Latest news with #Nasa-funded
Observer
2 days ago
- General
- Observer
Workshop looks at advancing coastal water sustainability
SUHAR: As part of its commitment to advancing scientific research and environmental sustainability, Sohar University hosted a high-level workshop on Monday entitled: 'Assessing the Impact of the Decision Support System for Coastal Waters (DISCO) on Stakeholders'. The event was organised in collaboration with the Directorate-General of Fisheries Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and comes as part of the ongoing activities under the DISCO research project, which is strategically funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and receives a funding support from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The workshop commenced with a keynote address by Prof Kelvin Bwalya, Director of Research Development at Sohar University. He began by warmly welcoming the delegates on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Dr Hamdan al Fazari, quoting, "I extend a warm welcome to all the delegates to this prestigious event. Sohar University is always happy to host internationally recognised events to reaffirm our commitment to meaningful research that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Oman Vision 2040." Prof Bwalya further expressed pride in the university's collaboration on a Nasa-funded research project alongside esteemed partners from the USA and Oman's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Dr Dawood al Yahyai, Director-General of Fisheries Research, delivered another keynote address. He emphasised the critical role of the DISCO system in advancing sustainable marine resource management and enabling data-driven environmental decision-making through cutting-edge monitoring technologies. Led by Prof Dale Kiefer, Principal Investigator from the University of Southern California, the research team presented the developmental journey of the DISCO system and its technical capabilities in monitoring oceanographic and environmental conditions of coastal waters. Presentations were also delivered by Suad al Bimani from the Marine Science and Fisheries Centre, highlighting the key challenges facing Oman's coastal ecosystems. Dr Scott Burg and Prof Rakesh Belwal from Sohar University presented the methodology used for stakeholder impact assessment, which is part of the new evaluation phase of the project supported by Nasa. The scientific programme featured six main sessions, including live demonstrations, scientific presentations and interactive discussions. The participants were divided into two parallel focus groups to evaluate user needs, provide feedback on the system's capabilities, and explore ways to enhance its adoption and impact across relevant sectors. The event brought together experts and representatives from major national institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Royal Navy of Oman, OQ, Majis Industrial Services, Sultan Qaboos University, the National University of Science and Technology, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences and Sohar University.
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Hypersonic plane ‘Talon-A2' that can circle ENTIRE earth in less than 7 hours at 4,000mph makes successful test flight
A HYPERSONIC plane that can travel around the entire Earth in less than seven hours has made two successful test flights. Talon-A2 reached an incredible 3,800mph while in flight - more than five times the speed of sound. 6 Talon-A2 has conducted two successful test flights Credit: Stratolaunch 6 The hypersonic drone was launched from Roc - the world's biggest plane Credit: Stratolaunch 6 The ground breaking flights were conducted in December 2024 and March 2025, the Pentagon's Defence Department has revealed. A simulation of a Talon-A2 flight shows the hypersonic drone being blasted into the sky by a carrier jet before zooming off. Talon-A2 was launched from the world's biggest plane, Roc. The giant carrier plane holds the record for the largest wingspan - coming in at a whopping 385-feet. Once in the sky the hypersonic drone was released over the Pacific Ocean before later landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. During its flight Talon-A2 reached a jaw-dropping speed of 3,800 mph - which is more than five times the speed of sound. But it's no surprise it can travel so quickly as the vehicle is powered by a hefty 5,000lb-thrust rocket engine. Talon-A2 is operated by Stratolaunch - a company founded in 2011 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen - as part of a Pentagon Defense Department initiative. The