The Overview — Dynamic
The Overview — Dynamic
Fueling the next generation of aerospace engineers
Dynamic
A force that stimulates change or progress within a system or process
Welcome back to The Overview! Have you ever wondered how engineers determine the structural limits in the harsh environments of space? Or how dynamic forces influence the design and success of cutting-edge technology? This week, we delve into the fascinating world of dynamics, exploring the forces that push boundaries and drive innovation.
⚙️ Join Aaron as he uncovers the intricate science of loads and dynamics, revealing how these forces are calculated and tested to ensure the stability and success of aerospace missions.
🗞️ Get the latest scoop on NASA's decision to cancel the VIPER program and its implications for the future of lunar exploration.
📈 We also highlight the NATSEC100 2024 list, showcasing top national security-focused startups leading the charge in aerospace innovation.
🚀 Featured Technology
An Introduction to Loads and Dynamics
Launch vehicles are known for their immense power, with intense noise, vibration, and forces. These massive structures perform huge maneuvers, like separating stages, crucial for mission success. When combined with the sheer size of a rocket structure, this begs the question: How do we predict all the forces and vibrations of the body so that we can know when the rocket will break?
Enter Aaron, a loads and dynamics engineer whose work focuses on exactly that. In his article, he delves into the fascinating world of loads and dynamics, exploring how engineers predict and manage the immense forces in aerospace systems. Here’s what you’ll find:
⚛️ The physics underlying dynamics modeling.
📊 The various types of analyses that load and dynamics engineers perform
🏎️ A look into his journey from modeling his Formula student race car team at his university to working at various rocket companies, along with resources to get you started!
Check out the full article for a deep dive into a discipline that guides vehicle design from concept to launch! Whether you're an engineering enthusiast or curious about the behind-the-scenes work of aerospace technology, this article offers a compelling look into the dynamic world of loads and dynamics!
🗞️ Aerospace News
The biggest news recently was a sad (and frustrating) development: NASA canceled its VIPER program. VIPER was a fully assembled, potentially revolutionary rover that would have hunted for ice on the lunar surface. NASA has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars on VIPER, and canceling the program will save it less than 90 million dollars, meaning NASA could spend close to 800 million dollars on a project that never happens. NASA leadership said the termination was due to budget concerns, as the entire agency’s budget for science programs was reduced to $1 billion for 2025.
We can only guess the heartbreak this news has brought to everyone who poured their time, energy, and passion into this project. The only hope for VIPER now lies in industrial and international partners, who have until August 1st to express interest in using VIPER in its fully assembled state. If nothing happens before then, VIPER will be stripped for parts for use in other missions.
In other news, if you are interested in the National Security industry, the Silicon Valley defense group recently released its NATSEC100 2024 edition: a list of the top “venture-funded, national security-focused and dual-use startups.” SpaceX leads the list at #1, followed by Anduril at #2. Many other aerospace startups cracked into the top rankings on the list, including Relativity at #8, Axiom at #9, Skydio at #10, Firefly at #17, and Sierra Space at #26. If you’re looking for solid companies to work at in this industry, this list is a great place to start!
💬 Quote of the Week
"There is nothing permanent except change." — Heraclitus
Thanks for reading The Overview—The Dynamic edition. As we explore the dynamic forces that drive innovation and progress, we are reminded that change is inevitable and essential. Whether pushing the limits of technology or navigating setbacks like NASA's VIPER cancellation, the spirit of progress continues to propel us forward. Thank you for joining us on this journey of discovery!
Stellar vibes,
Aaron, Tagg, Anshuk, Maggie, Isaac