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Research developing a synthetic material endowed with self-healing properties is presented. It is emphasized that the technique is inspired from the biological system and consists in integrating healing agents into thermosetting polymers.

The all-composite, lightweight composite body of the Space Technology Research Vehicle-2 (STRV-2) is akin to a hatbox in shape and houses several experimental instruments. The structure of the STRV-2 features low-cost technology with a simple design and a low parts count and is expected to demonstrate the performance of composite space vehicles and their advantages relative to conventional designs. Its thermal/mechanical design attributes support and protect the payload.

Description of the Atomospheric Radiation Measurement-Unmanned Aerospace Vehicle program used to collect data about clouds is presented.

The role that bacteria will play in aerospace programs continues to expand and NASA-supported researchers have been working to interface bacteria to silicon chips. Discussed is how University of Tennessee microbiologist Gary Sayler and his colleagues have developed a device that uses chips to collect signals from specially altered bacteria.

The Field Integrated Design Operations test bed is used to teach scientists how to remotely conduct field geology tests using rovers. In 2003, rovers will be sent to Mars to collect geological data.

Boeing Rocketdyne (Canoga Park, California) and TRW Space and Electronics (Redondo Beach, California) are each enegaged in an effort to develop reusable kerosene-fureled rocket engines, under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-Marshall's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) Project Office. Boeing Rocketdyne's candidate is the RS-84, while the TRW effort is centered on the TR107. The aforementioned efforts are intended to significantly lower the cost and improve the safety of second-generation space transport vehicles.

NASA is undertaking four propulsion projects that are designed to result in faster turn-around, and increased fuel efficiency for space launches. The RL60 program had the first successful hot-fire test of a component of the program, a full-scale thrust chamber injector. The test was conducted by Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion. The article includes discussion of ion propulsion systems, co-optimized bookster for reusable applications (COBRA) program, and the ARGO program.

A bioreactor, developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to study the behavior of cells in space is being used to grow patches of heart tissue that expands and contracts the same way as a beating heart. The bioreactor, when used on the ground, was discovered to mimic some of the conditions found in a weightless environment. Unlike petri dishes, the cells are never allowed to migrate to the bottom. Instead, the bioreactor's continual slow turning keeps the cells floating, where they can come together and form three-dimensional structures. Ultimately, researchers are hoping to be able to grow not only hearts, but other body parts and organs.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) is part of an ongoing effort to develop new materials that can withstand the rigors space. An essential component of this effort is the testing of these materials in space itself, due to the inability of ground-based laboratories to accurately simulate the combined effects of hazards found in outer space. MISSE's initial experiment involved the transportation of 750 material samples to the International Space Station (ISS) on August 10, 2001. The samples were attached to the ISS's exterior, where they will be exposed to the environment of space for 18 months. They are slated for retrival and return to Earth in January 2003.

The bone loss experienced by astronauts in space is reported to be a problem. NASA-funded physicians are currently studying a new treatment that could reverse the loss by using vibrations for short spans of time.

A 3D modeling software program which enables engineers to predict cutting performance for many machining processes, is discussed.

The quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) which was developed as part of the Strategic Defense Initiative is being used to provide protection against precursors to breast cancer.

The Personal Satellite Assistant (PSA) being developed at NASA-Ames will function as intelligent robot, moving and operating on its own in the microgravity environment of space-based vehicles. This project has a budget of around $500,000 a year. The PSA will monitor significant environmental conditions on board space stations, with its sensors assessing and reporting on levels of gases such as carbon dioxide. It will also function as a remote mobile data-display terminal for system and experimental information.

High-energy replicated optics (HERO) may provide X-ray astronomers a view of the sky at higher energies. NASA-Marshall engineers are developing the HERO telescope based on a method for mass-producing the optical mirrors. Two straight cones are used instead of curved surfaces, and the replication methods begin with an aluminium mandrel which is machined into part of a double shallow cone.

Researchers at NASA-Marshall are developing thin film materials with closely-packed molecules for devices such as electro-optic computers. The scientists, led by Donald Frazier of the Space Sciences Laboratory, make the thin polymer films by dissolving a monomer in an organic solvent. The solution is then bathed in UV light to create a thin polymer film on a quartz window.

Electrochemical fabrication (EFAB) allows the mass production of micromechanical devices, combining the benefits of rapid prototyping with integrated circuit fabrication. A research team at the University of Southern California (USC) headed by engineer Adam Cohen, is developing the EFAB process with the mass production of complex 3D micromechanical devices no thicker than a human hair. They claim to be able to make layers of less than a micron.

