Latest news with #JAXA
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
NASA's sci-fi-looking X-59 feels the supersonic wind blow in test tunnel
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Recently, a team from NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) tested a model of the X-59 experimental aircraft. What is it? The X-59 aircraft measures around 99.7 feet (30.4 meters) long, with a wingspan of 29.7 feet (9 meters). With the wind tunnel at the JAXA research facility only measuring around three feet (or a meter) across, the researchers realized they would have to test the aircraft using a much smaller model. They scaled down the X-59 to 1.62% of its actual size, around 19 inches from front to back. Then they exposed the model to supersonic wind speeds of approximately 925 miles per hour (or 1,488 km per hour) also known as a cruising speed of Mach 1.4. Where is it? The wind tunnel is at a JAXA research facility in Chofu, Japan. Why is it amazing? The X-59, with its stretched noise and ultrathin wings, is designed to diffuse the supersonic shock waves created when the aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound. So instead of a loud sonic boom, the plane should create more of a "thump" noise. Using a model, the researchers could gain key information about how air flows over and around the aircraft, allowing them to improve its design even further to reduce its noise. This test was the third of a series of wind tunnel tests, giving experts insights into the noise the aircraft makes when flying at high speeds. The X-59 itself was built by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in California and is slated to make its first historic flight sometime this year. Want to learn more? You can read more about the recent build of the X-59 aircraft and other experimental planes.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Space photo of the day for July 21, 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Aboard the International Space Station, astronauts work to study how the microgravity atmosphere affects human health, such as muscle development and bone structure. What is it? As part of a project to look at how microgravity affects cellular health, ISS Commander Takuya Onishi of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and NASA Expedition 73 Flight Engineer Nichole Ayers collect blood samples from the astronauts on the space station. Given that gravity is almost nonexistent on the ISS, it can make things like blood collection somewhat challenging, as things float away or have to be tied down. Where is it? This photo was taken aboard the ISS, around 250 miles (402 km) from Earth in low-Earth orbit. Why is it amazing? The blood being collected in this image is part of the larger Immunity Assay human research investigation project, which looks at any signs of possible space-caused stress on cells in the body. Microgravity, radiation, confinement and a change in sleep-wake cycles and can exert pressure on cells, driving lower immune systems and making astronauts more susceptible to being sick during or after missions. By collecting and analyzing blood, experts can look for possible stress markers, immune cell levels and other signs that can see how being in space alters a person's overall health. This can help doctors adjust regimens in real time to ensure the best results for crew members on the ISS. Want to learn more? You can read more about spaceflight health and studies on microgravity's effects on the human body. Solve the daily Crossword
Time Business News
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Cutting-Edge Developments in Surface Analysis Tools
Surface analysis refers to a set of techniques that are used to examine the physical structure, structure and physical properties of the outer layers of the material, usually on micro or nanoscale. Surface analysis is increasing due to increasing demand for market advanced materials, miniatures in electronics, increasing research in nanotechnology and stringent quality standards in industries. Additionally, the increasing requirement of innovation and accurate surface characterization in instrumentation is further enhancing market expansion. Key Growth Drivers and Opportunities Integration of AI and ML: Integration of AI and machine learning in the surface analysis industry increases data interpretation, automatic complex analysis, and promotes prediction accuracy. AI can process larger datasets to highlight the patterns by humans, which can reduce better quality control, reduce operating costs and rapid material growth. It also enables real-time, in-situ analysis to make better decisions in industrial processes. As AI technologies move forward, they will further enhance surface analysis devices, which will driving innovation in areas such as semiconductors, nano technology and biotechnology. Challenges Surface analysis faces boundaries such as high cost of advanced analytical devices in the market, which can be a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutes. Many techniques also require special training and efficient personnel, which limit the adoption widely. Additionally, the methods of surface analysis often have boundaries in depth profiling, sensitivity or material compatibility, making it challenging to analyze