Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling an aircraft. A computing system may identify a first command signal received via a flight control at a time point to control navigation of the aircraft through an environment. The computing system may attenuate the first command signal using a fade function over a time window relative to the time point to generate a second command signal. The computing system may input the second command signal to a model to generate predicted paths for the aircraft through the environment over the time window. The computing system may determine that at least one predicted path intersects with an obstacle in the environment during the time window. The computing system may generate a location to which to navigate the aircraft to avoid the obstacle. The computing system may perform an action to direct the aircraft to the location.

Abstract: Provided herein are various leptonic power sources, leptonic control systems, and leptonic-powered engines. An apparatus includes a leptonic source configured to emit beam electrons to ionize a material into a plasma according to a selectable ionization degree and deposit charge onto a plurality of cathodes in a progressively more negatively charged arrangement to establish an electric field of a selectable intensity in the plasma.

Abstract: A rotary shaft assembly includes a rotary shaft having a first end portion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion, a longitudinal axis extending centrally through the first and second end portions, and a shaft body that defines a bore between the first and second end portions. An anti-flailing mechanism is positioned within the bore of the shaft body. The anti-flailing mechanism is coupled to rotary shaft and extends at least partially between the first and second end portions to contain the rotary shaft about the longitudinal axis when the rotary shaft fails.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes producing a mixed feedstock of at least three halogenated monomer feedstocks. A first of the at least three halogenated monomer feedstocks includes an SP3 carbon, a second of the at least three halogenated monomer feedstocks includes an SP2 carbon, and a third of the at least three halogenated monomer feedstocks includes at least two SP1 carbons. The method further includes producing a polyorbital-hybrid pre-ceramic polymer comprising the SP1 carbons, the SP2 carbon, and the SP3 carbon. The polyorbital-hybrid pre-ceramic polymer is produced by reducing the mixed feedstock such that one or more halogen atoms are removed from the mixed feedstock. The method also includes fabricating the polyorbital-hybrid pre-ceramic polymer into a greenware form and producing a polyorbital-hybrid ceramic carbon comprising the SP1 carbons, the SP2 carbon, and the SP3 carbon. The polyorbital-hybrid ceramic carbon is produced by thermolyzing the polyorbital pre-ceramic polymer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alerting reverse current conditions of vehicle charging systems. One embodiment provides an aircraft power system comprising an aircraft power source and a notification device. The notification device includes a control unit configured to monitor a supply of current from an external power supply to the aircraft power source and detect a reverse current condition of current flowing from the aircraft power source to the external power supply. In response to detecting the reverse current condition, the control unit is configured to provide a notification indicative of the reverse current condition.

Abstract: A deck system includes a first flooring board, a second flooring board, and a water-resistant strip positioned between the first flooring board and the second flooring board. The first flooring board has an upper surface, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The second flooring board has an upper surface, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side, the third side of the second flooring board being in spaced apart facing relation with the second side of the first flooring board. The water-resistant strip has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge of the strip is secured to the second side of the first flooring board, and the second edge of the strip is secured to the third side of the second flooring board.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a spacecraft includes an electronics housing having a sun-facing side. The spacecraft further includes a peel-and-stick thermal control material coupled to the sun-facing side of the electronics housing. The peel-and-stick thermal control material includes a non-metallic optical interface coating, a carrier film, and an adhesive.

Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements for radio frequency antennas and antenna arrangements. In one example, an apparatus comprises a reflector for radio frequency energy having a reflector surface comprising a paraboloid of revolution that establishes an inverted truncated conical shape with a concave nappe. The reflector surface is configured to interact with the radio frequency energy to direct at least a portion of the radio frequency energy towards a feed array mounted about a perimeter of the inverted truncated conical shape.

Abstract: Ray-tracing for terrain mapping is provided. A system of an aerial vehicle can identify points generated from data captured by a sensor of the aerial vehicle. The points can each indicate a respective altitude value of a portion of terrain. The system can determine, based on the altitude values of the points, a threshold altitude of the terrain, and can identify a boundary defined in part based on the threshold altitude of the terrain. The system can generate a terrain map for the terrain based on applying a ray-tracing process to the points. The ray-tracing process can be performed within the boundary, using the points as respective sources and the aerial vehicle as a destination. The system can present a graphical representation of the terrain map in a graphical user interface of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Provided herein are various enhanced assemblies and techniques for forming high-power radio frequency coaxial splitters. In one example, an apparatus includes an input coaxial port having a center conductor coupled to a first longitudinal end of a generally cylindrical conductor member formed along a longitudinal axis within a housing forming a cavity about the conductor member. Output coaxial ports are included having center conductors coupled to generally square output branches arrayed at a second longitudinal end about the conductor member in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A thermal shunt is included comprising a thermal connection between the housing and a recess formed into the conductor member along the longitudinal axis at the second longitudinal end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for depicting aircraft traffic. One example system includes an electronic controller coupled to a transceiver and a display for displaying a traffic interface. The electronic controller is configured to provide, on the traffic interface, a map representing a travel area and to provide, on the map, a first graphical representation of a first aircraft within the travel area. The electronic controller is configured to provide, on the map, a second graphical representation of a second aircraft within the travel area and to receive, from the transceiver, a first location of the first aircraft. The electronic controller is configured to receive, from the transceiver, a second location of the second aircraft and, in response to determining that the second location is within a predetermined radius of the first location, transform the traffic interface to highlight a geometric area of the map based on the first location.

Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements for solar arrays and photovoltaic systems for spacecraft, vehicles, and other applications. In one example, an assembly includes a base layer having a generally circular shape and comprising a plurality of gores interspersed by radial folds. The assembly includes a photovoltaic array coupled to the gores, and a tensioning element configured to apply circumferential tension about a central node of the base layer. The assembly includes a structural element disposed about an outer perimeter of the base layer against which the circumferential tension is conveyed for deployment of the base layer from a stowed configuration into a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A technique relates to route planning. Points associated with a start location and a destination location are received. It is determined whether the points comprise one or more hard points, one or more soft points, or both. At least one obstruction to avoid is determined. A route is autonomously generated comprising the points and segments associated with the points, the segments comprising rhumb lines, great-circle arcs, or both. Responsive to the points comprising the one or more soft points, the at least one obstruction is avoided by permitting a distance associated with the one or more soft points to be reached and adding at least one free waypoint. Responsive to the points comprising the one or more hard points, the at least one obstruction is avoided by requiring the one or more hard points to be reached and adding the at least one free waypoint.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a cold plate assembly include providing a base and a cover. The cover can be fixedly coupled to the base. Each of the base and the cover can include spaced internal ribs, which can form flow paths when the base and cover are fixedly coupled together. The internal ribs of the base and the cover can have spaced tabs that can be fixedly coupled to the other of the base or the cover. The base and the cover may also include spaced external or outer sacrificial ribs.

Abstract: Provided herein are various enhancements for antenna systems and directed radio frequency energy structures. In one example, an apparatus includes a baseplate, an antenna array comprising a plurality of Vivaldi antenna elements arranged about an axis perpendicular to the baseplate, and feed elements coupled to each of the Vivaldi antenna elements through the baseplate.