NASA’s next-gen technologies tested in microgravity

WASHINGTON – Teams of NASA researchers put their next-generation technologies to the microgravity test in a series of parabolic flights that aim to advance innovations supporting the agency’s space exploration goals, Marina Guerges writes for NASA. Continue reading original article.

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

27 June 2024 – Researchers recently conducted parabolic flights to study weightlessness and test space technologies. These flights, which provided intervals of reduced gravity lasting approximately 22 seconds, took place aboard Zero Gravity Corporation’s G-FORCE ONE aircraft from February to April.

The goal of the flight test is to determine the magnitude of force reduction achieved by an ultrasonic tool on the Moon and Mars. Understanding regolith interaction, including excavation, is crucial for NASA’s efforts to support long-duration lunar and Martian missions.

Researchers tested 3D printing technologies under the On-Demand Manufacturing of Electronics (ODME) project to simplify the use of electronics and tools aboard the International Space Station.

During its first microgravity environment test, the ODME Advanced Toolplate team evaluated a new set of smaller 3D printed tools designed to offer more capabilities and reduce tool changeouts. The toolplate includes eight swappable toolheads, allowing for the integration of new technologies after deployment to the space station. The 3D printer component supports in-space manufacturing of electronics and sensors for structural and crew-monitoring systems, as well as multi-material 3D printing of metals.

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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics