Back in the 1980s, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) published an annual brochure, called “Spinoff”.  The brochure’s purpose was to showcase the technical improvements that had come into the lives of individual Americans as a result of NASA’s various programs.  

In the 1990s, that annual publication was replaced by a monthly magazine, “NASA Tech Briefs”, which focused on the latest “cutting edge” technical innovations.  NASA Tech Briefs became a means for communication among innovators, inventors, engineers, and manufacturing companies, making them aware of the latest innovations, in order to foster development and introduction of new products.

Several years ago, “Tech Briefs” was taken over by SAE, and “NASA” was dropped from the name.  Other technical magazines have been spun off from Tech Briefs, that focus on specific subjects: “Automotive Engineering”, “Motion Design”, “Battery & Electrification Technology”, “ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Engineering”, “Military + Aerospace Electronics”, and more.  

If you like to keep abreast of the latest innovations, these monthly (some are bi-monthly) magazines are definitely how to do it. One additional magazine, unrelated to the Tech Brief clan, would be an important addition: “Aviation Week & Space Technology”.  A subscription to AW&ST is not cheap, but it is worth every penny.

The Future Is Coming!

These magazines give you a ringside seat for viewing the technical innovations included in products that we will all be seeing in the next few years – a preview that most people never get to see.

Here are just a few of the breakthroughs that have appeared in recent issues.

From the October 16-29 issue of AW&ST:  The next U.S. stealth bomber, the B-21, has a wingspan of 132 feet (vs. the B-2 bomber’s wingspan of 172 feet).  It has a very low radar cross-section – without any anti-radar treatment.  

The intake ducting and the exhaust ducting for its two jet engines are not straight-through; they curve in a way that radar cannot reflect off of them.  Also, the jet exhaust exits above the wing, reducing the airplane’s heat (infra-red) radiation, which is another frequently-used technique for detecting an airplane.

In the November issue of Tech Briefs is a short article about using advanced 3D-printing techniques and a paste made of living cells to make hearts and other organs.  They “manufacture” thick tissues one layer at a time, placing the exact type of cell needed at each spot.

Another article in that same issue reports on a technique to manufacture solar cells used on satellites in space that will allow them to be more resistant to damage from radiation, which is ever-present in space.

The issue also includes an article that discusses laser attacks on autonomous (self-driving) vehicles, which can cause them to be unable to detect pedestrians and other obstacles.  Research is now underway to combat that problem.

The October issue of Military + Aerospace Electronics includes an article on the U.S. Navy’s intended use of electromagnetic weapons and lasers for defense against attacks on its ships.

Another article reports that Lockheed Martin is building electronic warfare (“EW”) avionics (instruments) for Apache helicopters.  

In the August issue of Automotive Engineering, on article describes “Two companies’ latest techniques to take additive manufacturing to the next level”.  The article focuses on making additive manufacturing – 3-D printing – competitive in both cost and throughput speed.  

In the September issue of Automotive Engineering, an article reports that one battery technology company is demonstrating a new battery that will fully recharge in six minutes.

An article in the October issue of Motion Design presents ideas for improving multi-robot workcell performance.

In that same issue is an article describes the medical use of artificial intelligence (“AI”).  An AI-enabled soft robotic implant senses pain and other symptoms in scar tissue, and adapts by releasing drugs, as required.  

The cover story for Automotive Engineering’s February issue is titled, “Time for Hydrogen – EV limitations open the door for fuel-cell and other alternatives”.

Electric vehicles have been the favorite of politicians who know less than nothing about the technical issues, but wrongly assume that any technical issue can be overcome.  

Nevertheless, the batteries which power electric vehicles are severely limited, and doomed to remain so.  Development of batteries is only “evolutionary”, not “revolutionary”.  

Batteries are like candles:  no matter how much you improve a candle, the design of a candle can never evolve into a lightbulb.  

Something better than electric batteries is needed – and that something is hydrogen power.  A hydrogen-powered internal combustion (“IC”) engine would be more powerful than the current gasoline-powered IC engines, last longer than battery-powered motors, and … create no pollution.  

What do you get when you burn hydrogen?  

Burn Hydrogen and Get Water

Burn hydrogen and the “exhaust” is nothing but clean, drinkable water.

No more ultra-heavy bunch of batteries that make an EV as heavy as those big cars of the 1970s.  Remember them?

No more half-hour or more charging time for an EV’s batteries.  Just go to a filling station, pull up to the hydrogen pump next to the old gasoline pump, and top off the tank, just like always.  

Think Outside the Box

These magazines (and the frequent emails they send with the latest news) are a great way to keep abreast with the latest thinking.  By the time these new technologies reach the day-to-day lives of most people, they will be old news to you, if you subscribe to these magazines.  Being aware of what is going to happen allows you to be better able to anticipate how it is going to affect the lives of you and your family.

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