Building the self-flying future
For Leon Villegas SM ’08, MBA ’08, a journey of lifelong learning brought him from Mexico to building autonomous air taxis, with a key stop at MIT.
Design course challenges students to solve real-world problems
In collaboration with industry representatives, Momentum students tackle wildfire suppression and search-and-rescue missions while building soft skills.
New maps show airplane contrails over the U.S. dropped steeply in 2020
The computer-vision technique behind these maps could help avoid contrail production, reducing aviation’s climate impact.
System trains drones to fly around obstacles at high speeds
New algorithm could enable fast, nimble drones for time-critical operations such as search and rescue.
US Air Force pilots get an artificial intelligence assist with scheduling aircrews
An optimization tool from the Department of Air Force–MIT AI Accelerator is transforming the laborious process of staffing C-17 cargo flights.
Concept for a hybrid-electric plane may reduce aviation’s air pollution problem
Proposed design could reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 95 percent, a new study finds.
John Dugundji, professor emeritus of aeronautics and astronautics, dies at 95
Longtime MIT professor and expert in aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, and composite materials remembered for his kindness and dedication to mentorship.
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting Robots”
Book co-authored by Associate Professor Julie Shah and Laura Major SM ’05 explores a future populated with robot helpers.
How airplanes counteract St. Elmo’s fire during thunderstorms
On the ground, windy conditions strengthen these electrical flashes, but new experiments tell a different story for flying objects.
From delayed deceleration to Zooming
Jacqueline Thomas PhD ’20 recounts her final academic year at MIT, from once-in-a-lifetime field work to a virtual thesis defense.
MIT engineers fly first-ever plane with no moving parts
The silent, lightweight aircraft doesn’t depend on fossil fuels.
James Mar, former AeroAstro department head and Air Force chief scientist, dies at 96
Longtime MIT professor was known for key contributions to aircraft and spacecraft designs.
Flying the not-so-friendly skies
Study shows that network carriers receive more complaints than cheaper airlines, regardless of actual service quality.
MIT to co-lead federal aviation environment center
AeroAstro labs will research sustainable aviation solutions for the FAA.
Building stronger multifunctional composites
Carbon nanotube deicing technologies developed at MIT could be in flight tests as early as next year.