historic flights mark the first time the US has conducted reusable hypersonic testing since its X-15 programme. The X-15 programme was a collaboration with NASA, the US Air Force and the Navy. Hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from London to NYC in an hour The programme operated for nearly 10 years - setting a record speed of 5,100mph - before it was terminated in 1968. This comes as the US has ramped up its hypersonic weapons research as tensions with China and Russia reach boiling point. Meanwhile, a hypersonic passenger jet which could take travelers from London to New York City in just one hour is set to arrive as "as soon as the 2030s". The Venus Stargazer is being developed by Venus Aerospace who revealed that it was planning a flight demo "later this summer". The company said that thanks to a Nasa-funded breakthrough, the "record-setting" engine system is nearly ready to try out for real. Venus hopes that its rocket engine will be able to blast passengers around the Earth in record time. "Stargazer M4 is Earth's first hypersonic, reusable aircraft," Venus Aerospace boasted. "No one has ever built a hypersonic platform that makes two-hour global transport cost-effective. Until now. "Our flagship product, Stargazer, will ascend from a central airport using advanced propulsion systems. "Our vehicle will accelerate from taxi to cruise speeds of Mach 4 at 110,000 feet with a top speed capable of Mach 9." The engine is set to feature a new Nasa-funded nozzle design. That's the part of the rocket that "shapes and directs power". This hi-tech nozzle will reportedly allow for speeds exceeding Mach 5 – or about 3,800mph. 6 Talon-A2 reached speeds of 3,800mph during it's test flight Credit: stratolaunch 6 Talon-A2 is operated by Stratolaunch as part of a Pentagon programme Credit: Stratolaunch
The Irish Sun
06-05-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Hypersonic plane ‘Talon-A2' that can circle ENTIRE earth in less than 7 hours at 4,000mph makes successful test flight
A HYPERSONIC plane that can travel around the entire Earth in less than seven hours has made two successful test flights. Talon-A2 reached an incredible 3,800mph while in flight - more than five times the speed of sound. 6 Talon-A2 has conducted two successful test flights Credit: Stratolaunch 6 The hypersonic drone was launched from Roc - the world's biggest plane Credit: Stratolaunch 6 The ground breaking flights were conducted in December 2024 and March 2025, the Pentagon's Defence Department has revealed. A simulation of a Talon-A2 flight shows the hypersonic drone being blasted into the sky by a carrier jet before zooming off. Talon-A2 was launched from the world's biggest plane, Roc. The giant carrier plane holds the record for the largest wingspan - coming in at a whopping 385-feet. read more on planes Once in the sky the hypersonic drone was released over the Pacific Ocean before later landing at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. During its flight Talon-A2 reached a jaw-dropping speed of 3,800 mph - which is more than five times the speed of sound. But it's no surprise it can travel so quickly as the vehicle is powered by a hefty 5,000lb-thrust rocket engine. Talon-A2 is operated by Stratolaunch - a company founded in 2011 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen - as part of a Pentagon Defense Department initiative. Most read in Tech The historic flights mark the first time the US has conducted reusable hypersonic testing since its X-15 programme. The X-15 programme was a collaboration with NASA, the US Air Force and the Navy. Hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from London to NYC in an hour The programme operated for nearly 10 years - setting a record speed of 5,100mph - before it was terminated in 1968. This comes as the US has ramped up its hypersonic weapons research as tensions with China and Russia reach boiling point. Meanwhile, a The Venus Stargazer is being developed by Venus Aerospace who revealed that it was planning a flight demo "later this summer". The company said that thanks to a Nasa-funded breakthrough, the "record-setting" engine system is nearly ready to try out for real. Venus hopes that its rocket engine will be able to blast passengers around the Earth in record time. " "No one has ever built a hypersonic platform that makes two-hour global transport cost-effective. Until now. "Our flagship product, Stargazer, will ascend from a central airport using advanced propulsion systems. "Our vehicle will accelerate from taxi to cruise speeds of Mach 4 at 110,000 feet with a top speed capable of Mach 9." The engine is set to feature a new Nasa-funded nozzle design. That's the part of the rocket that "shapes and directs power ". This hi-tech nozzle will reportedly allow for speeds exceeding Mach 5 – or about 3,800mph. 6 Talon-A2 reached speeds of 3,800mph during it's test flight Credit: stratolaunch 6 Talon-A2 is operated by Stratolaunch as part of a Pentagon programme Credit: Stratolaunch 6 The Stratolaunch plane at its hangar in the Mojave desert, California Credit: AFP or licensors
