Aerospace Research Central

2021

By Ketan AjaniNovember 29, 2021

November 29, 2021

2021 Year In Review

Aerospace Design and Structures

Design Engineering

Space tourism flights show off distinctly different designs approaches

Structural Dynamics

Structural dynamicists turn out important lab work despite another year of covid

Adaptive Structures

Morphing structures reach new heights, from tests on Earth to Mars

Spacecraft Structures

Focusing on large spacecraft to carry out exploration plans

Non-deterministic Approaches

From probabilistic machine learning to “look ahead” decision-making in the design of complex engineered systems

Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Researchers pursue design optimization in vehicle development technologies

Systems Engineering

Working on future missions with systems built over decades

Military research focuses on improving survivability in both air and space

Achievements include better composite laminate curing using nanotubes and a new integrity sensor

Aerospace Sciences

Guidance, Navigation and Control

Autonomous operations take the forefront at Mars, in human spaceflight and aerial refueling

Facility improvements, return to service and novel testing techniques showcase critical ground testing

Enhancing capabilities to measure, analyze and control fluid flows

Atmospheric Flight Mechanics

737 MAX flying again, progress in aircraft flight testing and much activity on Mars

Atmospheric and Space Environments

Sounding rockets, simulations advance understanding of complex environments

Mission milestones push the state-of-the-art in astrodynamics

Applied Aerodynamics

Computations, experiments, flight tests and additive manufacturing improve aerospace platforms

Aerodynamic Measurement Technology

Innovative imaging methods bring new diagnostic capabilities

Addressing future noise requirements in civil aviation

NASA advances atmospheric entry technology through spacecraft instrumentation

Plasmadynamics and Lasers

Fundamental advancements in plasmas and lasers propel the future of propulsion and energy

Modeling and Simulation

Conducting traffic flow and urban air mobility simulations for future air transportation goals

Meshing, Visualization and Computational Environments

Software releases, a corporate acquisition and advances in simulation propel meshing forward

Aircraft Technology, Integration and Operations

Information Systems

Sending drones to disasters; making history on Mars

Intelligent Systems

Demonstrating and testing artificial intelligence applications in aerospace

Human-Machine Teaming

Human-machine teaming involved in current and future challenges on Earth and on Mars

Digital Avionics

Digital avionics guide accomplishments in aeronautics and astronautics

Computer Systems

A drone on Mars hints at space computing things to come

Communications Systems

Low-Earth orbit megaconstellations reach record capacity

Propulsion and Energy

Launch industry sees a defining year for interceptors, hypersonic boosters and space orbiters

Propellants and Combustion

Testing ways to reduce emissions, increase speeds and create smarter combustion

Pressure Gain Combustion

Expanding the potential benefits of rotating detonation engines

Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion

Focusing on nuclear propulsion and power for Mars missions

Liquid Propulsion

Many companies and agencies achieve new launch capabilities with more to come

Inlets, Nozzles and Propulsion Systems Integration

New techniques and results enhance physical understanding

A defining year for hybrid rocket innovation

High-Speed Air-Breathing Propulsion

Hypersonic flight systems: From research and testing to business analysis

Gas Turbine Engines

Gas turbine industry commits to sustainable aviation fuel research

Energetic Components and Systems

Smart thermites enter the scene; progress seen on thermography for ballistics and electric propulsion for nanosatellites

Electric Propulsion

Electric propulsion: An expanding capability and community

Aerospace Power Systems

Photovoltaic-powered exploration punctuates the year

Terrestrial Energy Systems

Progress in carbon-neutral technologies for power generation

Space and Missiles

Space Architecture

Space architecture projects building on space station experience

Small Satellite

Small-satellite launches and opportunities increase

Reusable Launch Vehicles

Pace of reusable rocket launches picks up

Missile Systems

Companies report a number of firsts for missile tests

Microgravity and Space Processes

Steady progress in microgravity research leveraging diverse flight platforms

Life Sciences and Systems

3D-printed tissues, freeze-dried sperm and gene editing

Weapon System Effectiveness

Missile defense and hypersonics tests characterize busy year

Space tethers demonstrate deorbit capability

Human spaceflights and science missions lead dynamic year

Space Resources

A paradigm shift: First oxygen produced on Mars

Space Logistics

Gateway leads the era of deep space infrastructure development

Space Automation and Robotics

Robotic milestones include first controlled powered flight on another planet

Integration

CFD Vision 2030

Refining challenge goals to make realistic progress

Aerospace Traffic Management

NASA, FAA open discussions on regulating urban air mobility and transiting space vehicle traffic

Transformational Flight

Transformational flight business ramps up with mergers and purchase orders

Low-boom technologies gain ground with improved measurement tools and more research

Space Exploration

NASA flies to Mars; Webb nears launch

Aerospace Outreach

Society and Aerospace Technology

A year of space tourism flights, planetary exploration and limited air travel

Recreational space travel and Martian exploration highlight year

Demo