The Future of Transportation (and Space Travel) with Dr. Anita Sengupta
Dr. Anita Sengupta
Transportation is about to get a whole lot faster. In this episode of 12 Geniuses, Don MacPherson speaks with aerospace engineer, rocket scientist, professor, and pilot, Dr. Anita Sengupta. Together they explore the futuristic forms of transportation that are currently being developed. From Hyperloop technology to interplanetary exploration, Dr. Sengupta explains how travel and transportation will be disrupted in the coming years. Don and Dr. Sengupta also discuss her work at NASA, and her current project at Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX) where they are designing electric vertical and takeoff aircraft as a commuter transport option in urban environments.
Season Three of the podcast is dedicated to exploring the future and how life is sure to change over the next decade. This episode provides insight into the future of transportation in order to understand how the way we commute, travel, and explore will be disrupted in the coming years.
Dr. Anita Sengupta is an aerospace engineer, rocket scientist, and pilot who for 20 years has developed technologies that have enabled the exploration of Mars, asteroids, and deep space. She is a Research Professor of Astronautics at the University of Southern California where she is conducting research on transportation technologies including electric propulsion for aviation, Hyperloop technology, and in-space propulsion systems.
Topics Discussed: How sci-fi inspired Dr. Sengupta’s career, scientific exploration, working at NASA, Airspace Experience Technologies, e-VTOL aircraft, urban transportation alternatives, autonomous aircraft, the cost of using VTOL aircraft for urban commuting, alternative fuel sources, utilizing existing infrastructure to support new technologies, FAA regulations, noise pollution from aircraft, safety when flying, Hyperloop technology, capabilities of a Hyperloop system, space travel, colonies on Mars, space exploration, setting up mining activities in space, commercialization of space.
Learn more about Dr. Anita Sengupta’s research at https://anitasengupta.com/
Learn more about Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX) https://www.iflyasx.com/
Learn more about the Virgin Hyperloop https://virginhyperloop.com/