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Tag: Force

  • Robotic Coyotes Guard U.S. Airfields with Cyber-Charm and Force

    Robotic Coyotes Guard U.S. Airfields with Cyber-Charm and Force

    Why use an ordinary robot when you could deploy a robotic coyote? That’s the idea behind the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) project—a cybernetic prairie predator designed to keep airfields free of dangerous wildlife.
    Image Credits: New Atlas

    Why use an ordinary robot when you could deploy a robotic coyote? That’s the idea behind the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) project—a cybernetic prairie predator designed to keep airfields free of dangerous wildlife.

    Airfields constantly face the challenge of birds and other wildlife, which can seriously endanger aircraft and operations. Birds are especially hazardous—they can be sucked into engines, hit windshields, or damage control surfaces. The threat is so significant that the U.S. Civil Air Administration once developed a “chicken gun” to launch bird carcasses at aircraft to simulate real-life bird strikes.

    Unconventional Tactics to Keep Wildlife at Bay

    Beyond birds, animals like rabbits and deer also pose risks by wandering onto runways or damaging equipment through digging, nesting, foraging, or even urinating. To keep wildlife at bay, airfields have tried everything from drones and trained birds of prey to dogs, flashing lights, and gas-powered cannons.

    Now, the ERDC is collaborating with wildlife biologists Dr. Stephen Hammond and Dr. Jacob Jung, along with the USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), to create robotic coyotes for the task.

    Why use coyotes? Anyone who’s lived near a pack knows that most animals instinctively steer clear to avoid becoming prey.

    Engineering a Smarter Wildlife Deterrent

    After five years of development, the project produced the “Coyote Rovers,” which originally used Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots. However, these were too slow to scare off wildlife. Engineers switched to faster four-wheeled Traxxas X-Maxx RC cars, capable of hitting 20 mph (32 km/h). They mounted plastic coyote figures on top—striking a balance between cute and intimidating—at a cost of around $3,000 each.

    These robo-coyotes have been tested at several military airfields, including Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida, Fort Campbell in Tennessee, and NAS Whiting Field. While the prototypes may look like simple RC cars with coyote props, the long-term plan includes advanced features: pre-programmed routes, terrain adaptability, self-charging, multi-day autonomous operation, and even species recognition to tailor deterrence strategies.

    Of course, how these robot coyotes would handle robotic roadrunners remains a mystery—especially if it involves mastering catapults, giant magnets, rocket boosters, explosives, or painting convincing tunnel entrances on solid rock.

    Read the original article on: New Atlas

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  • Is Kennedy Space Center Ready for Starship’s Force?

    Is Kennedy Space Center Ready for Starship’s Force?

    SpaceX intends to frequently launch its large Starship booster from Florida's Kennedy Space Center. To achieve this, the company will renovate an existing Apollo-era launch site and build a new one, as detailed in a recent environmental impact assessment.
    Starship is larger and twice as powerful as the Apollo-era Saturn V
    SpaceX

    SpaceX intends to frequently launch its large Starship booster from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. To achieve this, the company will renovate an existing Apollo-era launch site and build a new one, as detailed in a recent environmental impact assessment.

    The Starship booster has intermittently made headlines in recent years, notably for the fiery conclusions of its initial two orbital attempts. Yet, while familiarity may breed contempt, it can also diminish a true appreciation of scale. SpaceX’s latest flagship rocket isn’t merely a showcase of innovative technology or sleek design; it’s an incredibly colossal spacecraft.

    The Titan of Rockets

    In straightforward terms, Starship represents the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed. Its fully assembled first and second stages tower at 394 ft (120 m), surpassing the 363 ft (111 m) height of the Apollo Saturn V, which sent the first astronauts to the Moon. Additionally, Starship’s 33 Raptor engines generate over 16 million pounds of thrust, double that of the Saturn V.

    Even compared to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), which stands at 371 ft (114 m) and boasts twice the thrust, Starship surpasses it. Starship can carry 150 tonnes into orbit, with both stages returning for reuse, while the SLS is limited to 95 tonnes and is a single-use booster.

    Another distinction is Starship’s design for frequent and repeated flights, contrasting with the SLS’s infrequent launches, occurring once every two years. The prospect of regular liftoffs, akin to the Apollo 11 launch occurring every couple of weeks, underscores SpaceX’s interest in locating Starship operations at Kennedy Space Center.

    However, SpaceX encountered significant challenges during its initial orbital launch attempt from its Texas facility. The launch pad, designed with insufficient robustness, resulted in significant ground effects, including damage to concrete structures, wildfires, demolished vehicles, and airborne debris leading to environmental concerns. Subsequent improvements were mandated by the US FAA to address safety and environmental issues, resulting in a more resilient launch pad for subsequent flights.

    US Space Force’s Plan for Space Launch Complex 37

    According to the environmental impact statement submitted by the US Space Force, plans involve assuming control of Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), originally constructed in 1959 and utilized for testing early Apollo boosters, including hosting the uncrewed Apollo 5 mission. Presently, United Launch Alliance operates its Delta 4 Heavy rocket from SLC-37, slated for retirement this year in favor of the Vulcan. SLC-37 is set to undergo partial demolition and reconstruction to accommodate Starship operations.

    The statement also mentions the potential construction of a nearby complex, SLC-50, for the same purpose as an alternative. Given that this filing falls under the National Environmental Policy Act, detailed project specifics remain limited. However, the Space Force’s involvement underscores military interest in Starship. In recent years, both the US Air Force and Space Force have explored Starship’s potential as a military transport for cargo and troops capable of global reach within an hour. There have also been discussions regarding the Space Force’s desire to procure or lease Starship rockets for independent operation without SpaceX involvement.

    Regardless of specific arrangements, the acquisition and construction of such sizable launch complexes indicate a paradigm shift in commercial launches compared to the Space Race era. Instead of a handful of launches annually, the future may entail frequent Super Heavy rocket liftoffs, driven by powerful and transformative thrust, akin to routine jetliner takeoffs.

    Read the original article on: New atlas

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