In a remarkable development for the Chinese space programme, the South China Morning Post recently reported that Taikobot, a humanoid robot, will soon join the crew of the recently completed Tienkung space station. Standing 171 centimetres tall and weighing just 25 kilograms, Taikobot’s primary role will be to assist astronauts with small tasks and efficiently transport various equipment between the station’s different modules.
08
Apr
Apr
Venus Aerospace, a US-based company, has been pursuing a groundbreaking concept: the development of an aircraft capable of reaching nine times the speed of sound. This impressive feat would allow passengers to travel anywhere in the world within just 60 minutes. Although news about the company’s progress has been relatively scarce since the summer of 2022, recent reports indicate that important strides have been made towards turning this ambitious idea into a reality. With a target launch date of 2030, Venus Aerospace is hard at work refining their technology.
06
Apr
Apr
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been working diligently for years on the development of the country’s first reusable space shuttle, with an ambitious launch goal set within this decade. The Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) serves as a scaled-down prototype designed to facilitate the development and testing of this groundbreaking technology.
30
Mar
Mar
Imagine a world where flying cars zip through the skies, efficiently transporting passengers and cargo above bustling city streets. This once-futuristic vision is rapidly becoming a reality, with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles poised to reshape the urban landscape. As the technology advances and regulatory frameworks solidify, the question on everyone’s mind is: How fast can the world adopt flying cars and eVTOLs, and when will they become commonplace ?
30
Mar
Mar
China’s engineering prowess is showcased in the latest innovation emerging from the laboratories of Zhejiang University: the Roller-Quadrotor. This remarkable hybrid vehicle combines the principles of a monocycle with those of a quadrotor, resulting in an adaptable and versatile mode of transportation for both ground and air travel. The unique design effectively addresses the limitations of traditional surface robots and drones, providing an ideal solution for a variety of applications.
12
Mar
Mar
The Indian Army is exploring the use of rocket packs to enhance soldiers’ mobility during deployments and provide a new mode of transport beyond the current vehicles in use. In January, the Indian Army invited tenders for the development of 48 jet packs, which could provide soldiers with a significant advantage on the battlefield. Although it is unclear which company will ultimately manufacture the ordered units, Absolute Composites has already showcased its rocket backpacks for military units at the Aero India 2023 event.