Accelerating the design process

The use of desktop analysis software can lead to a faster and more efficient process for the design and manufacture of aerospace components, according to Solid Works.

Alliance Spacesystems Inc. (ASI) provides end-to-end aerospace systems design and fabrication services, building and designing spacecraft mechanical systems for government clients such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and subcontracting for Boeing and other companies that build “smart” spacecraft.

One current JPL project is the Mars Exploration Rover (MER). JPL's goal at press time was to launch two missions to Mars last month that will drop essentially identical rovers on the planet. Similar to the Mars Pathfinder mission, they'll deploy airbags to bounce to a safe landing.