Huntsville, AL--NASA and Lockheed Martin have announced
restructuring of the X-33 reusable spaceplane demonstrator program. The vehicle,
which was previously slated to make its first flight this year, won't liftoff
now until 2003 (see Design News 9/6/1999, p. 82 or www.manufacturing.net/magazine/dn/archives/1999/dn0906.99/feature1.html
for technology details).
The vehicle's carbon-composite liquid-hydrogen fuel tank failed
load testing last November due to microcracks in its structure. The vehicle is
currently about three-quarters completed and 95% of its components have been
built and delivered. Except for a new aluminum hydrogen tank, which is being
designed, the demonstrator is to be completed by the end of this year. Gene
Austin, NASA program manager at the Marshall Space Flight Center says, "The
aluminum tank design still permits us to demonstrate the technologies for a
reusable, single-stage, next-generation vehicle."
The revamped program calls for greater emphasis on mission safety
and additional ground demonstration of critical technology prior to first
flight. No additional NASA funds are needed through March 2001. Lockheed Martin
will compete for the additional funding needed to complete the project under the
agency's Space Launch Initiative program.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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