complex or multilevel samples. The variation in the sample preparation and the requirement of controlled environments can make the accuracy and stability more complex in the results. Innovation and Expansion With Groundbreaking Tools for Advanced Surface Analysis, GelSight Reveals Mobile 4.0 In December 2024, The GelSight Mobile 4.0 software package has been released by GelSight, a leader in tactile intelligence technology. The most desired features by GelSight customers are now available with our most recent release. Thanks to automatic picture stitching, customers can now quickly combine scans to examine greater surface regions. Additionally, GelSight has developed a specialized 2D measurement analysis function by extending its current 2D measurement tools. Routine measurements, inspection cycles, and other processes are significantly improved by these technologies, which also make workflows simpler. Tenchijin Reveals the Land Evaluation Engine's Moon Surface Analysis Feature In March 2023, Tenchijin, a space enterprise certified by JAXA, is excited to announce the debut of Tenchijin COMPASS Moon, a new feature that uses space Big Data to examine the Moon surface. Anyone may conduct a thorough examination of the Moon's surface thanks to the new feature 'Moon Crater Depth Estimation.' Tenchijin wants to use its experience with space Big Data to offer a novel method for estimating the height and unevenness of the Moon's surface. Tenchijin COMPASS Moon is a lunar variant of Tenchijin COMPASS, a complete land evaluation engine that uses Big Data from Earth observation satellites and other sources to evaluate and visualize data. 'Lunar eclipse simulation' and 'area calculation' are the product's primary features. Inventive Sparks, Expanding Markets Prominent players working in the surface analysis include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, Hitachi High-Tech Corporation, ULVAC-PHI, INCORPORATED, NT-MDT SI, and others. With technological innovation, high resolution, rapid analysis, and an emphasis on creating more sophisticated, inexpensive and user -friendly analytical equipment with automated data interpretation that uses AI and machine learning, surface analysis will be one of the major strategies for the market. About Author: Prophecy is a specialized market research, analytics, marketing and business strategy, and solutions company that offer strategic and tactical support to clients for making well-informed business decisions and to identify and achieve high value opportunities in the target business area. Also, we help our client to address business challenges and provide best possible solutions to overcome them and transform their business. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Blood samples to heart scans: How NASA monitors astronaut health aboard the ISS through human research
Image: NASA As humanity prepares for longer missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, NASA is intensifying efforts to understand how spaceflight affects the human body. Aboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts are undergoing a range of medical tests, from drawing blood and monitoring vital signs to performing heart scans and fitness checks. These studies help NASA assess how microgravity, radiation, and confined environments impact physical health over time. The findings are essential for developing countermeasures to keep astronauts healthy on deep space journeys, while also offering insights for healthcare on Earth. With real-time support from ground-based teams, this research is shaping the future of crewed space exploration. Daily diagnostics: Monitoring astronauts' health in orbit NASA astronauts like Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain are participating in multiple human research studies aboard the ISS. Ayers, along with JAXA Commander Takuya Onishi, collected blood samples for the Immunity Assay, a study examining how spaceflight stress affects cellular immune function. Meanwhile, McClain conducted ultrasound heart scans and measured her blood pressure to track cardiovascular health, helping identify early signs of artery stiffness and blood flow changes linked to microgravity. Additional wearable technology, like the Canadian Space Agency's Bio-Monitor headband and vest, enables continuous monitoring of vital signs during normal daily activities, including exercise and sleep. Data from these devices is transmitted to medical teams on Earth for analysis and follow-up planning. Keeping astronauts and space systems healthy In addition to medical testing, astronauts are also maintaining the critical hardware aboard the space station. Jonny Kim and Onishi inspected life support systems like catalytic reactors and hatch seals to ensure a safe onboard environment. Botanical studies in the Kibo module are exploring how plants grow and divide in microgravity, offering a dual benefit: food production and biological insights. Roscosmos crew members contributed to the research with respiratory diagnostics and treadmill-based fitness evaluations. These health assessments are part of a broader NASA strategy to prepare for long-duration missions where crew autonomy and system reliability are crucial. From heart scans to habitat checks, it is all part of safeguarding the future of spaceflight.
