Magnetic Release Mechanism Succeeds in Flight

In aeronautics and space exploration, there is a need to connect and release components quickly and reliably. NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, recently tested a new magnetic release mechanism that could have applications for aircraft, spacecraft, and space exploration.
The research looks to replace some mechanical release mechanisms with magnetic ones. The experimental release mechanism potentially has fewer parts, requires less maintenance, and is more reliable.

[@earthsciteach]

Very cool. Will you be offering plans for the drop device?

[@sacrificialrubber779]

Nice, a Carbon Z cub! An absolute joy to fly

[@PaleBlueDot946]

Never thought I would see nasa using a rc plane to test things

[@tylerk2533]

NASA I love you.

[@tglutek]

Was flying wedge also piloted?

[@1eyedwilli3]

100% gonna be used on small drones to deliver payloads.

[@craigcorson3036]

That's great, but I'm wondering what practical application it might have. Surely it would not work with anything much larger than that model? I mean, a B-52 carrying an X-15 would not be able to use a magnetic release, would it?

[@RovingPunster]

Yeah, I had the same thought.

[@theenchiladakid1866]

But what is it?

[@Spearmint22425]

My guess permanent magnets, change the orientation of them and it turns the field on/off so to speak, that way you don’t have to run current through a solenoid

[@Spearmint22425]

It is NASA so it should be recorded publicly