Aviation & Aerospace News
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TRUMPF VCSELs To Fly To Space In Quantum Sensors
8/31/2022
TRUMPF Photonic Components, a global leader in VCSEL and photodiode solutions, develops a high-power, single-mode VCSEL to be implemented in an altitude gyroscope sensor suitable for use in space. In few years the satellite with the quantum-based gyroscope should fly into space to generate highly precise attitude determination.
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I Want You: The Second Space Race Is Underway
8/25/2022
The second Space Race is underway. Perhaps it’s not creating all the hubbub of the quest to put a “man on the Moon” ahead of the Russians, but it should be. Learn why there's an urgent need to being the best when it comes to exploration — and habitation.
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Bright Ideas — HELIOS Headed to Navy, "Sun Glint" Reveals Offshore Methane Emissions
8/24/2022
Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, "sun glint" offers more precise look at offshore methane emissions, Lockheed Martin prepares to deliver its HELIOS laser weapon to the U.S. Navy, and scientists pursue replacement for LEDs.
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Bright Ideas — NIF Celebrates 1 Year Since 1.4 MJ Achieved, Laser-Mounted Strykers Headed For Fort Sill
8/17/2022
Bright Ideas presents the most captivating news and innovations in photonics. This week, three new peer-reviewed papers chronicle the journey and incredible results of the National Ignition Facility's Aug. 8, 2021 shot that generated 1.3 megajoules. Plus, Army Stryker vehicles affixed with 50-kW lasers will soon be en route to a Midwest air defense battery, and DARPA picks 11 teams to enable LEO-based optical communications terminal.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.