#Aerospace Vehicle Design

[wallpapersmonster]

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[jcmarchi]

Harsh Zala, Founder and CEO of Aerobotics7 – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/harsh-zala-founder-and-ceo-of-aerobotics7-interview-series/

Harsh Zala, Founder and CEO of Aerobotics7 – Interview Series

Harsh Zala, CEO and Founder of Aerobotics7 International, is a young innovator from Ahmedabad, India, celebrated as “India’s drone wiz.” With multiple patents, Zala began inventing at 10, creating a remote-control device for home appliances. At 14, inspired to address the dangers of undetected landmines, he developed a prototype and, after facing rejection from 12 companies, launched Aerobotics7 with family support.

Now a leader in aerospace and defense technology, Zala’s journey of innovation and resilience inspires others to believe in purpose-driven success and the power of determination.

Aerobotics7 has developed an end-to-end technology platform designed for multi-domain threat detection and neutralization, offering enhanced speed, accuracy, and safety compared to conventional methods.

The platform represents a significant advancement over traditional tools such as armored vehicles, metal detectors, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which have historically been used to identify obstacles and hidden threats like landmines.

With an estimated 65 million acres of land contaminated by active landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) across more than 60 countries, Aerobotics7 collaborates with governments, organizations, and military entities to address this ongoing global hazard.

You were quite young when you first became aware of the global landmine issue. What opened your eyes to this problem, and how did you realize that technology, specifically drones and AI, could provide a solution?

I’d long been obsessed with tinkering with bits of technology at home, before I discovered the issue of landmines. I used to build robots to help my mum clean the house faster, and other tools to help my school with automating the lights. When I was twelve I came across a picture of a child who’d lost both his legs to a landmine, and it was a hugely pivotal moment for me. I’d been unaware of the scale of the problem until then – there are more than 100 million active landmines worldwide – and there wasn’t a technologically advanced solution to help.

I had started building drones around the same time, and I thought, “Why don’t we use a drone that can fly and detect these mines remotely without risking the operators?”. A small amount of research had shown me that the world was still using manual, dangerous approaches to de-mining that were decades old.

The drone wasn’t the only solution though, because there are many types of non-metallic mines, so I started working on creating a sort of a radar system that would allow us to detect them. Our main solution is actually the advanced radar, sensor fusion and Machine Learning combination that we attach to drones, meaning these can be used in any conditions, including underwater.

Founding Aerobotics7 at just 14 years old must have come with unique challenges. What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and how did you navigate the process of developing your first prototype?

Juggling school, a growing passion for technology, and starting a business was definitely challenging. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset—at 12, I founded Robosoft Group, a school-based organization where I trained undergrad and grad students in practical development for their capstone projects. This experience taught me the importance of solving real-world problems and instilled confidence in my ability to take on complex challenges.

The leap into founding Aerobotics7 came after seeing a haunting photo of a child who had lost both legs to a landmine. It was a pivotal moment that opened my eyes to the sheer scale of this global issue and the lack of technological advancements to address it. Driven by the urgency of the problem, I started developing a drone-based solution. Initially, I worked on ground-based systems, but quickly realized drones offered far greater potential. After a few prototypes of drone-based systems, I collaborated with Urvashi Kikani, a former Robosoft student and now my co-founder at Aerobotics7, leveraging her expertise in Aeronautical Engineering. Together, we continued the long journey of building advanced systems that combined computer vision, ML, radar, and autonomous technologies to solve this problem.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when founding Aerobotics7, and how did you overcome them?

Starting young came with unique hurdles. Resources were scarce—Robosoft Group helped me generate revenue to buy tools and components, but even then, I had to be resourceful. I didn’t have internet at home, so my grandfather accompanied me to an internet café as I was a minor where I spent hours almost every day downloading research papers and books to gain foundational knowledge on many aspects of engineering both hardware and software. I’d print them out and read them late into the night, using every available moment to learn and experiment.

Facing skepticism was another challenge. I reached out to nearby companies to pitch my idea but was often dismissed because I was “just a kid.” Some even said I’d need a PhD to work on this, which, while discouraging at first, ultimately fueled my determination. My parents’ trust and support were invaluable—they believed in my work, even when it meant balancing school and my passion. This combination of resilience, resourcefulness, and family support allowed me to push forward and turn challenges into stepping stones at the earliest stage.

Can you walk us through the journey from your initial concept to the development of the EAGLE A7 drone platform? What major breakthroughs helped shape your technology?

The journey started with one goal: making landmine and hidden threat detection safer, faster, and more accurate. My initial concept was a ground robot, but its limitations—terrain restrictions and lack of scalability—led me to focus on drones. My background in drone-building at Robosoft helped, but the challenge was developing a system capable of carrying detection payloads while maintaining efficiency.

Early prototypes used oscillation-based detectors for metal detection, but these had high false-positive rates and couldn’t detect non-metallic mines. This limitation sparked years of R&D into radar-based systems. A major breakthrough came when we started integrating sensor fusion and multi-modal AI a few years ago. By combining radar, Lidar, optical sensors, and advanced algorithms, we created a unified system that drastically improved detection accuracy.

Today, the EAGLE A7 platform represents the culmination of years of iterative development. The system is still under active development and testing with our partners. We’ve scheduled pilots in Ukraine for early Summer 2025 to enhance the current demining process and continue refining the platform based on field data.

This technology is recognized for being 50 times faster and safer than traditional methods for detecting landmines. What makes Aerobotics7’s drones and AI so revolutionary in this space?

