s most powerful supercomputer (a Cray machine), in parallel with physical experiments with a scale model attached to an 800mph rail-mounted rocket sledge at the Defence Research Agency’s establishment at MOD Pendine in Wales.

The research paid off, and on 15 October 1997 the RAF pilot Wg Cmdr Andy Green finally achieved a supersonic world record of 763.035mph (1,227.986 km/h) in Thrust SSC – a record that still stands.

Ayers was born in London, the son of Frederick Ayers, an engineer, and his wife, Maud (nee Jardine). To escape bombing during the second world war, in 1940 the family, and Frederick’s factory, moved to Barnstaple in Devon. Deemed not suitable for university, due to chronic childhood ear infections (alleviated with the advent of penicillin) and an interrupted education, Ron went straight into the Handley Page company in 1950 as an engineering apprentice, where he worked on the Victor bomber project. This also allowed him “day release” to gain a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of London. He then won a scholarship to study for an MSc at Cranfield College of Aeronautics (now Cranfield University).

Britain had some of the most technically advanced aircraft companies in the world and Handley Page was one of the most esteemed, at the forefront with an exceptionally advanced aerodynamic design team. Its Victor bomber became central to the V force – Britain’s cold war deterrent. These aircraft had been devised to evade interception by flying faster and higher than any aircraft before.

It is impossible to overstate the importance of aerodynamic science to national policy at the time. Cold war aircraft development was a contest of the brightest minds to achieve unprecedented performance in the tricky transonic regime – the speed range approaching the speed of sound. As the new postwar generation of military aircraft approached that speed, the airflow over them could be mixed – flowing in a familiar, well understood way in some areas, but becoming supersonic over parts where the air accelerated.

This supersonic (incompressible) flow was a new, little studied, phenomenon, and it posed fresh problems in stability, control and structural integrity. The whole industry was supported closely by the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, Hampshire (and at Bedford). This was probably the biggest research enterprise in Europe in those years.

This was the milieu in which Ayers developed – solving problems that the feasibility of Noble’s supersonic car would recall. The national deterrent policy back then was to devise near-supersonic bombers that could outfly the fighter defences, exploiting speed, height and the limitations imposed by radar warning time. But at the same time, the aim was to create home defences that could catch anything similar developed by an enemy.

As part of this war of innovation, the Bristol company was developing the Bloodhound guided missile, intended to destroy incoming enemy aircraft, so it is intriguing that Ayers in 1956 joined the Bristol’s guided weapons division, becoming chief aerodynamicist. The revised Bloodhound Mk II that he worked on was a highly effective missile intended to destroy bombers attacking Britain, capable of reaching 65,000ft (nearly 20,000 metres) at more than twice the speed of sound. It went into service “to defend the deterrent” – the V-bomber force that Ayers had originally contributed to in his first job.

However, on the death of his father, Ayers left aeronautics and in 1967 took over the family business, which made printing presses, remaining with the company until it was sold in 1988.

In retirement, as well as volunteering at Brooklands, Ayers was actively involved in promoting engineering education, and he viewed the Thrust SSC record-breaking attempts as valuable publicity to showcase engineering and its intrinsic interest. Subsequently, he was chief aerodynamicist for the JCB 2006 Dieselmax car, which still holds the world diesel car record of over 350mph (560 km/h), and also for the projected 1,000mph Bloodhound car.

All this highly original work done in the later decades of Ayers’s life was, he said, “much more fun than mowing the lawn”.

Ayers married Irene Graham, a psychologist, in 1968. She died in 1991 and he is survived by their son, Roger, and granddaughters, Lily-May and Daisy.