Israeli aerospace firm Aero-Design and Development, for five years, has been developing a manned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform, called Hummingbird, which made its initial flight in Aug. 1997. The Hummingbird is a personal flying platform designed to be used as an outdoor recreational vehicle. The vehicle carries one occupant and flies for 45 minutes with its 20 liters of fuel. For efficiency, it is made of lightweight materials such as graphite/epoxy and aluminum. Hummingbird's operating characteristics, components and instruments, and natural stability are discussed.

The Premier I is a light business jet produced by Raytheon Aircraft and sold at a price of $3.9 million each. Assembly sequency simulation and electronic aircraft mock-ups were done with the use of a computer-assisted three-dimensional interactive analysis (CATIA) software. The planned initial production rate is 40 units per year which began last Dec. 1996. Cincinnati Milarcon Viper fiber placement system produced the jet's fuselage.

Face gear technology has produced light-weight, low-cost helicopter transmissions, and simplified their manufacture and maintenance. The key to this success is the grinding concept that uses a unique dressing-wheel design which provides a continuous grinding process. Face gear's design allows for a simple division of the transmission torque into two paths. Even splitting of the torque can design the system for nearly perfect split, which is a key item in weight saving. The manufacture of face gears is less expensive as it requires only two-stage transmission.

Electric simulators and actuators are replacing hydraulics based platforms and motion bases in defence and entertainment simulation devices. Servos and Simulation (S&SI) developed electric platforms are cheaper, design efficient, user-friendly, operationally cleaner and maintenance free. Pentium based S&SI's motion bases find applications in gunnery trainers, aircraft trainers, rail-road locomotives and entertainment rides. However, entertainment simulators are in greater demand than the training simulators.

The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft pioneers NASA's Discovery program for low cost planetary missions without increasing any risk. Built in 26 months and costing less than $112 million, NEAR will orbit around the asteroid Eros and observe its composition and physical properties. NEAR runs on fixed solar cell panels and has seven computers to operate the on-board instruments such as a spectrometer, magnetometer, multispectral imager, and laser range finder. The mission is managed by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. NEAR design and construction is given.

A new aqueous cleaning system for the cleaning of aircraft parts will allow aerospace manufacturers to comply with environmental regulations that limit use of solvents that give off chlorofluorocarbons. A combination of new technologies, such as continuous oil separation, multistage cleaning, interstage blow- and forced-air dry-offs, and equipment design will increase the effectiveness of aqueous cleaning systems. The new system will offer applications to reduce environmental liability and equipment maintenance costs.

Astrophysicist Peter Chen from NASA Goddard is proposing an idea to make a lunar telescope using regolith. A lunar telescope as big as 10.4 m across would be a major astronomical research tool since the Moon has no atmosphere to block the view. Chen able to create a small telescope mirror using a spin-casting technique to test his idea.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is planning to work on Solar Probe+, which is designed to plunge deep into the sun's atmosphere. Scientists at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab will design the spacecraft for NASA. The probe is expected to observe solar storms.

Engineers at NASA Glenn created a combustion integrated rack (CIR) that will be installed in the U.S. laboratory module on the space station. This equipment will be helpful in examining how objects and materials burn in a weightless environment and could further the understanding of fire prevention, detection, and suppression during long-duration space travel.

The hurricane imaging radiometer (HIRAD) is a NASA instrument designed to study hurricanes by measuring their strongest winds close to the eye by sensing the froth of the ocean water. This instrument, designed to operate from satellites or airplanes, is scheduled to take its first trial as early as the 2009 hurricane season.

Brian Ramsey of NASA Marshall has built sideways mirror that could lead X-rays to a detector. The device is called HERO (High Energy Replicated Optics), and its design include 96 tube-like 'grazing incidence' mirrors configured like the layers of an onion. A balloon is used to test HERO because it is much more cheaper than a satellite mission with faster turnaround times.

The utility of the handheld biological laboratory LOCAD-PTS for the detection and control of microbial growth on spacecraft during space flights is discussed.

Designing an unmanned aerial vehicle, which runs with compressed hydrogen, using fuel cell technology is presented.

Details of a spherical robot which can float abroad international space station, developed by National Aeronauticas and Spcae Administation for synchronized position hold engage reorient experimental satellite project, are presented.

Details of a radiator developed using microelectromechanical technology, by John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA, are presented.

The role of satellites in tracking changes in whirlpools in Atlantic Ocean is discussed.

An issue about NASA placing its Stardust Spacecraft into hibernation mode is presented.