Traditional landmine detection relies heavily on manual methods, which are not only slow but extremely dangerous. Aerobotics7’s technology automates and accelerates this process by combining advanced sensor fusion with AI. The drones integrate radar, Lidar, and optical sensors to create a comprehensive picture of the terrain, identifying both metallic and non-metallic threats, on-surface and buried with high precision.

Our AI-driven models are trained to analyze these multi-modal data streams in real-time, significantly reducing false positives and clearance time. The system’s modular design also allows for seamless upgrades and customization for different environments, making it adaptable to a wide range of scenarios. While still under development, the platform’s early results show its potential to redefine the landscape of demining with unmatched speed, safety, and accuracy.

What role do partnerships with international organizations and governments play in achieving Aerobotics7’s mission?

Partnerships are integral to our mission. Collaborating with governments and international organizations enables us to scale our impact and tailor our solutions to real-world needs. These partnerships provide access to critical field data, operational insights, and deployment opportunities.

Working with international demining organizations and defense departments globally has allowed us to validate and refine our technology under diverse conditions. These collaborations not only enhance our capabilities but also bring us closer to achieving our ultimate goal: saving lives and restoring freedom of movement in conflict-affected areas.

You recently won the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech. Could you begin by explaining what PeaceTech is and why it’s important?

PeaceTech refers to the use of technology to promote peace, stability, and safety in conflict zones. It involves leveraging innovation to address challenges like landmines, which threaten civilian lives and hinder economic growth in post-conflict regions.

Traditional demining and conflict resolution methods are often slow, costly, and risky. PeaceTech solutions, such as ours, offer scalable and efficient alternatives that not only save lives but also create opportunities for rebuilding communities and fostering long-term stability.

A great concept around this is “Triple-Use Technology,” introduced by Artur Kluz and Stefaan Verhulst. This framework envisions technology serving commercial, defense, and peacebuilding purposes simultaneously. By integrating peacebuilding into technological applications, can develop solutions that address multiple societal needs, enhancing both security and prosperity.

How does winning the Kluz Prize for PeaceTech impact your company’s future plans? Will this recognition enable you to expand globally?

Winning the Kluz Prize validates the years of effort we’ve invested in pioneering this technology. It opens doors to new collaborations with international organizations and accelerates our entry into key markets.

This recognition strengthens our credibility as a leader in PeaceTech, helping to forge partnerships and secure funding for global expansion.

As a young founder, what is your long-term vision for Aerobotics7?

My vision is to position Aerobotics7 as the global leader in developing platforms that transform mission-critical operations. Beyond landmine detection, I see our technology evolving into a multi-mission platform capable of tackling diverse challenges, from disaster response to critical infrastructure monitoring.

At its core, Aerobotics7 is about creating life-saving technology that empowers operators with better and faster systems. I envision a future where our innovations redefine safety and efficiency across industries, fostering a safer, more resilient, and connected world.

Looking back, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far, and what keeps you motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of drone and AI technology?

The most rewarding aspect has been seeing how technology can directly impact lives. Knowing that our work at Aerobotics7 is paving the way for safer, more efficient threat detection and potentially saving countless lives is incredibly fulfilling.

What keeps me motivated is the responsibility to make this technology as effective and accessible as possible. We’re not just building a system; we’re creating a solution to a problem that has persisted for decades. The ongoing development of the EAGLE A7 platform, from sensor fusion to multi-modal AI, inspires me to push the boundaries further. Our scheduled pilots in Ukraine for early Summer 2025 mark a significant milestone, and the possibility of witnessing its real-world impact continues to drive me forward.

Looking back, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey so far, and what keeps you motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of drone and AI technology?

The journey itself has been deeply rewarding—from overcoming challenges as a young founder to building a product with global significance. What stands out most is the people and communities we’re working to help. Landmine detection isn’t just about technology; it’s about restoring hope and safety to affected regions.

What motivates me every day is the vision of a world where no child loses their future to a landmine. The breakthroughs we’ve achieved so far in radar systems, sensor fusion, and AI are just the beginning. With every step, from development to field testing with our partners, I see Aerobotics7 getting closer to making this vision a reality. That promise of tangible, lasting impact keeps me pushing forward.

Thank you for the great interview, and more importantly for all of the important work that you do, readers who wish to learn more should visit Aerobotics7. 

[robixlab]

The results of our small design research: Aerospace sidestick handle.

How it works in extreme conditions and additional information can be found in https://www.instagram.com/robixlab/

[propheticpotato42]

Something I noticed when reading Vol.9 of Spy X Family was this vehicle that I recognized because I love it:

The car that the Forgers are in here seems to be based on a Messerschmitt Kabinenroller(a Messerschmitt Cabin Scooter)! Wikipedia calls it a micro car but Cabin Scooter really is more accurate as it is just an enclosed motorcycle. The car was manufactured from 1953 to 1964 by the Messerschmitt company in Germany. The car was a massive hit in post war Germany and is an iconic part of the era. My grandfather owned one in the 50s and said that he often overtook over cars including Porsches, this is not that surprising given that Messerschmitt was actually an aerospace manufactured that designed the Kabinenroller after WWII due to not being allowed to manufacture aircraft(fair honestly) so engineers used their expertise for lighter frames and fast engines to build this.

