Flying Cars & Pilotless Planes with NASA Engineer, Wendy Okolo, PhD. | Startalk Radio

Intro

In this episode of Startalk Radio, host Neil deGrasse Tyson interviews Dr. Wendy Okolo, a NASA aerospace engineer. They discuss NASA’s work on developing flying cars and pilotless planes, as well as the challenges and advancements in the field of aeronautics. Dr. Okolo shares her expertise and insights into the future of aviation and the role of AI in making flying more efficient and intelligent.

Main Takeaways

NASA’s Aeronautics Budget

• NASA allocates a significant portion of its budget to aeronautics research and development.
• This funding supports projects aimed at improving fuel efficiency, reducing noise, and exploring new aircraft designs.

Flying Cars and Pilotless Planes

• NASA is actively working on developing flying cars and pilotless planes.
• These innovations have the potential to revolutionize transportation and make flying more accessible and efficient.

System of Systems

• NASA’s intelligence systems division focuses on optimizing component systems and systems of systems.
• The interplay between multiple systems and their hierarchy is crucial to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

Aerospace Engineering and Design

• Designing aircraft surfaces for different environments, such as Mars, requires careful consideration of weight, lift, and drag.
• The atmosphere and air pressures play a vital role in generating lift and determining flight characteristics.

The Future of Aviation

• NASA is exploring the integration of AI in aviation to make flying more efficient and intelligent.
• Electric air transportation is a promising future, but it requires extensive regulation, technological advancements, and community acceptance.

Summary

Advancements in Aeronautics

Dr. Wendy Okolo, a NASA aerospace engineer, discusses the significant investment NASA makes in aeronautics research. This funding enables the exploration of innovative aircraft designs, such as blended wings, which improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise. NASA’s intelligence systems division focuses on optimizing component systems and systems of systems to ensure smooth operations and avoid clashes between different systems. The integration of AI in aviation is a key area of interest for NASA, as it has the potential to make flying more efficient and intelligent.

The Science of Flight

Dr. Okolo explains the importance of understanding the science behind flight. Lift, a crucial aspect of aviation, is calculated using the expression Q infinity SCl, where Q infinity represents dynamic pressure dependent on density, speed, and area, and SCl represents the coefficient of lift. Factors such as altitude and air density affect lift generation, leading to longer runways at high elevation airports. Global warming also impacts aeronautics, influencing fuel access, storm systems, and air currents. Researchers continuously strive to optimize aircraft design and efficiency to improve traffic flow and reduce wait times.

Innovations in Aircraft Design

Dr. Okolo discusses unique aircraft designs, such as blended wings and backwards wings, which offer better maneuverability and flight tests. However, practical implementation of these designs may face challenges related to stability and current infrastructure. The ability to perform digital computations plays a vital role in exploring different aircraft design regimes and optimizing efficiency. Aerospace engineering encompasses various specializations, including propulsions, which focus on designing engines to compress air and enable flight at high altitudes.

The Future of Aviation and AI

Dr. Okolo emphasizes the importance of equipping individuals in STEM fields, especially aerospace engineering, to explore new regimes and design flyable aircraft. The development of flying cars and pilotless planes requires not only technological advancements but also the establishment of infrastructure and air traffic management systems. While autonomy in aviation is increasing, pilots still play a critical role in ensuring safety and making decisions in unpredictable situations. Trust in computers versus humans depends on the specific circumstances. Electric air transportation holds promise for the future but requires careful consideration of noise levels, flight routes, and community acceptance.

Conclusion

The conversation with Dr. Wendy Okolo sheds light on NASA’s efforts to advance aeronautics and develop innovative aircraft designs. The integration of AI in aviation holds immense potential for making flying more efficient and intelligent. As technology and regulations progress, electric air transportation may become a reality, revolutionizing the way we travel. However, human expertise and adaptability remain essential in ensuring safety and making critical decisions. The future of aviation is exciting, and it will require collaboration between scientists, engineers, and communities to shape a sustainable and innovative industry.