NASA's Hypersonic Aerodynamics Software Vulnerability Exposed by Chinese Researchers

Experts warn of “inevitably erroneous outcomes.”

"This project is yet another example of the ability of our public sector team to deliver the types of solutions and technology that have helped make us a trusted partner for federal agencies like NASA," remarked Michael Adams, associate vice president for federal civilian services at Verizon.

The collaboration highlights Verizon's pivotal role in facilitating critical infrastructure, extending its footprint beyond conventional telecommunications services.

Recent endeavors include a $15 million task order with the U.S. Navy's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation agency and a significant expansion of its partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, emphasizing its commitment to supporting essential services during emergencies.

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Verizon Stock's Recent Bullish Performance

Investors are riding high on the coattails of this strategic collaboration, as evidenced by Verizon's bullish performance in the stock market. Technical analysis reveals a moderately bullish trend, with indicators pointing towards sustained growth. However, caution is advised as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) nears overbought territory, warranting careful monitoring in the coming days.

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Is US Lagging Behind Rivals in Hypersonic Tech?

The findings of Professor Liu and his colleagues' investigation on Vulcan-CFD's inner workings may reveal the US hypersonic program's delays relative to worldwide equivalents.

North Korea declared Mars 16B, a land-based hypersonic glide missile, successful on Apr. 3.

As part of its weapons program growth, North Korea is testing a solid-fuel hypersonic intermediate-range missile (IRBM). Last week, KCNA posted photos of Kim Jong Un and military officers reviewing the Hwasong-16B missile at the launch location, according to Al Jazeera. Just two weeks before, Kim oversaw an IRBM solid-fuel engine test.

The Hwasong-16B flew 1,000km (621 miles) and reached 101km (62 miles). After flying 600km (370 miles), the missile landed in the sea between South Korea and Japan, according to Seoul's military.

Kim Jong Un said the Hwasong-16B showed North Korea's "absolute superiority" in defense technologies, including nuclear-capable, solid-fuel missile systems. He pledged to increase the country's arsenal to deter Japan, South Korea, and the US. Due to their secrecy, portability, and fast deployment, North Korea prioritizes solid-fuel missiles over liquid-propelled ones, which need fueling before launch and have limited fuel storage.

Notably, the US Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon failed twice in 2021 and 2022, canceling or delaying launches.

The US Congressional Budget Office says hypersonic flight's severe heat exposure is a major concern. Recently, flight testing has struggled to shield sensitive electronics, evaluate material performance, and anticipate aerodynamics at temperatures beyond 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, per Interesting Engineering.

A strategic reevaluation may be necessary to close the gap and maintain competitiveness if the Chinese team's claims are true and Vulcan-CFD is essential to the US' hypersonic research in light of recent hypersonic developments of its rivals.


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