NASA is analyzing test data on its latest prototype Mars rover vehicle in preparation for the next field test of the 33-lb. vehicle. The evaluation, scheduled for March, 1998, will include improved navigation and control systems, with most rover controllers operating the vehicle from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory or their home institutions instead of from an on-site location in the field. The six-wheeled prototype successfully completed its latest test series on a dry lakebed near Los Angeles, traveling 0.6 mi.
Meggitt Avionics will supply its secondary flight display system for Lockheed Martin's Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The U.K.-based company is a risk-sharing partner in the JSF program and will supply systems for both concept demonstrator aircraft, the first of which is scheduled to roll out in 1999.
Motorola, which lost out to Boeing for the prime contract to build the 288-satellite Teledesic system, has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a satellite network that would compete directly with Teledesic. The Celestri system would offer high-speed data and video transmissions, including Internet connections, anywhere on the globe via 63 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and at least one spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit.
Walter Stark has become chief executive officer of Pilatus Britten-Norman, succeeding Anthony Stansfeld, who has left the company. Stark will continue as sales and marketing director.
Because preventing the transference of nuclear weapons knowledge to rogue states or terrorists is equally important as protecting fissionable materials, several large international programs are paying scientists in the newly independent states to work on projects of mutual interest.
For all the technology and scientific expertise devoted to U.S.-Russian laboratory-to-laboratory nuclear protection programs, the cornerstone of their success comes down to trust between individuals.
The battle between Airbus and Boeing (set to merge with McDonnell Douglas) was a dominant theme at the 42nd Paris air show last week. The two companies sparred against a backdrop of growing concern over the pace of industry consolidation in Europe, as companies sought new alliances. The growth of commercial space was highlighted by huge satellite and rocket engine deals. A dearth of new military aircraft and a growing number of upgrade packages mirrored flat defense budgets, which have spurred intense competition for export orders.
Marc L. Busch is assistant professor of government and social studies at Harvard University and a faculty associate at its Center for International Affairs. He writes on the strategic trade practices of nations with high-technology industries.
A LOW-COST 3-D HUMAN MODELING and ergonomics program has been developed by HumanCAD Systems, a division of BCAM International Inc., for use in computer-aided design work. Called MQPro, the PC-based program is designed to create accurate, 3-D humanoids--man, woman or child--so designers can factor in fatigue or safety concerns. The program allows import/export capabilities for use with graphics software such as Autodesk's AutoCAD and 3D Studio MAX.
American assistance has helped Russia make some improvements in securing its vast stockpile of nuclear materials, but continued economic and political turmoil are threatening to offset the gains. Efforts such as the U.S. Energy Dept.'s ``lab-to-lab'' program are leading to the installation of new electronic security systems at Russian nuclear sites. However, at the same time, many of the scientists and engineers who staff those sites haven't been paid for months because of the Russian government's lack of money.
Jurgen H. Rahe, who was science program director for NASA's solar system exploration programs, was killed June 18 during a severe thunderstorm when a large tree fell and crushed his car as he drove in Potomac, Md. Rahe, who was 57, had overseen programs such as the Galileo mission to Jupiter, Discovery and Pathfinder missions to Mars, and upcoming Cassini/Huygens mission to Saturn.
Industria de Turbo Propulsores S.A. of Spain (ITP) has begun manufacturing work on a prototype of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle. Production is to be completed by the end of the year, with engine ground tests on a Eurojet EJ200 powerplant planned for the first quarter of 1998.
Czech airframe manufacturer Aero Vodochody and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) have created a joint venture to jointly finance, develop, produce and market a new 6-9-passenger utility aircraft.
Israel and Turkey have recently accelerated their defense cooperation, taking new steps to evaluate the threats they face, starting new military projects and working on joint maneuvers.
The Instituto Nacional de Tecnica Aeroespacial (INTA) of Spain has selected the Thiokol Castor 4B motor as the first-stage booster for INTA's new Capricornio light launcher. Sized to carry a 100-kg. (220-lb.) payload into low-Earth orbit, the three-stage solid propellant Capricornio is scheduled to make its first flight in 1999. It was originally designed for Germany's Maxus microgravity launch vehicle. The contract covers the supply of motors for the first two missions. Thiokol also is competing to supply the second-stage motor for the Capricornio vehicle.
Pat Coulter has been named vice president-communications for the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group of Seattle. She was vice president-corporate communications of Bell Atlantic.
Dassault Systemes has upgraded its CATIA-CADAM software to make it easier for suppliers using desktop systems to participate concurrently in computer-aided design work by original equipment manufacturers.
RADIO-FREQUENCY WEAPONS are now available to destroy or degrade circuit boards and chips that are the heart of modern electronic systems, according to retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen Robert L. Schweitzer. He told the Joint Economic Committee last week that the Russians had developed very directional high-power microwave weapons and smaller, nonnuclear electromagnetic pulse (EMP) weapons available as hand grenades, mortar rounds, artillery shells or missiles.
ALLIEDSIGNAL AEROSPACE CO. is planning to acquire Grimes Aerospace Co. for an undisclosed sum, with the transaction expected to close in the second half of this year. Grimes' $230 million in sales are spread among aircraft lighting, engine and electronic systems. The deal was announced at the Paris air show. $end 17 NEWS BREAKS RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT BUILDERS
Although on a much smaller scale than the Russian program, the three main U.S. nuclear laboratories have a few lab-to-lab projects underway with China, collaborating on material protection, control and accounting (MPC&A) projects. National security objectives also are at the root of these nascent efforts, but China's situation differs markedly from that of Russia, which leads to a somewhat different relationship. For example:
William Stanton has been appointed chairman/chief executive officer of the Beacon Power Corp., a subsidiary of SatCon Technology Corp., Cambridge, Mass. Other new directors are: Joseph Saliba, vice president-sales and marketing; Marshall Armstrong, senior vice president of Thermo Electron Corp.; David Eisenhaure, chairman/CEO of SatCon; Michael Turmelle, vice president/chief financial officer of SatCon; and Anthony Villiotti, vice president/treasurer/controller of Duquesne Enterprises.
Wanda T. Reiss has been named vice president-engineering for SKY Computers, Chelmsford, Mass. She was a department and technical product manager with the Polaroid Corp.
Pat Eicker, director of intelligent systems and robotics at the Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.M., has received the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award from the Robotics Industries Assn. Eicker was cited for ``leadership in establishing the Intelligent Systems and Robotics Center at Sandia as one of the world's premier centers for robotics research'' and working ``to bring the Robotics and Intelligent Machines Coordinating Council to fruition.''