It’s probably my favorite motor vehicle-only partly cause of the potential ease of parking-and I was happy to see it featured. This is just another aesthetic reference that SxF makes to 1950s/1960s Germany.

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Here are ten more lesser-known facts about Bentley and Rolls-Royce:

1. Bentley's Le Mans Dominance: Bentley gained fame in the 1920s for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans race multiple times, including a streak of four consecutive wins from 1927 to 1930.

2. Rolls-Royce's Silent Engine Test: Rolls-Royce famously tests their engines in a specially designed room called the "Silent Room" to ensure they operate silently and smoothly.

3. Bentley's Connection to W.O. Bentley: Bentley Motors was founded by Walter Owen Bentley, known as W.O. Bentley, in 1919. He was deeply involved in the design and engineering of Bentley cars until the company's acquisition by Rolls-Royce.

4. Rolls-Royce's Bespoke Options: Rolls-Royce offers extensive customization options for their cars, allowing customers to create truly bespoke vehicles tailored to their preferences, from materials to finishes.

5. Bentley's Continental GT Lineage: The Bentley Continental GT, launched in 2003, revived the Continental name which was previously used for Bentley's famous racing cars and luxury coupes in the 1950s.

6. Rolls-Royce's Parent Companies: BMW acquired the rights to the Rolls-Royce brand in 1998, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd., while the original Rolls-Royce plc continued as an aerospace company.

7. Bentley's Crewe Headquarters: Bentley Motors is headquartered in Crewe, England, where all Bentley cars have been manufactured since 1946. Crewe is also known for its long tradition of luxury car production.

8. Rolls-Royce's Goodwood Factory: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars operates a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Goodwood, England, where every Rolls-Royce car is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans.

9. Bentley's Continental Flying Spur: The Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a luxurious four-door sedan, was first introduced in 2005 as a companion to the Continental GT coupe, sharing its platform and design ethos.

10. Rolls-Royce's Phantom Name: The Rolls-Royce Phantom nameplate has been in continuous use since 1925, making it one of the longest-standing models in automotive history and synonymous with luxury and prestige.

These additional facts further illustrate the deep heritage, craftsmanship, and unique characteristics that define Bentley and Rolls-Royce in the automotive industry.

[ross-hollander]

In view of their...

...past high-velocity shenanigans, I present an assortment of predictions for the products of Clan Hell's Horses' R&D Scientists in whatever years may be to come:

Ramming tank. High-power engine and basically a snowplow on the front. Can take a Warhawk off at the ankles with a brief runup.

They invent teleportation; within the hour, they also invent telefragging, and within the month have designed either a vehicle or a missile type designed specifically to do it.

At least one hover-'mech. No legs, just hover engines strong enough to keep it in the air. Perfect for rough terrain.

Reviving the old Seabass concept for an underwater/aerospace unit (and constructing an actually functional version).

A 'mech designed to rocket jump.

Aerospace fighter than can dock on a 'mech to act as jump jets.

Seeing as they were at least half of the initiative behind Elementals as we know them, a new mark of Elemental armor that can Voltron itself into a BattleMech with the rest of its Star.

Close alternative, an enhanced version of the OmniMech with either launchers that straight-up launch Elementals, or hull-mounted turrets that they can crew.

Tank with another, smaller tank inside it. Destroy the outer tank and the inner tank is unleashed.

Cavalry 'mech. Not a 'mech which serves the tactical role of cavalry, mind you: one 'mech designed for another to ride into combat on top of it.

[dertaglichedan]

SpaceX's $1.8 billion Starship expansion in Florida to create 600 jobs by 2030

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday, SpaceX's decision to expand its Starship launch capacities and processing operations to Florida, marking a significant milestone for the state's aerospace industry.

SpaceX's Starship, the first rapidly and fully reusable launch vehicle, is designed to carry crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

SpaceX plans to construct a new launch and landing infrastructure at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is pending environmental approval. The project will also include a new integration facility, Gigabay, offering over 40 million cubic feet of vehicle processing space. This expansion represents a $1.8 billion capital investment by SpaceX and is expected to create approximately 600 new full-time jobs in the Space Coast by 2030.

"Florida is the present and future of the space industry with leading space companies—like SpaceX—investing in the Free State of Florida," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "We welcome SpaceX’s Starship to our state."

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Closest recreation of some Blakist mech i found on the battlefield.

Looked like it had some kind of dampener keeping me from damaging it, so i put Blue Shield PFD on there. 3 guns called Lava guns, not a fucking clue what those are but Plasma Rifles do a similar trick. Ridiculous heat output, sure, but you do have Gauss rifles, so there's that i guess.

Nova CEWS doesnt match anything on the original mech, i just tossed it on there for... reasons. I feel like it and ECM is nice.

Blakist chatter about how it was designed by Jerome Blake himself, yadda yadda, you know the drill. The design spec is supposedly dated back to the 2780s or some shit. For a better historical context, the Schrek tank became standard field in around the 2810s. I think its altered, personally. I call bullshit, it may be cool but it CANNOT be that old.

Downsides? Made of glass and moves at Urby speeds. Like fucking yeesh. This thing crumpled when the "shield" went down.

Whatcha think of it?

(Based on the Ragnarok/Ymir from MechAssault, which i was asked to recreate in MML on a dare!!)

I have fought 3 of these in the past week. Smoke Jaguar forces fighting alongside the SLDF captured one intact.