🔔 Ronald Frederick Ayers, engineer, born 11 April 1932; died 29 May 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[spacenutspod]

4 Min Read 3D Printing: Saving Weight and Space at Launch The first metal part 3D printed in space. Credits: ESA Science in Space March 2025 Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is regularly used on the ground to quickly produce a variety of devices. Adapting this process for space could let crew members create tools and parts for maintenance and repair of equipment on the spot, rather than trying to bring along every item that might be needed. The ability to manufacture things in space is especially important in planning for missions to the Moon and Mars because additional supplies cannot quickly be sent from Earth and cargo capacity is limited. Research on the International Space Station is helping to develop the capability to address multiple needs using 3D printing. NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps configures the Metal 3D Printer to produce experimental samples from stainless steel.NASA Metal 3D Printer, a current investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), tests 3D printing of small metal parts in microgravity. Results could improve understanding of the function, performance, and operations of 3D printing in space with metal, as well as the quality, strength, and characteristics of printed parts. This work also could benefit applications on Earth that use metal, such as the automotive, aeronautical, and maritime industries. Printing with plastic NASA Astronaut Butch Wilmore holds a ratchet wrench created with the 3D Printing in Zero-G printer.NASA 3D Printing in Zero-G sent the first 3D printer, developed by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Redwire (formerly Made in Space), to the space station in 2014. The printer used a process that feeds a continuous thread of plastic through a heated extruder and onto a tray layer by layer to create an object. The investigation produced more than a dozen parts, including a ratchet wrench, showing that researchers could send a design from the ground to the system on the station more than 200 miles above. Comparing the parts made in space with those made on the ground showed that microgravity had no significant effect on the process. Redwire then developed the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF), sent to the station in 2015. Researchers evaluated its mechanical performance and found improvements in tension strength and flexibility compared to the earlier demonstration, helping to further the technology for this type of manufacturing on Earth and in space. In 2015 and 2016, Portable On Board 3D Printer tested an automated printer developed by the Italian Space Agency to produce plastic objects in space. The investigation provided insight into how the material behaves in microgravity, which could support development of European additive manufacturing technology for use in space. Printing with other materials NASA astronaut Anne McClain installs the Refabricator in Feb. 2019.NASA Another approach is recycling plastic – for example, turning a used 3D-printed wrench into a spoon and creating items from the plastic bags and packing foam needed to send supplies to space. This technology could help reduce the amount of raw material at launch and cut down on the volume of waste that must be disposed of on long journeys. The Refabricator, a machine created by Tethers Unlimited Inc, tested this approach and successfully manufactured its first object. Some issues occurred in the bonding process, likely caused by microgravity, but assessment of the material could help determine whether there are limits to how many times plastic can be re-used. Ultimately, researchers plan to create a database of parts that can be manufactured using the space station’s capabilities. The Redwire Regolith Print facility before launch to the space station.Redwire Space Redwire Regolith Print (RRP) tested another kind of feedstock for 3D manufacturing in orbit, a simulated version of regolith, the dust present on the surface of the Moon and other planetary bodies. Results could lead to development of technology for using regolith to construct habitats and other structures rather than bringing raw materials from Earth. The space station also has hosted studies of a form of 3D printing called biological printing or bioprinting. This process uses living cells, proteins, and nutrients as raw materials to potentially produce human tissues for treating injury and disease, which could benefit future crews and patients on Earth. Other manufacturing techniques tested on the orbiting lab include producing optical fibers and growing crystals for synthesizing pharmaceuticals and fabricating semiconductors.

[pkmnspacehistory]

A Primer/Overview of Space History

(obviously, I can't go into super high detail on everything, that'd put me out of a job. this is just a general overview for people reaching out from other timelines or from the past or whatever)

Ok, here's basically how we got to where we are:

Pre-industrial times: gunpowder developed and used for fireworks in ancient Hisui, eventually used to augment arrows and such.

Early 1900s: Primitive liquid fueled rockets and the equations describing them start appearing in various regions; beginning of speculation regarding space

Late 1940s/Early 1950s: Following a series of regional conflicts, interregional diplomacy causes deconstruction of already contracted militaries over time, funds dedicated to infrastructure and rocketry.