Sustainability Times
7 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Sounds Like Thunder, Flies Like a Ghost': NASA's 19-Inch X-59 Just Hit Mach 1.4 in a Shocking Japan Supersonic Test
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 NASA and JAXA successfully tested a scale model of the X-59 at Mach 1.4, gathering critical data for supersonic travel. and successfully tested a scale model of the X-59 at Mach 1.4, gathering critical data for supersonic travel. ✈️ The 19-inch model was tested in a wind tunnel, simulating real-world flight conditions for validating the aircraft's design. 🔊 The X-59 aims to replace the traditional sonic boom with a quieter 'sonic thump' , making overland supersonic flights viable. , making overland supersonic flights viable. 🌐 The project is part of NASA's Quesst mission, which seeks to revolutionize air travel by proving that quiet supersonic flight is feasible and socially acceptable. In an era where innovation is the cornerstone of progress, NASA and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are collaboratively pushing the boundaries of aviation technology. Recently, in Chofu, Japan, a 1.62% scale model of the X-59 aircraft underwent rigorous testing, reaching astonishing speeds of Mach 1.4 within a compact 3-by-3-foot wind tunnel. This miniature marvel is not just a testament to engineering prowess but a crucial step toward revolutionizing supersonic travel. The data collected from these tests are invaluable, setting the stage for quieter, overland supersonic flights that could redefine air travel as we know it. Tiny Model, Full-Scale Stakes The X-59 demonstrator, a remarkable feat of engineering, measures an impressive 99.7 feet in length with a wingspan of 29.7 feet. However, the recent tests in the Chofu wind tunnel used a much smaller 19-inch model, representing just 1.62 percent of the actual aircraft. Despite its diminutive size, this model was subjected to airflow conditions matching the aircraft's anticipated cruise speed of Mach 1.4, equivalent to approximately 925 miles per hour. These conditions were crucial for collecting critical experimental data that could validate the aircraft's design. By comparing the results from these wind-tunnel tests with detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics predictions, NASA aims to confirm how the air will flow over the jet's slender fuselage and long, swept wings. The primary goal is to understand the behavior of shock waves, which, unlike in conventional supersonic aircraft, are designed in the X-59 to separate, resulting in a subtle 'sonic thump' instead of a loud boom. This breakthrough could pave the way for overland supersonic passenger flights, making them viable and socially acceptable. Terrifying Signal From Deep Space: New Detection Shows Traits Too Precise to Be Natural, Forcing Scientists to Reconsider Everything Milestones on the Road to First Flight The recent wind-tunnel experiments are just one step in a series of significant milestones for the X-59 program. In December 2024, a critical engine-burning test was successfully completed at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. This test marked the first time the integrated propulsion system was pushed to full power, underscoring the readiness of the X-59 for real-world conditions. Earlier, in October 2024, a preliminary engine shakedown ensured all systems were leak-free and operational. Progress continued with high-fidelity simulations in May 2025, which rigorously tested the aircraft's flight computer and subsystems. These simulations ensured that the sensors, control surfaces, and redundant computers could communicate seamlessly, simulating the high-altitude, high-speed missions the X-59 is designed for. As part of NASA's Quesst mission, these efforts are geared towards proving that quiet supersonic flight is both technically feasible and socially acceptable. Once airborne, the X-59 will perform community overflights across the United States, gathering public feedback on its muted acoustic footprint. 'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space Unveiling the Future of Supersonic Travel The X-59 project represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology. The successful tests of the 19-inch model in Chofu are a critical step toward achieving flights that could potentially reshape air travel. By turning the dreaded boom into a manageable thump, engineers are not only addressing noise pollution but also opening the door to commercial supersonic airliners capable of crossing continents at unprecedented speeds. This innovation could provide future commercial aircraft designers with the tools necessary to revolutionize air travel without disturbing the peace below. The potential for overland supersonic flight remains high, with the promise of reduced travel times and increased efficiency. The X-59 is at the forefront of this journey, offering a glimpse into a future where lengthy flights become a thing of the past. The data collected from these tests and future community feedback will be instrumental in shaping regulations and guiding the next generation of supersonic aircraft design. 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Data and Feedback: Paving the Path Forward As the X-59 moves closer to its first flight, the importance of data collection and community feedback cannot be overstated. The data gathered from wind-tunnel tests, combined with real-world overflight assessments, will provide regulators with the information needed to reconsider the current ban on supersonic flight over land. This potential change in policy could have a profound impact on the aviation industry, enabling faster, more efficient travel. The collaboration between NASA and JAXA exemplifies how international cooperation can drive technological advancements. By harnessing the expertise of both agencies, the X-59 project is poised to make significant contributions to the future of air travel. As we look to the skies, one cannot help but wonder: will the dream of quiet, overland supersonic flight soon become a reality for travelers worldwide? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
