Software

Training Drones to Avoid Obstacles at High Speeds

The faster drones fly, the more unstable they become and at high speeds, their aerodynamics can be too complicated to predict. Crashes, therefore, are a common and often spectacular...

Tool Will Help Military Vehicles Fight Fires Using Less Harmful Chemicals

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new, interactive spreadsheet that will help the U.S. military extinguish...

NASA Software Sets Stage for Future Flights

As any performer knows, it's important to rehearse, rehearse, and – when you think you're ready – rehearse some more. Similarly, before air taxis, cargo transport, and package-delivery...

Drone Traffic Management System Wins NASA Invention of the Year

Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) to Enable Civilian Low Altitude Goods and Service Delivery by UAS technology was awarded 2020 NASA Government Invention...

Validation of Architecture Models for Coordination of Unmanned Air and Ground Vehicles via Experimentation

Using the relationship of system architecture products and model-based systems engineering analysis, a UAV-UGV team can collaboratively conduct the structured, rudimentary tasks necessary to find a person in distress.

Predicting In-Flight Air Density for More Accurate Landing

Knowing the air density outside a spacecraft vehicle can have a substantial effect on its angle of descent and ability to hit a specific landing spot. A new onboard algorithm...

Preparing for the Consequences of a Chemical Attack

Is the U.S. ready for a chemical attack on the homeland? With the very real possibility of a chemical attack in public spaces like stadiums, religious buildings, museums and theaters,...

Software Accelerates Hypersonic Engine Development

Argonne National Laboratory and the Air Force Research Laboratory developed a new numerical modeling tool that allows for a better understanding of rotating detonation engines (RDEs)....

Aircraft Scheduling Models Ease Traveler Frustration

Flight schedules that allow for a little carefully designed wiggle room could prevent the frustration of cascading airport delays and cancellations. By focusing on the early phases...

Sharks on a Plane? Skin Scales Lift Aircraft Design

To improve a flying vehicle, sometimes you have to turn to a reliable model that has been operating for hundreds of millions of years.

Drones Learn Autonomous Flying by Imitating Cars and Bikes

The algorithm DroNet allows drones to fly completely by themselves through the streets of a city and in indoor environments. It produces two outputs for each single input image:...

Computer Model More Accurately Predicts Flight Delays

Researchers at Binghamton University have devised a new computer model that can more accurately predict delays faster than anything currently in use. The multilevel input layer...

Slim Wing Can Reduce Aircraft Fuel Use and Emissions by 50%

NASA and Boeing are designing a longer, thinner, and lighter wing that requires a brace, or truss, to provide it with extra support. The lower-drag wing will reduce both fuel burn...

Airflow Model Could Reduce Time on the Tarmac

New research could lead to more efficient takeoffs on airport runways and improve safety. A mathematical tool was developed to calculate the flow of turbulent air produced by a plane’s wing...