Scottish Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Hypersonic 3,800mph ‘Stargazer' jet could now blast from London to NYC in 1 hour after Nasa-funded rocket engine upgrade
A HYPERSONIC jet could soar at thousands of miles an hour – slashing the flight time between London and New York to just over an hour thanks to a Nasa-funded engine upgrade. The Venus Stargazer has a flight range of 5,000 miles, and is set to arrive "as soon as the 2030s". 8 Venus Aerospace is working on a hypersonic plane Credit: venusaerospace 8 It could reach cruising speeds of 3,800mph Credit: venusaerospace 8 A Nasa-backed engine upgrade could make Mach 5 flights possible Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace Venus Aerospace, its creator, recently completed revealed it was planning a flight demo "later this summer". The company said that thanks to a Nasa-funded breakthrough, the "record-setting" engine system is nearly ready to try out for real. Venus hopes that its rocket engine will be able to blast passengers around the Earth in record time. "Stargazer M4 is Earth's first hypersonic, reusable aircraft," Venus Aerospace boasted. "No one has ever built a hypersonic platform that makes two-hour global transport cost-effective. Until now. "Our flagship product, Stargazer, will ascend from a central airport using advanced propulsion systems. "Our vehicle will accelerate from taxi to cruise speeds of Mach 4 at 110,000 feet with a top speed capable of Mach 9." The engine is set to feature a new Nasa-funded nozzle design. That's the part of the rocket that "shapes and directs power". This hi-tech nozzle will reportedly allow for speeds exceeding Mach 5 – or about 3,800mph. "We've already proven our engine outperforms traditional systems on both efficiency and size," said Venus Aerospace chief Sassie Duggleby. Inside nuclear-powered 'Skytanic' hotel that can stay airborne for months with 360 degree views & room for 5,000 guests "The technology we developed with NASA's support will now be part of our integrated engine platform. "Bringing us one step closer to proving that efficient, compact, and affordable hypersonic flight can be scaled." Typical flight distance between London and New York City is around 3,450 miles. Even at Mach 4 cruising speeds (around 3,070mph), the journey would take just over an hour. 8 Hypersonic flights could be here as soon as the 2030s, according to Vertical Aerospace Credit: venusaerospace 8 The company hopes that passengers will be able to reach anywhere in the world in a matter of hours Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace 8 Flights would cruise at altitudes of 170,000 feet – far higher than a Boeing 747, which usually cruises at between 35,000 and 40,000 feet Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace Venus Aerospace says that its rocket engine could be used for lots of different flight types. That includes: Spacecraft landers Low-Earth-orbit satellites Space cargo transfer vehicles Rocket kick-stages Hypersonic drones and missiles The company completed a supersonic flight test of a drone early last year. VENUS STARGAZER BY THE NUMBERS Here's what you need to know... Weight: 150,000 pounds Length: 150 feet Width: 100 feet Top speed: Mach 9 (6,900mph) Actual cruising speed: Mach 4/5 (3,000-3,800mph) Cruising altitude: 170,000 feet Picture Credit: Venus Aerospace It saw the rocket firm blast a 300lb machine to Mach 0.9 (690mph) during a 10-mile flight. Now Venus is hoping that its new Nasa-funded engine nozzle will allow for a proper flight test, bringing a 2030 commercial launch closer to reality. "This is just the beginning of what can be achieved with Venus propulsion technology," said Venus Aerospace's tech chief Andrew Duggleby. "We've built a compact, high-performance system that unlocks speed, range, and agility across aerospace, defense, and many other applications. 8 The Venus Stargazer could potentially reach top speeds of Mach 9 Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace 8 Mach 9 speeds would bring the craft close to 7,000mph Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace "And we're confident in its readiness for flight." It comes after a massive plane dubbed the 'Skytanic' is set to take to the skies by 2030. The US is reportedly planning for a 'Son of Blackbird' jet that could become the world's fastest plane. And another hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from London to Sydney in just two hours.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Hypersonic 3,800mph ‘Stargazer' jet could now blast from London to NYC in 1 hour after Nasa-funded rocket engine upgrade
