aerospace
NASA Names Winners of 2023 Student Rocket Launch Competition
Recently, NASA announced the University of Alabama in Huntsville as the winner of the agency’s 2023 Student Launch challenge. This challenge involved designing, building, and launching a rocket and scientific payload to an altitude of between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. More than 800 students across the U.S. and Puerto Rico participated in this event, which was conducted on April 15th, near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The participating students were from various academic levels, including middle school, high school, college, and university. The winning teams were awarded in various categories, including Altitude Award, Payload Design Award, Vehicle Design Award, and many more.
“Students are required to meet complex requirements and high expectations, literally,” said Fred Kepner, an education program specialist and activity lead for Student Launch at Marshall. “Student Launch is an authentic learning experience – one offering students experience working through the same processes NASA and our partners use for safety and quality control of space missions.”
This challenge is a great opportunity for students to develop skills required for space exploration while applying theoretical knowledge practically. NASA is proud to contribute to the development of the next generation of skilled engineers and explorers, who can support NASA’s Artemis missions. The agency aims to inspire and encourage students to become the future of space exploration.
The complete list of award winners are as follows:
2023 Overall Winners
- First place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Second place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Third place: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
3D Printing Award:
College Level:
- First place: Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: East Aurora High School, East Aurora, New York
Altitude Award:
College Level:
- First place: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Second place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Third place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Spring Grove Area High School, Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
- Second place: Camas High School, Camas, Washington
- Third place: MATHmania Robotics, Mission Viejo, California
Best-Looking Rocket Award:
College Level:
- First place: North Carolina State University, Raleigh
- Second place: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
- Third place: Auburn University, Alabama
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Cedar Falls High School, Iowa
- Second place: Yamhill Carlton High School, Yamhill, Oregon
- Third place: Boy Scouts Troop 17, Charlottesville, Virginia
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Reusable Launch Vehicle Innovative Payload Award:
College Level:
- First place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Second place: Washington University in St. Louis
- Third place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Judges’ Choice Award:
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Second place: Seabrook Intermediate School, Seabrook, Texas
- Third place: MATHmania Robotics, Mission Viejo, California
Project Review Award:
College Level:
- First place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Second place: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Third place: University of Notre Dame, Indiana
AIAA Reusable Launch Vehicle Award:
College Level:
- First place: New York University, New York
- Second place: Washington University in St. Louis
- Third place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
AIAA Rookie Award:
College Level:
- First place: United States Military Academy, West Point, New York
- Second place: Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas
- Third place: University of Central Florida, Orlando
Safety Award:
College Level:
- First place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Second place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Third place: University of Notre Dame, Indiana
Social Media Award:
College Level:
- First place: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus
- Second place: North Carolina State University, Raleigh
- Third place: University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Morris County 4-H Rocketry Club, Morris County, New Jersey
- Second place: East Aurora High School, East Aurora, New York
- Third place: Boy Scouts Troop 17, Charlottesville, Virginia
STEM Engagement Award:
College Level:
- First place: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Second place: University of Notre Dame, Indiana
- Third place: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Second place: MATHmania Robotics, Mission Viejo, California
- Third place: Camas High School, Camas, Washington
Service Academy Award:
- First place: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York
Vehicle Design Award:
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Yamhill Carlton Rocketry, Yamhill, Oregon
- Second place: Spring Grove Area High School, Spring Grove, Pennsylvania
- Third place: Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Payload Design Award:
Middle/High School Level:
- First place: Portland Rocketry, Portland, Oregon
- Second place: Yamhill Carlton Rocketry, Yamhill, Oregon
- Third place: Seabrook Intermediate School, Seabrook, Texas
Student Launch is one of NASA’s nine Artemis Student Challenges, activities which connect student ingenuity with NASA’s work returning to the Moon under Artemis in preparation for human exploration of Mars.
“Students are required to meet complex requirements and high expectations, literally,” said Fred Kepner, an education program specialist and activity lead for Student Launch at Marshall. “Student Launch is an authentic learning experience – one offering students experience working through the same processes NASA and our partners use for safety and quality control of space missions.”
Marshall hosts Student Launch with management support provided by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement – Southeast Region. Funding is provided, in part, by NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate and NASA’s Next Gen STEM project. Additional support is provided by Northrup Grumman, National Space Club Huntsville, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Association of Rocketry, Relativity Space, Bastion Technologies, and Siemens Digital Industries Software.
Replays of this launch event and award ceremony are available on NASA’s Marshall YouTube and the Student Launch Facebook page.
For more information about the Student Launch challenge, visit:
Source: NASA
Check out the STM Science section for more news: https://q5i.09c.myftpupload.com/category/science/
aerospace
NASA’s Groundbreaking Quest for Silent Supersonic Flight with the X-59
NASA’s X-59 project aims for supersonic flight with minimal noise. Recent CarpetDIEM tests refine ground recording systems for silent sonic thumps.
NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft is set to redefine supersonic flight by breaking the sound barrier silently. Recent CarpetDIEM tests have honed in on ground recording systems, unveiling insights crucial for capturing the aircraft’s quiet sonic “thumps.” These trials, conducted over the vast expanse of the California desert, have fine-tuned the deployment and data retrieval process for the upcoming X-59 tests.
