Program Information

This segment describes the research at NASA that will help pilots land in foggy conditions.

NASA Kids Science News Network™ is a news-style standards-based program that uses the Web, animation, and video to introduce science, technology, engineering, math, and NASA concepts. NASA's KSNN™ uses animated characters (grades K-2) and Web and video technology (grades 3-5) to explain everyday phenomena of our world, correct misconceptions, and answer frequently asked questions.

Transcript

Hi, I'm RJ with more
aeronautics news you can use.

How can a pilot see the ground
through clouds?

You can't see through fog.

(RJ)
Researchers in NASA Langley's
Aviation Safety
and Security Program
are developing
a new vision system.

It will help pilots land even
when they can't see the runway.

How does that work?

(RJ)
Sensors, electronic world maps,
and satellite signals
create a kind of virtual reality
of what's outside
no matter what the weather
or time of day.

Computers take the information
and produce a movie
that is shown on a display
in the cockpit.

If it's too dark or foggy for
the pilot to see out the window,
the screen will offer
a clear day view.

(pilot)
It looks good.

I can see the two towers
coming up,
and have them
in my field of view too.

And the resolution is fabulous.

(RJ)
Pilots testing the system
say it's awesome and cool.

(Jessica)
To learn more,
visit our website.

Until next time,
I'm RJ with cool
aeronautics news you can use.

Virginia Standards