Author: Rosa Moraes

Environment design criteria: boosting efficiency and minimizing risks and costs in launch vehicle development

The influence of the Natural Environment is a factor that affects all phases of launch vehicle/aircraft design, development and operation. Factors such as wind, turbulence, temperature extremes, atmospheric density, ionizing radiation, meteors, space debris, plasma and events related to solar activity, among other environmental phenomena, represent constraints and specific requirements that must be taken into account from the beginning of the project development program for a launch vehicle, so that it presents maximum efficiency in fulfilling its mission. The application of environmental design criteria aims to minimize risks, reduce costs and obtain the best possible vehicle performance. Read More →

What it if rains? Research advances in weather forecasting during launching missions of the Brazilian Space Program

Study characterizes the precipitation events that can occur during the dry quarter in the region of the Alcantara Launch Center. Data collected over 37 years was used to confirm their average features and obtain the large-scale organization of the convective activity during higher precipitation events. The results presented could be helpful for short-term weather forecasting during launching missions. Read More →

Winds of change at the Alcantara launch center: study brings Brazilian Space Program another step ahead

The present article details an experiment using a scale model of the Launching Pad Area in a subsonic wind tunnel, using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique to collect results in different wind flow incidence configurations. The results identify the peculiarities of the region’s typical wind action, and its effects on launch structures and operations on one of the world’s most strategically located space launching bases. Read More →

Thermal Control: How to get the best results from satellite radiator system optimization?

With the successful case of the Amazon-I satellite, Brazilian scientists demonstrate an innovative solution in optimizing satellite thermal control through design, revealing the importance of a multifocal approach when studying the development of radiator systems, as these are fundamental. for the correct functioning of the devices and accuracy of the transmitted data. Read More →

Study compares experimental and numerical results of a supercritical airfoil behaviour in compressible flow

Research presents a contribution to the demanding field of studies on hot wire anemometry of the unsteady wake of a supercritical airfoil, based on experimental tests made on an ultrasonic wind tunnel and compared with a numerical study results. Read More →

Lightning strikes and ice accumulation: The use of conductive composite materials in challenging aviation solutions in review

An updated look through published studies that show the advantages brought by conductive nanostructures in effective solutions for on flight lightning current dispersion and surface deicing, minimizing the risk of accidents while improving flight efficiency through a low-weight, lower cost and lower maintenance system than others currently applied to aviation. Read More →

The impact of delays in customers satisfaction: Study brings light to one of the most competitive points of commercial aviation

Researchers analyze the on-time performance of the major airline company at the largest hub airport of United Kingdom. The results of the analysis show that their well-succeed system of delay/disruption management fulfills or exceeds the passengers’ expectations, lowering the negative impressions caused by such inconvenience, and keeping customers loyalty. Read More →