Aerospace Technology 3: Pioneer Technology Innovation

Enable a revolution in aerospace systems.

Other Information:

Engineering Innovation: NASA is working to enable air and spacecraft designers to know with a high degree of confidence that their revolutionary designs will be safe and will achieve their mission objectives before they begin the costly process of fabricating and testing prototypes. To achieve this, NASA will develop advanced engineering tools and techniques that support “virtual” design processes. These include improved computer simulations to speed design cycles, intelligent networked information handling that enables designers at different locations to collaborate, development of radically new design cycle processes, and use of experimental aerospace vehicles to validate new concepts and technologies. Technology Innovation: NASA intends to develop and apply cutting edge technologies that will accelerate progress and change the definition of what is possible in aerospace. NASA will increasingly look to fields such as biotechnology, information technology, and nanotechnology to create advanced performance characteristics in structures and systems. The ability to build new aircraft and spacecraft structures at the molecular level, atom by atom, will enable greater strength, lighter weight, and lower costs. Miniaturized sensors and actuators embedded throughout vehicles will be able to detect, monitor, and even repair anomalies or failures. Combinations of these technologies may allow vehicles to change their shape. This “morphing” capability will permit better handling, reconfiguration of vehicles for different missions, and “self healing” in response to damage or component failure during flight. NEAR TERM PLANS: - Develop advanced engineering tools, processes, and collaborative teaming environments - Pioneer basic research in revolutionary technologies, such as nanotechnology, information technology, and biotechnology

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