1957: First artificial satellite

1958: URSA (Unovan Rocketry and Space Agency) founded in wake of accelerating rocket development, successor agency to Unovan Aeronautical Advisory Council (UAAC)

1958-1961: Suborbital and orbital flights carrying pokemon in preparation for crewed missions

1961: First human in space

[some other milestones here]

1969: First crewed lunar landing

Beginning of "Space Boom"

1976: Tranquility Station established in the Sea of Tranquility

1970s-Early 1980s: Development and proliferation of space shuttle and reusable Nova rockets

2000: First humans in Mars

Early 2000s: development of fully reusable/single stage rockets for rapid refurbishment and reflight

2014: Rainbow Bay founded

2024: First humans on Ceres.

Bit of a lot to take in, but trust me, this is truncated

[moneeb0930]

Annie J. Easley (April 23, 1933 – June 25, 2011) was an African-American computer scientist, mathematician, and rocket scientist. She worked for the Lewis Research Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). She was a leading member of the team which developed software for the Centaur rocket stage and one of the first African-Americans in her field.

In 1955, she read a local newspaper article about a story on twin sisters who worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) as “computers” and the next day she applied for a job. Within two weeks she was hired, one of four African Americans of about 2500 employees. She began her career in as a Mathematician and Computer Engineer at the NACA Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory (which became NASA Lewis Research Center, 1958–1999, and subsequently the John H. Glenn Research Center) in Cleveland, Ohio. She continued her education while working for the agency and in 1977, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Cleveland State University. As part of a continuing education, Easley worked through specialization courses offered by NASA.

Her 34-year career included developing and implementing computer code that analyzed alternative power technologies, supported the Centaur high-energy upper rocket stage, determined solar, wind and energy projects, identified energy conversion systems and alternative systems to solve energy problems. Her energy assignments included studies to determine the life use of storage batteries, such as those used in electric utility vehicles. Her computer applications have been used to identify energy conversion systems that offer the improvement over commercially available technologies. She retired in 1989 (some sources say 1991).

Easley’s work with the Centaur project helped as technological foundations for the space shuttle launches and launches of communication, military and weather satellites. Her work contributed to the 1997 flight to Saturn of the Cassini probe, the launcher of which had the Centaur as its upper stage.

Annie Easley was interviewed in Cleveland, on August 21, 2001 by Sandra Johnson. The interview is stored in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Johnson Space Center Oral History Program. The 55 page interview transcript includes material on the history of the Civil Rights Movement, Glenn Research Center, Johnson Space Center, space flight, and the contribution of women to space flight

[usafphantom2]

India approves development of the 5ª generation 'AMCA' fighter

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/07/2024 - 20:03in Military

In a significant move, the Indian Cabinet Security Committee approved the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) poaching project to be executed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).

With an estimated cost of approximately US$ 2 billion, the project will be carried out by the Aeronautical Development Agency of the Defense Research and Development Organization. The goal is to develop poaching and its associated technologies in collaboration with several public and private sector entities. The plan includes the construction of approximately five prototypes within a period of about five years.

According to sources, the project will involve the production of the prototype by industry players, including the public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

AMCA ??

As CCS Chaired by PM Modi Clears India Stealth Fighter Jet Program. The total Program cost would be Rs 15,000 Cr & total 5 Prototype will be built in 5 Years with first Proto Roll out in 3 Year

All the Tech required for it already built & devloped.

— Vivek Singh (@VivekSi85847001) March 7, 2024

The government has actively sought the development of national technologies in the defense sector.

The Ministry of Defense predicts that the fifth-generation aircraft project will create numerous employment opportunities and may result in substantial commercial contracts worth millions of dollars for Indian companies. This initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Air Force has significantly strengthened its support for Indian fighter aircraft projects. This is evidenced by the government's acquisition of more than 200 light combat aircraft and the approval of engines for the LCA Mark-2 project.

The introduction of the AMCA into operational functions is expected to begin after 2030. The two initial squads are planned to be equipped with GE-414 engines, while discussions are underway for the co-development of more powerful engines for the subsequent squads.

India is expected to introduce more than 200 of these advanced fifth-generation fighters, which will also contribute to the country's ability to develop future generations of jet fighters in the domestic market.

Source: ANI

Tags: Military AviationHAL - Hindustan Aeronautics LimitedHAL AMCA - Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft/Advanced Medium Combat AircraftIAF - Indian Air Force/Air Force of India

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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