Here is the official TRO we pulled from its onboard files:

Ragnarok RGNK-1X

Mass: 100 tons Chassis: Celestial Series SP1 Power Plant: Immortus 200 Cruising Speed: 21.6 kph Maximum Speed: 32.4 kph Jump Jets: None Jump Capacity: 0 meters Armor: Durallex Guardian II Clan-Grade Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE II Armament: 4 Micro Pulse Laser 1 Lava Gun 2 Light Gauss Rifle 1 LRM 10 Manufacturer: Word of Blake Primary Factory: Helios Manufactory Blake-Alpha Communication System: Master's Voice Cel-Alpha w/ C3i Targeting & Tracking System: Master's Sight 1-Omega Introduction Year: 3153 Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-X Cost: 26,688,667 C-bills

Type: Ragnarok Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental) Tonnage: 100 Battle Value: 2,097

Equipment Mass Internal Structure Composite 5 Engine (Armored) 200 Fusion 8.5 Walking MP: 2 Running MP: 3 Jumping MP: 0 Double Heat Sink 10 [20] 0 Heavy Duty Gyro (Armored) 4 Small Cockpit (Armored) 2 Armor Factor (Ferro) 307 16 Internal Structure Armor Value Head 3 9 Center Torso 31 47 Center Torso (rear) 15 R/L Torso 21 32 R/L Torso (rear) 10 R/L Arm 17 34 R/L Leg 21 42

Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage Blake's Shield EDFG (Armored) all but HD 1/per - 3.0 Light Gauss Rifle Ammo (16) LL 1 - 1.0 Plasma Rifle RT 2 10 6.0 Plasma Rifle Ammo (20) RT 2 - 2.0 Double Heat Sink RT 2 - 1.0 Micro Pulse Laser RT 1 1 0.5 CASE II LA 1 - 0.5 Light Gauss Rifle (Armored) LA 5 1 12.0 CASE LA 0 - 0.0 Micro Pulse Laser LA 1 1 0.5 CASE II LT 1 - 0.5 CASE LT 0 - 0.0 LRM 10 Artemis-capable Ammo (24) LT 2 - 2.0 Double Heat Sink LT 2 - 1.0 LRM 10 LT 1 4 2.5 Artemis IV FCS LT 1 - 1.0 Micro Pulse Laser LT 1 1 0.5 Light Gauss Rifle Ammo (16) RL 1 - 1.0 Improved C3 Computer (Armored) HD 2 - 2.5 CASE II RA 1 - 0.5 Light Gauss Rifle (Armored) RA 5 1 12.0 CASE RA 0 - 0.0 Micro Pulse Laser RA 1 1 0.5 * Lava Gun operates as Plasma Rifle but does 30 dmg/shot (+4D6 vs infantry, BA, ProtoMechs, and vehicles). Inflicts an extra 2D6 heat vs BattleMechs, Aerospace Fighters, DropShips, and JumpShips. ** Blake's Shield EDFG occupies 1 critical slot in each location except the Head. Operates as Blue Shield PFD, but applies damage reduction to all damage types. Can only be active for 2 turns before automatic shut down, requiring recharge of 2 turns to use again.

Note: Equipped with Full-Head Ejection System & Armored Life Support

Features the following design quirks: Accurate Weapon (Light Gauss Rifle), Battle Fists, Combat Computer, Cowl, Distracting, Improved Communications, Improved Cooling Jacket (all), Improved Life Support, Multi-Trac, Protected Actuators, Rugged (1 Point), Illegal Design (mounts custom equipment), Inaccurate Weapon (Lava Gun), Non-Standard Parts

Note that the internal files still refer to the "Lava Gun" as a "plasma rifle" (because it is largely just an oversized burst fire plasma rifle), and the Blake's Shield system as a Blue Shield system (likely because the former was developed from the latter).

[thephonemenarentreal]

FINALIZED CONCEPT FOR CIVIC, THE BIG CONSTRUCTION CAMERA!

NAME: Liam Kowalski aka Civic

NICKNAMES: Boss, Bossman, Dirt Daddy, Steel Soul, Old Reliable, Old Bastard (Paralipsis)

ALLIANCE CLASS: Cameraman; Construction Class (special built)

WORK CLASS: Former Chief Engineer of Construction, Architecture, and Building Maintenance; Civil Engineer Specialist; Emergency Repairs and Demolition Expert

GENDER: He/him

CLASSIFICATION: Transferred Human Mind of Liam Kowalski; recruited early for expertise in Civil Engineering for purposes of base building for incoming war

RANK: Head of Maintenance and Construction at Outpost 51 (The Alliance is trying to get him to come back to his old job...)

Liam Kowalski, called Civic by most, is a steadfast, down-to-earth, no-nonsense, and practical sort of soul. If there is a problem to solve, he will take it part meticulously and make sure a job is done right the first time and takes as much time as it needs to be done right.

He is the mastermind behind the architecture of Cameraman Base, having drafted the original concepts (although he will grumble that it got bastardrized by higher command...) and was the one who handled repairs until he got a bit too fed up, his boundaries crossed too many times, and he re-assigned himself to Outpost 51, resigning as the Chief Engineer for a greatly reduced rank.

Rumor has it, one time he did flex and his shirt ripped open.

MORE LORE UNDER THE CUT <3

Civic is a solid block of calm in all situations. He doesn't get flustered, has nerves of steel, and even if the ceiling is falling down around him, he is carefully guiding his crew in what to do to get the base back together. His calm often inspires his crews to keep going, as he always projects an aura of things will be fine.

