| Topic: | Some Recent Advances in Aeronautics and Spaceflight Technologies: My Perspective |
|---|---|
| Speaker: | Dr Sean Swei (Ph.D) Senior Research Scientist/Principal Investigator Intelligent Systems Division NASA Ames Research Center |
| Date: | Monday, 16 September 2019 |
| Time: | 10.30am to 11.30am |
| Venue: | Seminar Room EA-06-03 (Block EA, Level 6) (map of NUS can be found at http://map.nus.edu.sg/) |
| Host: | Prof Khoo Boo Cheong |
Abstract
In this presentation, we will review some of the advanced aeronautics and spaceflight research that are critical in addressing the needs and relevant technical challenges for future aviation and space exploration technologies. In particular, we will highlight the transformative technological impacts and present our solutions. This presentation will cover the following two themes:
Future robotic/autonomous air vehicle concept: One of the key research thrusts in developing ultra-efficient future air vehicles is to leverage current digital material revolution in electronics industries, by demonstrating that, through utilization of digitization and discrete construction concept, whether a collection of discrete parts can produce a functional unit or whether they can be reconfigured for completely different applications. If this were proven feasible, then the life cycle efficiency of the discrete components would significantly exceed the conventionally engineered components. In addition, the discrete construction of aerostructures offers tremendous versatility and adaptability, so as to provide much desired in-flight mission planning capability, such as “tailored” flight envelope. This concept can potentially revolutionize how future air vehicle systems be designed, built, and flown, with dramatic reduction in weight and development time, while enabling new operational capabilities otherwise unattainable
Innovative spaceflight technologies: 1) CubeSat has been an ideal platform for performing cost effective science missions in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) for limited duration, because of its standard form factor and low budget and high-risk nature of operations. However, the current trend is to explore potential CubeSat applications for longer mission life cycle beyond LEO. To realize this objective, a number of technical challenges must be addressed, especially in the area of ADCS (Attitude Determination and Control Systems), for CubeSat’s compact dimension imposes a great challenge on designing and implementing an effective momentum management system. 2) One key aspect of future Large Mass Delivery to Mars or human Mars mission is the necessity of employing Aerocapture through deployable aerodynamic decelerator. The Adaptable Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT) is a novel planetary entry vehicle concept, which utilizes a mechanically deployable aeroshell that can be used as drag generating decelerator as well as thermal protection system. The challenge is to develop a lift-guided control system by utilizing ADEPT aeroshell as a controllable effector.
About the Speaker
Sean Swei received BS in Mechanical Engineering from National Taiwan University, MS in Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics from Drexel University, and Ph.D. in Aeronautics & Astronautics from Purdue University. He is currently a Senior Research Scientist/Principal Investigator at NASA Ames Research Center and an Adjunct Professor at San Jose State University. At NASA, Sean has successfully developed a novel digital aerostructure concept, and also designed the attitude control systems for LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer) and led the guidance and control concept development for the ADEPT (Adaptable Deployable Entry & Placement Technology) planetary entry vehicle. His research interests are in the general areas of aircraft and spacecraft flight systems.