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Future miniature drones must be supplied by miniature energy sources. The best adapted seem to be micro-turbines. However, designing of turbines measuring a few cubic centimetres is a bit chancy. Researchers are looking into flow modification, the design of new geometries, micro-manufacturing and thermal studies.

Infrared light detectors allow all the objects that are not at the same temperature as their environment to be observed. They have many applications in the military and civilian fields. But these detectors are more complex than visible spectrum cameras, since they themselves emit infrared radiation. Several technologies coexist to cover all uses.

Satellites are continuously subject to radiation stress in orbit that may damage electronic components. In addition, this hostile environment is very variable. Its dynamics are characterized by time scales ranging from a few minutes to one solar cycle (11 years).

Buffeting is a vibration of the aircraft that may appear during maneuvers at cruising speed. Depending on the angle of attack, the flow may contain separations, which constitute an aerodynamic excitation. The aircraft's structure shakes, due to this excitation, and this buffeting may endanger the stability of the flight.

If there is a question of a wind instrument in the Sacso project, it is not a matter of music but of flight mechanics and aerodynamics. Sacso designates a very particular model testing mechanism in a wind tunnel, dedicated to predicting the behavior of aircraft in flight.

Researchers at ONERA are thinking about what an air transport system with no pilot and with no controller would be like. Their goal: to see what level of automation could be achieved in the future.

This experiment can be seen at the Palais de la Découverte, in Paris, as part of the scientific exhibition Light, lights - to explore the invisible". "