He is hard-working, but he always makes sure to take his break and refuses to work off the clock unless it is really an emergency. He takes his time to make sure a job is always done right so it won't need fixed ten times more.

Civic is a math wizard and can do equations in his head very quickly and loves to do math for fun. He likes to work on "impossible" problems on his free time and teach himself theoretical physics. Aerospace engineering is his latest "for fun" hobby as he calculates physics in the 4th dimension.

Civic keeps everything nice and tidy and has an impeccable way of organizing materials and supplies for easy counting for requisitions. There was never a day where the warehouse was out of order when he was in charge.

Civic is certified to use forklifts, construction vehicles, and a number of other vehicle licenses. He always takes satisfaction in training others to use the equipment and getting them officially certified to use them correctly.

When he was Chief Engineer of the building, he was hard to find, not because he was hiding or the like, but more he refused to wear the Chief Engineer designated uniform or wear something to indicate he was the Chief Engineer. He blended into his crew as he was always down in the tunnels, patching walls, re-wiring electrical outlets, and putting in railings alongside his crew. Never was one to sit back and bark orders.

His left leg got twisted in an incident where the crew was working on repairs and an attack caused a collapse. He wedged himself in, bracing the main beam to allow his crew time to brace it and keep the research wing from collapsing. However, that weight caused the leg to never work the same and he doesn't really care to bother with the time to get it replaced. He wears a brace on it.

Civic is not a fast cameraman and his leg slows him down, but he always jokes he is a persistent hunter, not a fast one. It is why he often drives a cart or forklift to get to where jobs are around the base.

He's started getting engravings on his body as he feels "naked" without some sort of tattoos on his body. He used to have a lot of them when he was a human and it is just a habit now.

He is saving the spot on his upper right arm for a tattoo for "that special one" he says with a chuckle. As far as anyone knows though, he's still single.

Bears are his favorite animal and he is very big on being eco-friendly and saving the planets natural beauty. When he creates building projects, he does it with a mind towards sustainability, natural aesthetics, and protection of the environment.

Sometimes he forgets he doesn't have a mouth anymore and throws coffee in his face. Every time it happens he just sighs and curses a little.

He likes to hold a mug of coffee even if he can't drink it for nostalgic sake and just the familiar weight of it. He loves collecting novelty mugs though and his crew lovingly gets them for him.

He also likes to light up cigarettes and take "smoke" breaks as a sign he is on break and is not available for jobs. He'll get to the ticket when he does.

Civic NEVER cuts corners on regulation. OSHA was written in blood and lawsuits and he will make sure everything complies....except when the damn higher ups and other engineer departments want their "aesthetics" and "faster build" and want to cut corners. And he has to fix it later anyways. UGH.

Civic is easy-going and not easy to ruffle his feathers as he makes his boundaries very clear and gives warning. However when crossed, he becomes blunt and ready to have words with people. He often gets into shouting matches with the higher ups before he threw in the towel and quit being Chief Engineer.

When he first quit, it was believed anyone could do his job. Since he left the repairs are piling up, the new chief engineer of the department has already quit, no one is in charge, the crew is messing up, and the warehouse has turned into a blackhole. Civic now has daily emails requesting him to reconsider coming back to his job which he deletes.

At Outpost 51, he is more or less given free reign as Paralipsis could care less what he does. Civic just asks for permission just to make sure he acknowledges that Paralipsis is the supervisor in charge. This show of deferment though means Paralipsis tends to respect Civic the most of everyone on the post and is less mean to Civic.

Since arrival, Civic has re-built the outpost from the ground up, set up a self-sustaining eco-friendly design, a desert garden, a basketball court, enlarged lounge and living quarters, organized the warehouse, cut back in waste, and has Outpost 51 ranked as one of the most efficient outposts despite how small it is.

With all the down-time he has given how few repairs there are, he just amuses himself with new building projects and also working on the blue-prints for his dream projects.

He wants to one day build a city for all the alliances, big and small, called Alliance City, that will be self-sustained, and a place to call home after the war is over. He spends a lot time creating it, even building a small-scale model of his vision.

Civic HATES the TV Men base and calls it the hole where OSHA regulations goes to die for the "look".

He once proposed a new Alliance shared base with more comfort for the Titans, engineer teams, and more efficient layout and was rejected. He is still sore about that, which only makes him continue to reject returning to his old post.

He's much happier at Outpost 51 and often serves as a solid anchor for his co-workers and their issues given he is very logical and doesn't get sucked into their drama often. Civic often is the one that calms things down and cools tempers, stepping in to help poor Medic.

Prattle and Tattle are fearful of Civic, but will listen to him as he tends to just put them to work for their tomfoolery...but actually teaches them important skills in how to do base maintenance. Same with most people in the base. He is secretly making them his new crew.

Civic doesn't trust putting things on computers. Something ain't right with em, just call it a hunch. Thus he keeps his plans on paper and labeled neatly, carried around with him. Besides, he has the building plans memorized like the back of his hand. Including all the secret tunnels for emergency situations. And the emergency defense systems he put in. Just in case.

He is a demolition expert and knows how to bring a building down quickly. He also likes to talk about propane and propane products and laments the fact he can't enjoy a good barbeque anymore with a beer in hand....