The meticulous planning involved in the CarpetDIEM flights, including setting up 10 microphone stations and orchestrating supersonic passes, signifies a pivotal step towards realizing the X-59’s groundbreaking capabilities. With speeds ranging from Mach 1.15 to Mach 1.4 and altitudes varying from 40,000 to 53,000 feet, the tests have showcased the potential for supersonic flight with minimal noise disturbance.
The ultimate goal of the X-59 project is to produce sonic thumps as soft as 75 perceived loudness decibels, significantly quieter than historical supersonic aircraft like the Concorde. By calibrating the ground recording systems to detect sounds as faint as 50 perceived loudness decibels, akin to the hum of a refrigerator, NASA is poised to capture and analyze the aircraft’s groundbreaking sonic emissions.
Moreover, the successful integration of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast technology has streamlined the data collection process, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in recording the X-59’s supersonic passes. As the project progresses towards Phase 2 of the Quesst mission, researchers are gearing up for extended monitoring periods, necessitating robust instrumentation capable of enduring harsh desert conditions and wildlife interference.
The collaborative effort involved in the CarpetDIEM tests, spanning coordination with various organizations and regulatory bodies, underscores the comprehensive approach taken by NASA to realize the vision of silent supersonic flight. With Phase 2 preparations underway and valuable insights gleaned from the trials, the X-59 project stands at the forefront of a new era in aviation, promising groundbreaking advancements in supersonic travel with minimal environmental impact.
(Source: NASA)
aerospace
Pioneering Sustainable Skies: NASA and Boeing’s X-66 Aircraft Journey
NASA and Boeing’s X-66 aircraft: A leap in eco-friendly aviation with 30% less fuel consumption and emissions, shaping a sustainable future.
In the realm of aviation innovation, NASA and Boeing have embarked on an ambitious mission towards a greener future with the development of the groundbreaking X-66 aircraft. Engineered with a focus on achieving net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, this aircraft represents a significant leap towards sustainable flight.
A recent rendering by Boeing showcases the distinctive design of the X-66, featuring elongated, slender wings supported by diagonal struts – a concept known as the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing. This cutting-edge configuration, coupled with advancements in propulsion, materials, and systems architecture, promises a remarkable 30% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions compared to contemporary aircraft models.
The collaborative Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project between Boeing and NASA aims to bring the X-66 from concept to reality. Through the conversion of a former MD-90 aircraft into the X-66 prototype and subsequent testing, this initiative intends to pave the way for a new era of environmentally conscious single-aisle aircraft, essential for the global aviation industry.
As the X-66 takes shape at Boeing’s Palmdale, California facility, with engines removed and modifications well underway, it symbolizes a pivotal step towards a sustainable aviation landscape. Positioned within NASA’s Sustainable Flight National Partnership, this project aligns with the agency’s commitment to environmental stewardship, economic growth, and innovative advancements for air travelers worldwide.
The journey of the X-66 represents not only a technological marvel but also a testament to the power of collaboration and vision in shaping a more sustainable future for aviation. With NASA leading the charge and Boeing’s expertise driving the project forward, the skies of tomorrow hold the promise of cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly air travel.
(Source: NASA)
Stay tuned as the X-66 aircraft takes flight, heralding a new chapter in aviation history where sustainability and innovation converge to redefine the possibilities of flight.
aerospace
Sierra Space Unveils Dream Chaser Spaceplane: A New Era in Space Travel
Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane ‘Tenacity’ brings a futuristic touch to space travel, poised to visit the ISS. #SpaceExploration
Colorado-based space company Sierra Space recently showcased its remarkable Dream Chaser spaceplane at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. This private spacecraft, named “Tenacity,” boasts a design reminiscent of NASA’s iconic Space Shuttle, blended with futuristic elements like aerodynamic wings straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Standing 55 feet tall atop its cargo module, Tenacity is scheduled to embark on its historic journey to the International Space Station later this year. The spaceplane is set to launch vertically on the United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, following in the footsteps of successful missions like Astrobotic’s lunar lander deployment.
Upon reentry to Earth, Tenacity will elegantly glide back using its wings, offering a safe alternative to traditional parachute and ocean landings for cargo and, eventually, crew members. Sierra Space’s CEO, Tom Vice, stressed the importance of rigorous testing to ensure the spacecraft’s resilience in the harsh conditions of outer space.
As Sierra Space prepares for Tenacity’s maiden voyage to the ISS in the first half of the year, the company faces stiff competition in the commercial space industry. NASA’s partnerships have already seen SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully complete numerous crew and uncrewed missions to the space station.
Sierra Space’s bold entry into the spaceplane arena promises exciting developments in space travel and cargo transportation. The company’s commitment to innovation and safety echoes the spirit of exploration that drives humanity’s forays beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
This blog post is based on a cool article I read on Futurism’s website by Victor Tangermann.
https://futurism.com/sierra-space-reveals-star-wars-looking-new-spaceship
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