Aerospace – Apex Waves

April 9, 2024April 9, 2024

Modernizing Drone Testing Infrastructure in the Aerospace Industry

Close-up photography shot of drone flying over land

Along with many other technological advancements, drones (UAVs) are becoming a significant focus in aerospace and defense. Used for combat operations, search and rescue, electronic warfare, and more, the capabilities of these vehicles are stronger and more relied on than ever.

In this article, we will discuss the critical necessity of modernizing drone testing infrastructure within the aerospace industry, as well as the pivotal role modernization plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of drones in our skies.

April 5, 2024April 5, 2024

SpaceX’s Mars Mission Journey and the Crucial Role of Testing

In the vast expanse of the universe, Mars is an astronomical being that seems simultaneously unattainable and realistic.

Researchers and scientists all over the world have been attempting to collect information about this perplexing planet for decades, which has included successful deployments of invaluable orbiters, landers, and rovers such as Perseverance and Tianwen-1. There are even developing theories that Mars is the best chance at long-term human life, despite its tremendously thin atmosphere and mysterious geographic environment.

April 2, 2024April 2, 2024

Revolutionizing Air Travel: Introducing Overture, the Future of Supersonic Flight

For several decades, we have been dreaming of advancements in air and space travel. From faster and more efficient engines to aerodynamic designs, the pursuit of progress has been ongoing. In our current era of technological innovation and cutting-edge science, supersonic air travel is close to being a new reality. In this article, we will explore the newest commercial aircraft model ‘Overture’, which will fly at supersonic speeds, breaking the sound barrier and cutting current travel times down by as much as half.

March 28, 2024April 2, 2024

Where to Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The anticipation is building for the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, as millions of North Americans prepare for the big show. During this rare event, the moon will pass between the sun and Earth, and the United States will see temporary mid-day darkness.

March 27, 2024March 27, 2024

How NI PXI Empowered US Navy Pilots

Navy jet, fighter aircraft flying over sunset

Flight simulation has become an integral part of training programs for military and aerospace organizations, ensuring pilots are well-prepared for the challenges they’ll face in the skies. In 2006, SYMVIONICS, Inc., a prime contractor for the US Department of Defense, took on a critical challenge: building six operational flight trainers for the US Navy at Naval Air Station Kingsville.

March 26, 2024March 26, 2024

Witnessing History: The Solar Eclipse of 2024 and NASA’s Role in Capturing the Spectacle

Solar eclipse 2024. NASA and space photography of solar eclipse.

On April 8, 2024, the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun is anticipated to occur, offering a fascinating celestial display that will captivate a global audience and serve as a reminder of the wonders of the universe. This phenomenon is known as the Solar Eclipse.

March 22, 2024March 25, 2024

The Role of Semiconductors in Aerospace Technology: From Rocket Science to Space Exploration

Uncovering this Essential Facet Behind Aerospace Advancements and Aviation Electronics

Aerospace technology is an industry where innovation knows no bounds. From satellite technology to supersonic travel, it’s becoming one of the most intriguing and relevant components of our current and future eras. However, amid the flashy technological advancements dominating the aerospace field, attention to detail emerges as a critical factor. At its core, one indispensable component binds these innovations together, known as the semiconductor.

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023

Does NASA Use LabVIEW?

A Merlin 1D engine being test fired at SpaceX's Rocket Development Facility in McGregor, Texas.

In the high-stakes world of aerospace propulsion testing, precision and reliability are paramount. To meet these critical demands, NASA relies on a powerful LabVIEW–based software application called the NASA Data Acquisition System (NDAS).

July 11, 2023July 17, 2023

Case Study Recap: Developing a DAC System for Jet and Rocket Engine Testing

Birds eye view of white left jet engine on a plane

In the world of aerospace propulsion, hot-fire testing plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of jet and rocket engines. However, developing a real-time data acquisition and control (DAC) system for such testing comes with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we’ll explore how engineers tackled these obstacles and successfully implemented a state-of-the-art DAC system using National Instruments LabVIEW Real-Time and the NI PXI platform.

January 26, 2023April 6, 2023

The Tech Teamwork of NASA and NI

Picture of rocket launching on a sunny day

From humble beginnings in James Truchard’s residential garage in Texas, NI has become a massively respected producer of automated test equipment. Since launching in 1976, the company has helped find hardware and software solutions for multiple industries on an international scale. The incredible impact that NI has had on technological innovation is even more evident when considering its long history of working with NASA.