Aviation & Aerospace News

  1. Compact QKD System Paves The Way To Cost-Effective Satellite-Based Quantum Networks 8/15/2022

    Researchers report an experimental demonstration of a space-to-ground quantum key distribution (QKD) network using a compact QKD terminal aboard the Chinese Space Lab Tiangong-2 and four ground stations. The new QKD system is less than half the weight of the system the researchers developed for the Micius satellite, which was used to perform the world’s first quantum-encrypted virtual teleconference.

  2. DARPA Kicks Off Program To Develop Low-Earth Orbit Satellite 'Translator' 8/12/2022

    DARPA has selected 11 teams for Phase 1 of the Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node program, known as Space-BACN. Space-BACN aims to create a low-cost, reconfigurable optical communications terminal that adapts to most optical intersatellite link standards, translating between diverse satellite constellations.

  3. Bright Ideas — "Agility" Key To Industry Success In 2022, Space X Announces NASA Contract From SPIE Astro 7/27/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, Optica issues a mid-year report of the state of the optics and photonic industry. And despite some pitfalls, the latter half of the year looks promising. Plus, SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation brings with it some exciting announcements, and JWST images and data keep rolling in. 

  4. Bright Ideas — NASA To Reveal First JWST Color Images, Optical Laser Communications Advances 6/17/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, NASA announced the first images from JWST will be revealed on July 12. Northrop Grumman and BlueHalo are making strides in optical laser communications. And, Optica covers the Russia-Ukraine war by chronicling the challenges faced by researchers whose personal lives and scientific work are threatened by the conflict. 

  5. Bright Ideas — Micrometeoroid Jolts JWST, Study Finds The Perfect Wavelength to Kill COVID 6/15/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, a micrometeoroid careened into the James Webb Space Telescope, damaging one of the mirror segments, while the Mars Ingenuity copter had a mishap of its own. Plus, scientists conducted what may be the most comprehensive study yet to determine which wavelengths best kill SARS-CoV-2.

  6. Bright Ideas — DoD Strategic Review To Determine Space Weapon Priorities, Mitsubishi Electric Claims First Laser Terminal To Integrate Spatial Acquisition 6/8/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, the DoD affirmed that it will supply the the Biden Administration with the results of a strategic space review that aims to determine the appropriate mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. Plus, Mitsubishi Electric claims it has developed the first laser terminal that employs both optical communication and spatial laser acquisition. 

  7. NÜVÜ's EMCCD For Nanosatellites 6/2/2022

    Since its founding, Nüvü Camēras has taken the lead with its unmatched photon counting imaging capability and reliability in supporting detectors for demanding low light applications. Thanks to developments carried out for the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Nüvü Camēras' industry-leading Electron Multiplying Charge Coupled Device (EMCCD) technology is being integrated into NASA's Roman Space Telescope.

  8. 4 Key Applications Fueling Free Space Optics (FSO) Communication Market Development 6/1/2022

    Free space optics (FSO) communication market size will record over $2 billion in annual valuation by 2027, according to Global Market Insights Inc. Discover four applications driving the growth. 

  9. Mercury Systems, Lockheed Martin To Collaborate On Sensor Processing Technology 5/31/2022

    Mercury Systems Inc., a leader in trusted, secure mission-critical technologies for aerospace and defense, and Lockheed Martin announced they signed an agreement to collaborate on the development and manufacture of new sensor processing technologies for radar signal processing, multi-sensor data fusion, artificial intelligence, and situational awareness.

  10. Bright Ideas — Russia's Latest Laser Weapon Likely All Talk, "Wonder Material" Graphyne Created 5/23/2022

    Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, a Russian official says the country's newest directed-energy laser weapon can "burn up" a target — and critics balk at the claim. Scientists are on their way to developing a usable amount of graphyne. Plus, DARPA and CACI successfully conducted optical communication between satellites in LEO.