The Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) on the Perseverance rover is characterizing the surface weather as well as the dust particle size and morphology. Understanding dust behavior is a key to predicting Martian weather. Dust influences Mars’ weather the way that water controls Earth’s weather. Two of MEDA’s weather-related goals are: determination of the destructive […]
Aerospace & Defense
PIGAs can indeed fly – and are still the best, Part 2: Operation
The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer and widely used in rocketry and guidance, and still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer At the core of each single-axis PIGA is a gyroscope. The performance of this gyro – which is unrelated to the orientation gyros – plays a large role in determining the […]
PIGAs can indeed fly – and are still the best, Part 1: Frame of reference
The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer, is widely used in rocketry and guidance, and is still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer. When you see an inexpensive drone, a more sophisticated one, an unmanned aircraft, a standard piloted aircraft, guided or intercontinental ballistic missile ICBM), an underwater drone or submarine, or a […]
SiC power MOSFETs handle 3.3 kV, feature low ON resistance
Microchip Technology Inc. announced the expansion of its SiC portfolio with the release of the industry’s lowest on-resistance [RDS(on)] 3.3 kV SiC MOSFETs and highest current-rated SiC SBDs available in the market, enabling designers to take advantage of ruggedness, reliability, and performance. With the expansion of Microchip’s SiC portfolio, designers are equipped with the tools to develop […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 4: Enhancements, even the moon
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. This final part looks at the next generation of system satellites and some ideas for a similar lunar system. The MEOSAR satellites The most recent enhancement to […]
Mil-spec connectors can be adapted for commercial applications
Cinch Connectivity Systems announced the expansion of the Mil/Aero Circular MD801 Series. The Mil/Aero Circular MD801 is a lightweight, ultraminiature connector with small form factors and high-density capabilities, ideal for aerospace, military, and other harsh environment applications. With the features meeting Military Standard (MIL-SPEC) classifications, this product can also be adapted to accommodate commercial applications. Additional […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 3: Space segment and satellites
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. Cospas-Sarsat uses three types of satellites: low-Earth orbit search-and-rescue (LEOSAR), medium-Earth orbit search-and-rescue (MEOSAR), and high-altitude geosynchronous orbit search-and-rescue (GEOSAR satellites). There are five LEOSAR, seven GEOSAR, […]
Rad-hard GaN transistors sport super-low on resistance
EPC announces the introduction of the EPC7019 radiation-hardened eGaN FET. The EPC7019, a 40 V, 1.5 mΩ, 530 APulsed, rad-hard eGaN FET in a small 13.9 mm2 footprint. The EPC7019 has a total dose rating greater than 1 Mrad and SEE immunity for LET of 85 MeV/(mg/cm2). These devices are offered in a chip-scale package, […]
Raspberry Pi-based computer meets mil standards for defense and aerospace apps
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions introduced the Parvus DuraCOR Pi, the embedded industry’s first Raspberry Pi (RPi) powered mission computer for defense and aerospace applications. The ultra-small form factor (USFF) DuraCOR Pi, fully ruggedized to deliver optimal performance in harsh operating environments, is the first mission computer to deliver 100% compatibility with the vast Pi Developer Ecosystem in a fully […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 2: Ground segment and transmitter beacons
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. Over one million emergency beacons are in use worldwide, all operating at 406 MHz (with some exceptions, called out below). Cospas-Sarsat does not manufacture or sell beacons. […]
