An investigation into a new mission concept approach to achieve unlimited high altitude long endurance flight to achieve geosynchronous atmospheric satellites for civil missions. The study will compare the new approach to existing approaches, with detailed analysis of the key differences that enable a reduction in structural weight by 50%, while also decreasing the drag by 50% through significantly higher aspect ratio wings, higher wing loading, and lower payload drag.
More »Achieving eternal flight opens the doors to atmospheric satellites. Existing satellites have a great number of capabilities that enrich our lives; however, their distance from the surface of the earth precludes certain types of transmission capabilities. Once eternal flight is achieved, that vehicle can serve the same role as ordinary satellites, but its close proximity will allow for real time two way communications, like wireless broadband internet. And with active controls, atmospheric satellites would not be constrained to geosynchronous orbits, like our existing satellite technology.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Langley Research Center (LaRC) | Lead Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |
National Institute of Aerospace | Supporting Organization | Non-Profit Institution | Hampton, Virginia |
University of Virginia-Main Campus | Supporting Organization | Academia | Charlottesville, Virginia |