What's Happening?
NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has been awarded the 2025 R&D 100 Awards for two significant technological advancements. The first is the High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN), a software solution developed by a team led by Daniel Raible
and Rachel Dudukovich. This technology enhances data streaming and communication in space, allowing for reliable, high-speed data transmission between space and Earth, even under extreme conditions. The second innovation is VulcanAlloy, a soft magnetic nanocrystalline material developed in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh and CorePower Magnetics. VulcanAlloy operates at temperatures above 500°C, making it suitable for extreme environments and various applications in aerospace and defense.
Why It's Important?
These innovations have significant implications for the space industry and beyond. The HDTN technology could revolutionize space communication by providing near real-time data exchange capabilities, potentially forming the foundation for a solar system-wide internet. This advancement is crucial for future space missions, including human travel to the Moon and Mars. VulcanAlloy's ability to operate at high temperatures and its efficiency in extreme environments make it a valuable material for electrified aircraft, defense systems, and next-generation power electronics. These technologies not only enhance NASA's capabilities but also offer opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the commercial space sector.
What's Next?
The open-source nature of the HDTN software encourages collaboration and adoption across the commercial space industry, potentially leading to widespread implementation in future space missions. VulcanAlloy's development will likely continue to attract interest from industries seeking to improve efficiency and performance in high-temperature applications. As these technologies gain traction, they could drive advancements in space exploration, defense, and energy systems, contributing to the growth of the aerospace and technology sectors.