[rivensdefenseattorney]

Red Fountain Polytechnic

(WIP)

Red Fountain Polytechnic is a prestigious institution renowned for its specialized education in merging technology, magic, and combat. Situated within a sprawling campus adorned with cutting-edge facilities, it houses three distinct colleges: Vanguard, Arcane, and TechForge. The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of subjects, from aerospace engineering and combat tactics to magical studies and artifact creation. Red Fountain boasts a collaborative environment where students engage in rigorous training, missions, and collaborative projects, preparing them to become skilled Specialists in their chosen paths of engineering, combat, or magical expertise.

Average Graduation Time: 5-7 Years

Average Acceptance Rate: 2%

Annual Acceptance Rate: 1250 Students

Contribution Level: Tier 1

College

Vanguard School of Combat

Departments:

Military History & Strategy

Tactical Combat

Survival Tactics & Freelance Operations

Field Operations & Simulation

Strategic Leadership & Organization

Specialties

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Structures

Focus: Training in leadership, organizational structures, and decision-making.

Emphasis on strategic planning, organizational leadership, and command responsibilities

Tactical Combat & Field Operations

Focus: Hands-on training in combat tactics, field operations, and warfare strategies.

Emphasis on tactical combat skills, field maneuvers, and real-time operations.

Freelance Operations

Focus: Preparing for independent contracting and diverse combat scenarios.

Emphasis on adaptability, versatility, and navigating varied contracts and operations.

Arcane School of Magic

Departments

Magical Theory & History

Spellcraft & Enchantment

Alchemy & Potionology

Magical Artifacts

Mystical Creatures

Specialties

Magical Studies & Theoretical Applications

Focus: Theoretical understanding of magical principles and history.

Emphasis on magical theory, historical practices, and the evolution of magical arts.

Spellcraft & Enchantment Practical Applications

Focus: Hands-on application of spellcasting techniques and enchantments.

Emphasis on practical spellcasting, enchantment methods, and application in various contexts.

Alchemy & Potion Mastery

Focus: Mastery of alchemical processes and potion-making.

Emphasis on understanding alchemical principles, potion brewing, and creating potent elixirs.

Magical Artifact Creation & Studies

Focus: Creating, studying, and understanding magical artifacts.

Emphasis on artifact creation, analysis of magical items, and their historical significance.

Mystical Creatures Conservation & Management

Focus: Preservation and responsible management of mystical creatures.

Emphasis on studying mystical creatures, their habitats, and ethical conservation efforts.

TechForge School of Engineering

Departments

Techno-Magic Integration & Programming

Aerospace Engineering & Dimensional Travel

Vehicle Engineering & Transportation Infrastructure

Techno-Magic Artifacts & Tools

Tecno-Magic Innovation & Development

Tecno-Magic Weaponry Design

Specialties

Techno-Magic Integration and Programming:

Focus: Merging technology and magic through programming.

Emphasis on coding for enchantments, spell-powered systems, and magical integration into technological frameworks.

Aerospace Engineering and Dimensional Travel:

Focus: Design and exploration of aerospace technology, including interdimensional travel.

Emphasis on designing aircraft, spacecraft, and dimensional travel technologies.

Vehicle Engineering and Advanced Transportation Systems:

Focus: Development of advanced transportation systems and vehicles. 

Emphasis on designing and improving futuristic vehicles for diverse terrains and functionalities.

Techno-Magic Artifacts and Tools Development:

Focus: Creation and enhancement of magical artifacts and tools.

Emphasis on crafting enchanted tools, devices, and magical artifacts for various applications.

Techno-Magic Innovation and Research:

Focus: Pioneering research and breakthroughs in techno-magic fusion.

Emphasis on pushing the boundaries of technological-magical integration through research and experimentation.

Techno-Magic Weaponry Design and Development:

Focus: Designing advanced weaponry using technology-magic fusion.

Emphasis on creating combat-oriented weapons infused with magical enhancements for strategic advantage.

Red Fountain Contribution System

Valor

The currency earned by students when they successfully complete missions.

Earned the most by Vanguard Students

Typically qualifies as Public Service

Wisdom

The collective intellectual wealth generated by students through research efforts, the school's contribution to public research and advancements in various fields, and the dividends reaped by society through the school's commitment to research excellence.

Earned the most by Arcane students

Typically qualifies as Public Research

Innovation

Contributions made by students practicing alchemy and magic: creating enchanted objects, elixirs, and potions for the community. Alternatively, donations derived from the ingenious techno-magic artifacts and vehicles.

Earned the most by TechForge students

Typically qualifies as Public Charity

__________________________

Winx Rewrite Master Post

[beardedmrbean]

TOKYO -- A Japanese spacecraft touched down on the moon early Saturday, making Japan the fifth country to reach the lunar surface. But officials said they still needed to analyze the pinpoint accuracy of the landing.

Hitoshi Kuninaka, head of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, said they believe that rovers were launched and data were being transmitted back to Earth. But there could an issue with the power supply.

The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, landed at about 12:20 a.m. Tokyo time on Saturday (1520 GMT Friday). Japan follows the United States, the Soviet Union, China and India in reaching the moon.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

Japan’s spacecraft arrived on the surface of the moon early Saturday, but it wasn’t immediately clear if the landing was a success, because the Japanese space agency said it was still “checking its status.”

More details about the spacecraft, which is carrying no astronauts, would be given at a news conference, officials said. If the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, landed successfully, Japan would become the fifth country to accomplish the feat after the United States, the Soviet Union, China and India.

SLIM came down onto the lunar surface at around 12:20 a.m. Tokyo time Saturday (1520 GMT Friday).