A HYPERSONIC jet could soar at thousands of miles an hour – slashing the flight time between London and New York to just over an hour thanks to a Nasa-funded engine upgrade. The Venus Stargazer has a flight range of 5,000 miles, and is set to arrive "as soon as the 2030s". 8 Venus Aerospace is working on a hypersonic plane Credit: venusaerospace 8 It could reach cruising speeds of 3,800mph Credit: venusaerospace 8 A Nasa-backed engine upgrade could make Mach 5 flights possible Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace Venus Aerospace, its creator, recently completed revealed it was planning a flight demo "later this summer". The company said that thanks to a Nasa-funded breakthrough, the "record-setting" engine system is nearly ready to try out for real. Venus hopes that its rocket engine will be able to blast passengers around the Earth in record time. " Read more on hypersonic flight "No one has ever built a hypersonic platform that makes two-hour global transport cost-effective. Until now. "Our flagship product, Stargazer, will ascend from a central airport using advanced propulsion systems. "Our vehicle will accelerate from taxi to cruise speeds of Mach 4 at 110,000 feet with a top speed capable of Mach 9." The engine is set to feature a new Nasa-funded nozzle design. That's the part of the rocket that "shapes and directs power ". Most read in Tech This hi-tech nozzle will reportedly allow for speeds exceeding Mach 5 – or about 3,800mph. "We've already proven our engine outperforms traditional systems on both efficiency and size," said Venus Aerospace chief Sassie Duggleby. Inside nuclear-powered 'Skytanic' hotel that can stay airborne for months with 360 degree views & room for 5,000 guests "The technology we developed with NASA's support will now be part of our integrated engine platform. "Bringing us one step closer to proving that efficient, compact, and affordable hypersonic flight can be scaled." Typical flight distance between London and New York City is around 3,450 miles. Even at Mach 4 cruising speeds (around 3,070mph), the journey would take just over an hour. 8 Hypersonic flights could be here as soon as the 2030s, according to Vertical Aerospace Credit: venusaerospace 8 The company hopes that passengers will be able to reach anywhere in the world in a matter of hours Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace 8 Flights would cruise at altitudes of 170,000 feet – far higher than a Boeing 747, which usually cruises at between 35,000 and 40,000 feet Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace Venus Aerospace says that its rocket engine could be used for lots of different flight types. That includes: Spacecraft landers Low-Earth-orbit satellites Space cargo transfer vehicles Rocket kick-stages Hypersonic drones and missiles The company completed a supersonic flight test of a drone early last year. VENUS STARGAZER BY THE NUMBERS Here's what you need to know... Weight: 150,000 pounds Length: 150 feet Width: 100 feet Top speed: Mach 9 (6,900mph) Actual cruising speed: Mach 4/5 (3,000-3,800mph) Cruising altitude: 170,000 feet Picture Credit: Venus Aerospace It saw the rocket firm blast a 300lb machine to Mach 0.9 (690mph) during a 10-mile flight. Now Venus is hoping that its new Nasa-funded engine nozzle will allow for a proper flight test, bringing a 2030 commercial launch closer to reality. "This is just the beginning of what can be achieved with Venus propulsion technology," said Venus Aerospace's tech chief Andrew Duggleby. "We've built a compact, high-performance system that unlocks speed, range, and agility across aerospace, defense, and many other applications. 8 The Venus Stargazer could potentially reach top speeds of Mach 9 Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace 8 Mach 9 speeds would bring the craft close to 7,000mph Credit: YouTube/@venusaerospace "And we're confident in its readiness for flight." It comes after a massive plane dubbed the 'Skytanic' is set to The US is reportedly planning for a 'Son of Blackbird' jet that could become the world's fastest plane. And another hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from
