With over 11 years out in space, at the L2 Lagrange Point, ESA’s mission Gaia built one of the most detailed maps of our galaxy with observations of nearly two billion objects.
Category: Aerospace Articles
Can airplanes fly without a pilot?
It sounds like the start of a science fiction movie. A plane takes off, flies thousands of kilometers, lands perfectly… and not a single pilot in the cockpit. As crazy as it might seem, the question isn’t if it’s possible, but when it will happen. So, can planes actually fly without a pilot ? Let’s…
Did You Know Modern Airplanes Have “Brake Pads” Made of Carbon?
When we think of aircraft technology, we often think of powerful jet engines, fancy wings, and complicated avionics. But one of the most vital (and least appreciated) systems on any airplane is an airplane’s braking system especially during landing, when stopping a 200-ton airplane traveling at 280 km/h is no easy feat. Incredibly, the material…
Douglas Aircraft: Contracts and Conflict in WWII
Aviation Ascending: Douglas Aircraft’s Wartime Expansion During the Second World War, aviation became both a strategic tool and a booming industry. The United States rapidly scaled its aircraft production, and at the center of this transformation stood the Douglas Aircraft Company. Known for producing some of the most iconic planes of the war, Douglas helped…
Did You Know? Why Have Aircraft Materials Evolved Over Time?
The aerospace industry is continually seeking lighter, stronger, and more efficient planes. As a result, materials used to construct aircraft have advanced significantly. From aluminum to high-end composites, and now 3D-printed components, the history of material development is one of performance, sustainability, and engineering brilliance. From Aluminum to Composites: Why the Shift? Aluminum has been…
Why do planes leave white trails in the sky ?
We have all looked up at the sky and seen long white streaks behind planes, like they’re drawing on a giant blue canvas. But what are these mysterious lines, and are they just harmless sky art, or something more technical ? Let’s dive into the world of contrails and the science behind them. What are…
Invisible Enemy: How Air Alone Can Crash a Plane
People usually link plane crashes to equipment breakdowns or human mistakes together with external elements such as birds or lightning strikes. The true danger that exists in aviation operates at a level below visibility because it is air itself. Flight becomes possible because of air which exists as an invisible and intangible presence everywhere. Under…
Fun Places to Park an Aircraft
While most pilots prefer a smooth runway, history has shown that sometimes, aircraft end up landing in the most unexpected places. Some do it out of fun, other from necessity but here are a few interesting places that some pilots landed on: Stunt pilot Mike Murphy pulled off one of the most daring landings ever caught on…
Aerogels: The Ultra-Light Supermaterial Transforming Space Travel and Earth
Did You Know? Designing spacecraft is all about pushing the limits—keeping things as light as possible while ensuring they can survive the harshest conditions. Every extra kilogram means higher costs, so engineers are always on the lookout for materials that are both strong and ultra-lightweight. That’s where aerogels come in. Often called “frozen smoke” because…
Understanding Satellite Orbits and Gravity
People usually think of satellites floating through space while the actual situation reveals that satellites continuously move toward Earth. Satellites stay in orbit because gravity creates an equilibrium with their velocity. How Satellites Stay in Orbit The two fundamental forces which maintain satellites in space can be explained as follows: The gravitational force of Earth…