As the spacecraft descended, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's mission control said that everything was going as planned and later said that SLIM was on the lunar surface. But there was no mention of whether the landing was successful.

Mission control kept repeating that it was “checking its status" and that more information would be given at a news conference. It wasn't immediately clear when the news conference would start.

SLIM, nicknamed "the Moon Sniper," started its descent at midnight Saturday, and within 15 minutes it was down to about 10 kilometers (six miles) above the lunar surface, according to the space agency, which is known as JAXA.

At an altitude of five kilometers (three miles), the lander was in a vertical descent mode, then at 50 meters (165 feet) above the surface, SLIM was supposed to make a parallel movement to find a safe landing spot, JAXA said.

About a half-hour after its presumed landing, JAXA said that it was still checking the status of the lander.

SLIM, which was aiming to hit a very small target, is a lightweight spacecraft about the size of a passenger vehicle. It was using “pinpoint landing” technology that promises far greater control than any previous moon landing.

While most previous probes have used landing zones about 10 kilometers (six miles) wide, SLIM was aiming at a target of just 100 meters (330 feet).

The project was the fruit of two decades of work on precision technology by JAXA.

The mission's main goal is to test new landing technology that would allow moon missions to land “where we want to, rather than where it is easy to land,” JAXA has said. If the landing was a success, the spacecraft will seek clues about the origin of the moon, including analyzing minerals with a special camera.

The SLIM, equipped with a pad to cushion impact, was aiming to land near the Shioli crater, near a region covered in volcanic rock.

The closely watched mission came only 10 days after a moon mission by a U.S. private company failed when the spacecraft developed a fuel leak hours after the launch.

SLIM was launched on a Mitsubishi Heavy H2A rocket in September. It initially orbited Earth and entered lunar orbit on Dec. 25.

Japan hopes a success will help regain confidence for its space technology after a number of failures. A spacecraft designed by a Japanese company crashed during a lunar landing attempt in April, and a new flagship rocket failed its debut launch in March.

JAXA has a track record with difficult landings. Its Hayabusa2 spacecraft, launched in 2014, touched down twice on the 900-meter-long (3,000-foot-long) asteroid Ryugu, collecting samples that were returned to Earth.

Experts say a success of SLIM's pinpoint landing, especially on the moon, would raise Japan's profile in the global space technology race.

Takeshi Tsuchiya, aeronautics professor at the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, said it was important to confirm the accuracy of landing on a targeted area for the future of moon explorations.

“It is necessary to show the world that Japan has the appropriate technology in order to be able to properly assert Japan's position in lunar development,” he said. The moon is important from the perspective of explorations of resources, and it can also be used as a base to go to other planets, like Mars, he said.

SLIM is carrying two small autonomous probes — lunar excursion vehicles LEV-1 and LEV-2, which will be released just before landing.

LEV-1, equipped with an antenna and a camera, is tasked with recording SLIM's landing. LEV-2, is a ball-shaped rover equipped with two cameras, developed by JAXA together with Sony, toymaker Tomy and Doshisha University.

JAXA will broadcast a livestream of the landing, while space fans will gather to watch the historic moment on a big screen at the agency's Sagamihara campus southwest of Tokyo.

[leftovergasoline]

I'm really fascinated by the interplay between special interests and hyperfixations. I have both, and they intersect a lot, and that's really cool.

So, I'd consider Transformers to be a special interest of mine, right? I've loved Transformers since before I can remember. I asked for Transformers toys every single birthday and every single Christmas. I've spent days and weeks just reading articles on TFWiki.net and then talking to myself about them every spare second of the school day and every time I did chores. I've built an entire personal Transformers headcanon, written pages upon pages of lore about it, delighted over the smallest details of every character. I imagine cars and machines around me as Transformers. I've created movies, comics, video games, and countless action figures in my head, and occasionally, I've tried to make them a reality.

But I also have hyperfixations. Usually, my hyperfixations come about *because* of transformers. I learned all about the history of wing-in-ground effect aircraft because I was building my headcanon for the Aerialbots and Sky Reign. I learned about boat terminology and cargo vessels and jumboization because I needed to understand the best alt-modes for my larger characters. I learned about tactical bridgelaying vehicles because of a character who's supposed to turn into a bridge. I learned orbital dynamics and aerospace physics and researched the most obscure and intimate details about the Saturn V launch vehicle because of Omega Supreme. That last one was so intense that my dad actually caught on and bought me the Saturn V Lego set for my birthday. When I started seriously considering making my own Transformers, I spent months learning about CAD design, drafting, and 3D printing.

Then there are hyperfixations that don't initially have anything to do with Transformers. But they always loop back around. I became super obsessed with Lego and Technic, and that led to Lego transformers. I thought about building Technic transformers, too. I built this big crazy vehicle out of Technic pieces, and I immediately worked it into my Transformers headcanon. I hyperfixated on tractors and farm equipment history because that was the world around me, and suddenly, I was envisioning tractor Transformers. Whenever a hyperfixation arose from something not Transformers related, I always connected it back to my special interest.

I'm sure everybody's relationship with special interests and hyperfixations is different, but this is mine and I think it's really fascinating.

[jcmarchi]

NASA’s Webb Telescope Improves Simulation Software - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/nasas-webb-telescope-improves-simulation-software-technology-org/

NASA’s Webb Telescope Improves Simulation Software - Technology Org

The James Webb Space Telescope truly explores the unknown, displaying stunning images of previously unseen corners of the universe only possible because of the telescope’s 21-foot segmented mirror that unfurled and assembled itself in space.

