The space industry, which is projected to generate more than $1 trillion in revenue by 2040, according to the global space economy, encompasses a variety of operations related to the study, investigation, and utilization of space. Given the vastness of the aerospace sector and the substantial financial support it receives, there exists a plethora of possibilities for advancement and originality. Continue reading to discover 10 upcoming trends in aerospace technology.
Outlook of the Aerospace Industry at Present
The pandemic had a major impact on the commercial and business-related airplane travel industry. According to the International Air Transport Association, 2020 was the worst year in history for air travel demand. However, with the availability of the vaccine and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, 60% of Americans are now planning to travel more in 2021 compared to 2019. While there may be an increase in global air travel, it is expected that consumers’ behavior will have changed due to the pandemic. This includes a shift towards shorter and domestic flights, as reported by Deloitte’s Global Aerospace and Defense Industry Outlook. This is in contrast to the previous focus on longer international flights.
Despite the ongoing pandemic, space launches in the first half of 2020 were comparable to previous years, with 41 successful launches, only slightly below the five-year average of 43. The space industry is expected to see growth opportunities, particularly in satellite broadband internet access, as funding increases and costs decrease. In 2020, the space sector received a strong investment of $25.6 billion, and this positive trend is likely to continue in 2021.
In general, the aviation sector is gradually making a comeback from the actual and symbolic halt experienced in 2020.
Top 10 Trends in Aerospace Engineering Technology to Keep an Eye On
As the aerospace sector consistently develops, it is important to stay updated on the latest trends in aerospace engineering technology. Here are ten trends that should be on your radar.
1. Aircraft without the Need for Fuel
Airbus recently announced three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft powered by hydrogen, with a potential launch date of 2035. These concepts showcase different strategies for achieving zero-emission flight by exploring various technological pathways and aerodynamic designs, reflecting their goal of leading the aviation industry in decarbonization efforts. Each of the concepts proposed by Airbus utilizes hydrogen as the main source of power, a promising clean fuel option that is expected to play a crucial role in meeting climate targets for the aerospace and other industries.
2. Monitoring the Health of Structures (SHM)
Structural health monitoring refers to the process of observing and analyzing a system over a period of time by taking regular response measurements. This is done to keep track of any alterations in the material and geometric characteristics of engineering structures like bridges, airplanes, and buildings. The development of this field is crucial in the aerospace industry as it plays a crucial role in preventing catastrophic fatigue failures that can result in significant loss of life during aircraft accidents.
3. High-Tech Materials
There are various applications for innovative materials, ranging from aircraft and hypersonic systems to protective gear and situations where danger or harm can be minimized. The development of advanced materials is anticipated to incorporate multiple functions such as energy harvesting, camouflage, structural monitoring, and personal health tracking. One such material is graphene, a carbon-based substance that is only one atom thick and can produce lightweight, durable batteries with high energy storage capacity. Moreover, these batteries can charge at a faster rate compared to traditional ones.
4. Utilizing Automation and Blockchain Technology
The use of blockchain technology, often linked to cryptocurrency systems, utilizes data visibility to improve security measures. By employing public-key encryption for individual records, it allows for enhanced data security and a more robust network, avoiding the risk of a single point of failure. Moreover, the management of access rights and entitlements can be automated through advanced robotics, freeing up resources to focus on other security concerns.
5. The Process of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
Through the process of additive manufacturing, also referred to as 3D printing, it has been demonstrated that this technology is a highly effective solution for producing components and parts with significantly less material than those made through traditional manufacturing methods. Due to the ability to create objects by adding material layer by layer, highly intricate geometric shapes can be constructed that possess remarkable strength despite the decreased density of the material utilized.
In the aerospace technology sector, weight reduction is crucial for enhancing performance in terms of speed, capacity, fuel consumption, emissions, and other areas. As a result, the aerospace and defense industry is actively exploring the utilization of 3D printing in their latest innovations, ranging from seat frames to air ducts.
6. High-Speed Flights
In aviation, supersonic flight refers to an aircraft traveling at a speed faster than the sound barrier. United, a US airline, recently revealed intentions to purchase 15 new supersonic airliners and reintroduce supersonic speeds to air travel by 2029. This may sound familiar as supersonic passenger flights were previously discontinued in 2003 by Air France and British Airways after retiring their Concorde aircraft.
Boom, a company based in Denver, will manufacture the new Overture airplane. However, the company has not yet conducted flight tests for its supersonic jet. United’s agreement is contingent upon the new aircraft meeting safety regulations and addressing concerns about noise pollution.
7. Enhancing the Robustness and Flexibility of Aerospace and Defense Supply Chains
The pandemic caused a decrease in aircraft demand and imposed limitations on the transportation of individuals and products, leading to the disruption of numerous crucial aerospace and defense (A&D) supply chains. As a result, smaller suppliers, particularly those heavily reliant on commercial aerospace and the aftermarket industry, have been affected.
The focus of the industry in 2021 is expected to shift towards transforming supply chains into more resilient and dynamic networks. This can be achieved through various strategies such as on-shoring, vertical integration, and increased cyber defenses. In order to further strengthen supply chains, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers can utilize digital tools, including automating internal processes, streamlining workflows, implementing smart management systems, and utilizing data analytics. A recent survey by Deloitte revealed that 72% of industry executives are investing in supply chain ecosystems to take advantage of external alliance partners.
8. Utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) for Predicting Maintenance Problems
The utilization of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has become widespread among aircraft maintenance and repair companies in their efforts towards predictive maintenance of aircraft parts and equipment. By implementing an IoT-based solution for predictive maintenance, it is possible to forecast potential damage by gathering data from ultrasonic and vibration sensors attached to the spindle of a CNC machine. Through the analysis of this data, it is possible to identify weak spindles and tools before they experience any malfunction. The use of IoT technology enables crucial data from engines, wing flaps, bleed values, and landing gear to be transmitted to technicians for preventive maintenance. This data aids technicians in creating maintenance schedules, procuring necessary parts, and scheduling appropriate workers to address equipment issues.
9. AI: The Future of Technology
The aerospace technology sector is experiencing positive developments through the implementation of artificial intelligence and the utilization of machine or active learning in both research and education. By utilizing AI, machine learning has the potential to reveal novel findings in materials by identifying new patterns and connections within data. Compared to the human brain’s processing time, AI has the capability to handle significantly more intricate problems and analyze thousands of outcomes in a matter of moments.
10. Systems for Autonomous Flight
The implementation of autonomous technologies is a growing trend in various industries, including the aerospace industry. One major focus has been on increasing the use of autonomous flights, with the ultimate aim of launching fully human-free flights. Despite this goal being several years away, investments and advancements will continue to be directed towards it in the future. It is possible that in the coming years, planes will have only one pilot and eventually become completely autonomous. This has already been demonstrated with drones, but it will need to be adapted and expanded before it can be applied to passenger planes and longer distances.