Highlights of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Prof. Missy Cummings
No enrollment limit, no advance sign up
Participants welcome at individual sessions (series)
Prereq: N/A
A series of lectures on the activities of the Aero-Astro Department. We will cover areas of interest in research, with oral presentations, films and/or demos.
Contact: Marie Stuppard, 33-208, x3-2279, mas@mit.edu
Sponsor: Aeronautics and Astronautics
The Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation
Prof. Sheila Widnall
On Feb 1, 2003, the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated in the fierce atmospheric heat of reentry. An accident investigation board was called into being. This talk will review the data and the findings of this Board as well as review recommendations. Accident investigation is a particularly interesting part of engineering because there is no doubt that something dreadful has occurred. Accident investigation boards marshal all data to determine, if possible, the causes and make recommendations for prevention.
Mon Jan 9, 02-03:30pm, 35-225
The US Airline Industry Crisis: Turning the Corner?
Dr. Peter P. Belobaba, Program Manager, MIT Global Airline
Terrorism, wars, disease and oil prices have contributed to the dismal performance of US airlines since 2001. Legacy network carriers struggle to cut costs, while even the "low-cost" airlines are now seeing deteriorating profitability. We present the most recent trends and the fundamental changes that are occurring in the industry.
Fri Jan 13, 02-03:30pm, 33-206
Missions to Mars
Geoffrey A. Landis, Ronald E. McNair-NASA Visiting Professor ; NASA Glenn Research Center
The Mars Exploration Rovers, designed for a 90-day mission, have now successfully operated for over two years on the surface of Mars. This talk will discuss the Mars Pathfinder mission and the Mars Exploration Rovers, including mission design and operations, the scientific results, and will discuss some of the future missions to Mars.
Tue Jan 17, 11am-12:30pm, 33-206
Two Case Studies at Launch Vehicle Mishaps
Col. Peter Young
A discussion of the circumstances leading to two launch vehicle mishaps: a Titan IV expendable launch vehicle and a Pegasus XL winged launch vehicle mishap. Videos and slides will provide insight into the mishaps' 'root causes', and attendees will be provided insight into the operational decisions that were primary contributors to these accidents.
Tue Jan 17, 02-03:30pm, 33-206
From MIT to the Moon
Dr. Richard Battin
In 1961 President Kennedy announced that America would put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth before the end of the decade. Exactly 11 weeks later the MIT Instrumentation Lab was chosen by NASA to provide the guidance and navigation system for the Apollo spacecraft. Dr. Battin was there and will tell the story from the MIT viewpoint.
Thu Jan 19, 02-03:30pm, 33-206
Space Propulsion: Advanced Concepts and Ideas
Geoffrey A. Landis, Ronald E. McNair-NASA Visiting Professor ; NASA Glenn Research Center
Almost all space missions to date have used chemical rocket propulsion. This talk will survey some of the possible advanced space flight options for advanced propulsion that could be used for missions to the outer solar system, the Oort cloud, and interstellar flight.
Thu Jan 19, 04-05:30pm, 33-206
Lean Engineering: Doing the Right Thing Right
Prof. Earll Murman
Aerospace engineers are challenged to create extraordinarily complex products with demanding technical, economic, safety, reliability and other requirements. The cost and value of aerospace products is determined primarily by engineers. We will discuss the application of lean principles, originally developed for manufacturing, to aerospace engineering. To implement lean engineering, a three-part approach is needed, and we will explore this approach, with references to current research and successful implementation examples.
Thu Feb 2, 02-03:30pm, 33-206
Aircraft Fire and Explosion – How Safe Are You in the Friendly Skies?
Dr. N. Albert Moussa Technical Director, BlazeTech Corporati
While commercial air travel is an extremely safe mode of transportation, aircraft fires and explosions can occasionally occur with catastrophic consequences. The speaker will give an overview of the main types of in-flight and post-crash fires involving aircraft engines, fuel tanks, cabin and cargo areas, and will describe safety improvements including fire blocking layers in seats, fire detection, suppression systems in cargo bays and fuel tank inerting.
Fri Feb 3, 02-03:30pm, 33-206
Latest update: 11-Jan-2006
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