The James Webb Space Telescope captures a tightly bound pair of actively forming stars, known as Herbig-Haro 46/47, in high-resolution near-infrared light. Image credit: NASA

Decades of testing went into the materials, design, and processes needed to develop the largest telescope in space. However, the whole project was too complex to test on the ground, at scale, at minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and in other space-like conditions.

Instead, engineers relied on software simulations to understand how the telescope would behave under different in-space conditions, and that work has helped advance the whole field of integrated computer modeling.

The Ansys Zemax OpticStudio software package, pictured here in a demo of James Webb Space Telescope mirror modeling, was equipped with new capabilities and features due to being used in the observatory’s development. Image credit: Ansys Inc.

“We pushed everything, all the simulation, just as hard as it would go,” said Erin Elliott, an optical engineer at Ansys, Inc., which makes Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, one of the design software suites used to develop hardware and software for the Webb telescope.

Simulation technology has improved dramatically over the last two decades because of increased computing power and new ways of accessing offsite computing power as a cloud service. But additional improvements trace back directly to Webb’s development.

.Elliott used OpticStudio to support the Webb telescope while working for NASA contractors, beginning in the early 2000s, before starting work in 2015 for Zemax, which was bought in 2021 by Ansys Inc, which is headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.

In the early days, Elliott said, Zemax tweaked its software for the Webb telescope effort. “They made some specific changes for us at the time having to do with handling the coordinate systems of the segments,” she said, referring to the 18 hexagonal segments that make up the telescope’s primary mirror.

Elliott also recalled talking to Zemax leadership numerous times about the need for the software to communicate better with other Microsoft Windows programs.

The company introduced an API, or application programming interface, for OpticStudio, which enables the suite to work with other programs and allows for further customization. There were plenty of reasons to add that technology but Webb demands were likely significant among them, Elliott said.

An engineer examines the Webb telescope primary mirror Engineering Design Unit segment in the clean room at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Image credit: NASA

Joseph Howard, an optical engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, where Webb and its science instrument module were assembled, noted that using several modeling packages helped drive innovation in the field.

“It’s important to have multiple software companies out there that can help you not only for cross-checking the modeling, but because they make each other better through competition,” he said.

In addition to improvements made to OpticStudio during Webb telescope development, the company in 2021 introduced the Structural, Thermal, Analysis, and Results (STAR) module, which benefited from the knowledge Elliott gained working on the NASA project.

The first six flight-ready James Webb Space Telescope primary mirror segments are prepped to begin final cryogenic testing at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Image credit: NASA

When a mirror or lens changes shape due to temperature swings, the optics move. Much of the OpticStudio modeling was completed in smaller pieces — engineers would run a thermal simulation independently and add that data to the next optical model, generating more data for the next run.

The STAR module incorporates analyses from other simulation software directly into OpticStudio optical models — an efficiency applicable to telescope and aerospace designs. This feature is also increasingly important for autonomous vehicles, cell phone lenses, and other optics working in tough environments.

Future telescopes and other spacecraft are likely to involve elements of the Webb design. More will travel in segments that must self-assemble in space, and the development of the increasingly complicated robotics and optics will rely on improved modeling software.

“When we built Webb, we knew we couldn’t fully test it on the ground prior to flight, so we depended a whole lot upon modeling and doing analysis to get ready for flight,” Howard said. “The next great observatory will be even more dependent on modeling software.”

Meanwhile, designers of more earthly technologies are already seeing the benefits of an improved OpticStudio, using it to design precision endoscopes, a thermal imager to detect COVID-19 exposures in a crowd, augmented reality displays and headsets, a laser thruster technology for nanosatellites, and, of course, more telescopes.

Elliott also noted that the Webb telescope project trained the next cohort of telescope and optical device builders – those designing and using the telescope’s technological spinoffs.

“The people who built the Hubble Space Telescope were leading the Webb Telescope,” she said. “And now the younger engineers who cut our teeth on this project and learned from it are becoming the group of people who will build the next structures.”

Elliott maintains that the project “was worth it alone for training this huge cohort of young engineers and releasing them into high-tech fields.”

Source: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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[mindblowingscience]

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Is making progress on its rover for a joint mission with India to the south pole of the moon. JAXA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) agreed to the cooperative project back in 2019. ISRO, which recently made India the fourth country to soft-land on the moon, will build the mission's lander, while JAXA will be responsible for the launch and a lunar rover. The mission is slated to launch no earlier than 2025 on Japan's new H3 rocket, according to JAXA. The agency is meanwhile in the basic design phase of the rover with teams running tests in sand designed to simulate lunar regolith, the fine dust that covers the moon's surface. The tests will verify that the vehicle can perform its key science objectives on the moon.

Continue Reading.

[ariesgamesandminis]

Restocks are up from Cross Electric Designs!

Aerospace Hangar Beluga Dropship - Map Scale Circular Objectives Pack Control Tower (Aries Exclusive 4-Color) Double Hex Bay (Aries Exclusive 4-Color) Factory Facility Beta (Aries Exclusive 4 Color) Factory Facility Gamma (Aries Exclusive 4 Color) Guild Dropship - Map Scale Hex Bay (Aries Exclusive 4 Color) Stationary Cannon 6-Pack (Aries Exclusive 4-Color) Vehicle Ops Center (Aries Exclusive 4-Color)