Aerospace

US AirForce Successfully completes first flight with XQ-58A Valkyrie using AI

The Air Force Research Laboratory successfully oversaw a three-hour sortie on July 25 to demonstrate the first flight of artificial intelligence algorithms developed by AFRL and trained using machine learning on an XQ-58A Valkyrie in order to lower the risk associated with the development and maturation of artificial intelligence capabilities.

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In the Eglin Test and Training Complex, test aircraft conducted the flight. The Skyborg Vanguard and Autonomous Aircraft Experimentation (AAx) programmes launched a four-year partnership that culminated in the flight.

According to Col. Tucker Hamilton, head of DAF AI Test and Operations, “the mission proved out a multi-layer safety framework on an AI/ML-flown uncrewed aircraft and demonstrated an AI/ML agent solving a tactically relevant “challenging problem” during airborne operations.” “This sortie formally enables the ability to develop AI/ML agents that will execute contemporary air-to-air and air-to-surface skills that are immediately transferrable to other autonomy programmes.”

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The Autonomous Air Combat Operations group at AFRL was responsible for creating the algorithms. The algorithms were developed during millions of hours of high-fidelity simulation, X-62 VISTA sorties, hardware-in-the-loop experiments with the XQ-58A, and ground test operations.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

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Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

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The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.