Astro Mechanica is on a bold mission: to revolutionize jet travel by making supersonic airplanes commercially viable. Imagine a supersonic airliner traveling at Mach 3—four times faster than any aircraft today—at a cost per passenger comparable to current air travel. This ambitious vision is underpinned by groundbreaking engine technology designed to optimize efficiency across a range of speeds, making economic supersonic travel a possibility. However, achieving this vision requires more than technical innovation—it demands sophisticated data systems capable of managing the complexity of this transition.
Challenges: Building the Future at Supersonic Speed
To pioneer the future of aviation, Astro Mechanica must move fast and stay adaptable. Their engineering culture prioritizes innovation and efficiency, making it essential to adopt tools and practices that scale with their ambitions. This is compounded by the challenge the aviation industry faces from the exponential increase in telemetry data over the next decade, with 77% of aerospace organizations reporting difficulty scaling their internal data systems.
“We’ve got a long list of things to do to succeed, and we need partners who can keep up. We can’t afford to get bogged down in inefficiencies or tools that slow us down." Matthew Perkins, Engineering Lead, Astro Mechanica
Astro Mechanica also recognized the importance of instilling best practices early in its journey. Matthew draws on his experience at SpaceX to emphasize the value of training the team on “what good looks like” from day one.
Why Astro Mechanica Chose Sift
When it came to selecting a data analysis platform, Astro Mechanica was not just looking for a tool—they were looking for a partner that shared their culture of rapid innovation and excellence in engineering.
A Team That Understands Advanced Machines
Sift’s team brought a deep understanding of the challenges involved in analyzing complex, high-performance systems like those Astro Mechanica is developing. This shared culture, rooted in Sift’s experience with advanced technologies like SpaceX, gave Astro Mechanica confidence that Sift could meet their high standards.
“We knew that as the company grew, inefficiencies would creep in if we didn’t address them early. I’ve seen how much easier it is to get things right before bad habits take hold." Matthew Perkins, Engineering Lead, Astro Mechanica
A Comprehensive Stack, Ready Out of the Box
One of Sift’s standout features was its all-in-one platform that eliminated the need to stitch together open-source tools or hire IT specialists to manage data systems. This comprehensive stack enabled Astro Mechanica to seamlessly handle high-sampling-rate telemetry from their supersonic propulsion tests—critical for analyzing performance at extreme speeds.
Sift’s intuitive design also allowed the Astro Mechanica team to start using it almost immediately, with minimal ramp-up time. Even team members without prior experience with similar tools found Sift easy to navigate, enabling them to contribute meaningfully from day one. The platform’s user-centric interface allowed engineers to focus on solving complex problems rather than wrestling with the system, accelerating the pace of testing and iteration cycles.
“I’ve seen firsthand how capable data analysis toolchains can transform an organization. With Sift, we’re avoiding the pain of building these systems ourselves, and we’re training our team to use the best tools from the beginning." Matthew Perkins, Engineering Lead, Astro Mechanica
Features Built for Innovation
Sift’s platform was uniquely equipped to handle the demands of Astro Mechanica’s cutting-edge work. Key capabilities included:
- Real-Time Telemetry Analysis: Real-time high-sampling-rate data from propulsion systems, enabled engineers to diagnose anomalies and refine designs with minimal lag during testing.
- Rules Across Test Runs: Ability to set and modify rules flagging deviations in performance metrics across multiple test iterations streamlined issue detection and reduced time in data analysis.
- Precision Performance Comparisons: Overlay capabilities allowed engineers to compare telemetry data across test runs with granular precision, identifying patterns and pinpointing areas for optimization.
- Customizable Visualizations: Flexible visualization tools provided engineers with the ability to build tailored dashboards, quickly transforming raw data into actionable insights and decisions aligned with their testing objectives.
These advanced features ensured that Sift could keep up with Astro Mechanica’s rigorous development cycles and support their ambitious goals.
A Partner, Not Just a Tool
Beyond its technical capabilities, Sift’s shared culture of innovation and excellence made it a true partner for Astro Mechanica. With tools and a team that understood the stakes, Astro Mechanica could stay laser-focused on its mission to make supersonic travel a reality.
“The platform lets us analyze what we need, when we need it, without delays or roadblocks. It’s one less thing to worry about," Matthew Perkins, Engineering Lead, Astro Mechanica
Results: Enhanced Operational Efficiency
Accelerated Testing and Iteration
Sift’s ability to handle high-sampling-rate telemetry data in real time has streamlined Astro Mechanica’s development process. Engineers can quickly analyze and compare test runs, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions, saving valuable time in refining their propulsion technology.
Unified Team and Best Practices
Sift standardized workflows and equipped the team with a shared vision of "what good looks like" in data analysis. Its intuitive design empowers team members of all experience levels to contribute effectively, fostering a culture of speed and precision.
Simplified Operations with a Comprehensive Stack
By eliminating the need for custom-built tools and IT support, Sift has reduced overhead and allowed Astro Mechanica to focus entirely on their mission. This simplicity ensures scalability as the company grows and their data analysis needs evolve.
“The pitch from Sift and what we’ve experienced so far is simple: the thing is going to work. Put your data in, and you can do what you need with it." Matthew Perkins, Engineering Lead, Astro Mechanica
Looking Ahead: A Trusted Partner for the Future
Sift’s adaptability and responsive support have reinforced its role as a long-term partner for Astro Mechanica. The platform continues to evolve alongside the company’s ambitious goals, ensuring that the tools they rely on can keep up with the demands of building the future of aviation.
"It’s rare to find a tool that works out of the box for something as complex as high-frequency data analysis. Sift has exceeded our expectations," - Matthew Perkins, Engineering Lead, Astro Mechanica
As Astro Mechanica advances toward its vision of Mach 3 travel, Sift stands ready to evolve alongside them, providing the telemetry insights and operational clarity needed for aerospace’s next frontier. To explore how Sift can elevate your engineering goals, contact our team.
