Jump to content
Join the Alien Search, login or register FREE on Aliens and Space Forum
Members Can Post Anonymously On This Site

NASA Funds New Studies Looking at Future of Sustainable Aircraft

NASA

By NASA
in NASA

 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Publishers
NASA Mentor

NASA

Posted
  • Publishers
Posted

5 min read

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)

An artist’s concept that depicts a large, broad, white airliner with five propellers on each wing and twin tails with three air intakes between them. The concept aircraft is shown flying above the clouds in a blue sky.
Artist’s concept of a future airliner based on the NASA Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 submission from awardee Electra. The team’s project focuses on electric propulsion, integrated aircraft technologies, and vehicle design.
Electra

Picture yourself at an airport a few decades from now. What does your airliner look like? It’s more efficient, with lower emissions than today’s aircraft – what kinds of designs or technology make that possible? NASA is working to answer those questions by commissioning five new design studies looking to push the boundaries of possibility for sustainable aircraft. 

Through NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 initiative, the agency asked industry and academia to come up with studies looking at aircraft concepts, key technologies, and designs that could offer the transformative solutions needed to secure commercial aviation’s sustainable future by 2050. NASA issued five awards, worth a total of $11.5 million, to four companies and one university. These new NASA-funded studies will help the agency identify and select promising aircraft concepts and technologies for further investigations. 

An artist’s concept of an airliner with swept-back wings and 10 engines mounted between a large twin tail. The concept aircraft, white with blue and gold detailing on the back of it, is pictured flying above a cloud with an orange horizon in the background.
Artist’s concept of a future airliner based on the NASA Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 submission from awardee Georgia Institute of Technology. The team’s project focuses on exploring scenarios and technologies based on an aircraft concept the institute has developed, known as ATH2ENA.
Georgia Institute of Technology

“Through initiatives like AACES, NASA is positioned to harness a broad set of perspectives about how to further increase aircraft efficiency, reduce aviation’s environmental impact and enhance U.S. technological competitiveness in the 2040s, 2050s, and beyond,” said Bob Pearce, NASA associate administrator for the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. “As a leader in U.S. sustainable aviation research and development, these awards are one example of how we bring together the best ideas and most innovative concepts from the private sector, academia, research agencies, and other stakeholders to pioneer the future of aviation.” 

For decades, NASA has connected government agencies, industry, and academia to develop sustainable aviation technologies. In 2021, NASA launched its Sustainable Flight National Partnership, focused on technologies that could be incorporated into aircraft by the 2030s. The partnership’s research and development led to current NASA work including the experimental X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator aircraft, its Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project, and the development of more efficient engine cores and processes for the rapid manufacturing of lightweight composite materials. 

A computer rendering of an aircraft engine, with one side cut away to reveal the turbine and other internal components. The gray engine is shown on a white background.
Artist’s concept of a Pratt & Whitney advanced propulsion concept for the NASA Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 initiative. The Pratt & Whitney project focuses on commercial aviation propulsion technologies targeting thermal and propulsive efficiency improvements to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Pratt & Whitney

The new AACES awards are initiating a similar process, but on a longer timeline, focusing on technologies to help transform aviation beyond SFNP with aircraft that could enter service by 2050. The kinds of partnerships NASA develops through SFNP and AACES are critical for the agency to support the U.S. goal of net-zero aviation emissions by 2050 and to help put aviation on a path toward energy-resilience. 

“The AACES 2050 solicitation drew significant interest from the aviation community and as a result the award process was highly competitive,” said Nateri Madavan, director for NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program. “The proposals selected come from a diverse set of organizations that will provide exciting and wide-ranging explorations of the scenarios, technologies, and aircraft concepts that will advance aviation towards its transformative sustainability goals.” 

An artist’s concept depicts a white blended wing body aircraft with a broad, delta-shaped fuselage without a traditional tail. Two turbine engines sit atop the aircraft’s rear, and thin wings with large winglets extend from its body. The aircraft is depicted flying above clouds ina blue sky.
An artist’s concept of JetZero’s blended wing body, which the company’s team will use to evaluate technologies for the NASA Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 initiative. JetZero’s project will explore technologies that enable cryogenic, liquid hydrogen to be used as a fuel for commercial aviation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
JetZero

The AACES 2050 awards went to organizations that will form networks of university and corporate partners to advance their studies. NASA expects the awardees to complete their studies by mid-2026. The new awardee institutions are: 

  • Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, whose team will perform a comprehensive, “open-aperture” exploration of technologies and aircraft concepts for the 2050 timeframe. This will include examining new alternative aviation fuels, propulsion systems, aerodynamic technologies, and aircraft configurations along with other technology areas that arise throughout the study. 
  • The Electra-led team will explore extending Electra’s novel distributed electric propulsion and its unique aerodynamic design capabilities to develop innovative wing and fuselage integrations that deliver sustainable aviation focused on enabling community-friendly emission reduction, noise reduction, and improved air travel access. The company’s existing small aircraft prototype has been flying for over a year, demonstrating Electra’s technology that aims to transform air travel with reduced environmental impact and improved operational efficiency. 
  • Georgia Institute of Technology will perform a comprehensive exploration of sustainability technologies, including alternative fuels, propulsion systems, and aircraft configurations. The institute’s team will then explore new aircraft concepts incorporating the selected technologies with their Advanced Technology Hydrogen Electric Novel Aircraft (ATH2ENA) as a starting point.  
  • JetZero will explore technologies that enable cryogenic, liquid hydrogen to be used as a fuel for commercial aviation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies will be evaluated on both tube-and wing and JetZero’s blended wing body – an airplane shape that provides more options for larger hydrogen fuel tanks within the aircraft. 
  • Pratt and Whitney a division of RTX Corporation, will explore a broad suite of commercial aviation propulsion technologies targeting thermal and propulsive efficiency improvements to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Pratt & Whitney team will then down-select high-priority and alternative propulsion concepts for potential integration studies with various airframe concepts for aircraft in 2050 and beyond. 
An artist’s concept that depicts an airliner with two propeller engines on each wing resting on airport tarmac. The aircraft is viewed through a window and, in the foreground, a small child with dark hair and a yellow backpack looks at it, with his hand resting on the glass. Sustainable infrastructure is visible in the far background, including wind turbines and large tanks.
Artist’s concept of a 50-60 passenger hydrogen fuel cell electric plane created by Boeing through its future flight concept efforts. Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, received an award through NASA’s Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability (AACES) 2050 initiative to examine new alternative aviation fuels propulsion systems, aerodynamic technologies, and aircraft configurations, along with other technology areas.
Boeing

AACES 2050 is part of NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology project, which explores and develops technology to further NASA’s vision for the future development of fixed-wing transport aircraft with revolutionary energy efficiency. The project falls under NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program, which evaluates and develops technologies for new aircraft systems and explores promising air travel concepts. 

Facebook logo
@NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es
Instagram logo
@NASA@NASAaero@NASA_es
Linkedin logo
@NASA

Explore More

acosta-daughter-vms-igted.png?w=300
5 min read

Math, Mentorship, Motherhood: Behind the Scenes with NASA Engineers

Article 4 days ago
AFRC2024-0176-01~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1281
4 min read

X-59 Fires Up its Engine for First Time on its Way to Takeoff

Article 6 days ago
nipa-phojanamongkolkij.webp?w=240
5 min read

October Transformer of the Month: Nipa Phojanamongkolkij

Article 3 weeks ago
Keep Exploring

Discover More Topics From NASA

Missions

jsc2022e046413_orig.jpg?w=1536

Humans In Space

topic-humans-in-space.jpg?w=368

Quesst: The Vehicle

p23-042-06-web.jpg?w=1041

Explore NASA’s History

as17-134-20476~large.jpg?w=1919&h=1878&f

Share

Details

Last Updated
Nov 12, 2024
Editor
Lillian Gipson
Contact
Jim Banke

Related Terms

View the full article

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Similar Topics

    • NASA
      NASA Glenn Showcases Stirling Engine Technology at Piston Powered Auto-Rama
      By NASA
      During the Piston Powered Auto-Rama at the I-X Center in Cleveland on Monday, March 31, 2025, NASA Glenn Research Center’s Salvadore Oriti, right, discusses the technology behind free-piston Stirling cycle machines. Credit: NASA/Kristin Jansen  NASA Glenn Research Center’s work in power and propulsion was on full display at the Piston Powered Auto-Rama at the I-X Center in Cleveland, March 28-30. The event is the largest indoor showcase of cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, and other engine-powered vehicles. 
      Center staff introduced guests to NASA’s Stirling engine technology, a free-piston Stirling power convertor that set records for accomplishing 14 years of maintenance-free operation at NASA Glenn in 2020. Attendees also explored how NASA is using space nuclear power to reach the deepest, dustiest, darkest, and most distant regions of our solar system through radioisotope power systems.  
      More than 57,500 people attended the event. 
      Return to Newsletter Explore More
      1 min read NASA Glenn Engineer Highlights Research for Hubble Servicing Missions 
      Article 31 mins ago 1 min read NASA Glenn Hosts Slovenian Delegation and Ohio Governor’s Office
      Article 31 mins ago 1 min read Specialty NASA Glenn License Plates Available  
      Article 32 mins ago View the full article
    • NASA
      NASA Glenn Engineer Highlights Research for Hubble Servicing Missions 
      By NASA
      NASA Glenn Research Center senior materials research engineer Kim de Groh, who conducted research for Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions, shared her experiences during a presentation at Great Lakes Science Center, home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, in Cleveland on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Credit: NASA/Dennis Brown  April 24 marked the 35th anniversary of the launch of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The iconic space observatory remains a household name —the most well-recognized and scientifically productive telescope in history. Engineers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland played a significant role in how the telescope functions today.  
      NASA’s Glenn Research Center researchers Kim de Groh, left, and Joyce Dever conducted research for Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions. De Groh shared her experiences during a presentation at Great Lakes Science Center, home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, in Cleveland on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Credit: NASA/Sara Lowthian-Hanna  NASA Glenn researchers assisted in all five Hubble servicing missions by testing damaged insulation, determining why it degraded in space, and recommending replacement materials.  
      One of those researchers, Kim de Groh, senior materials research engineer, shared some of that research in a special presentation at Great Lakes Science Center, home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, in Cleveland on May 8. She chronicled her Hubble experience with a presentation, a show-and-tell with samples directly from the telescope, and a Q&A addressing the audience’s Hubble-related questions. 
      Return to Newsletter Explore More
      1 min read NASA Glenn Hosts Slovenian Delegation and Ohio Governor’s Office
      Article 48 seconds ago 1 min read Specialty NASA Glenn License Plates Available  
      Article 1 min ago 1 min read NASA Glenn Shows Students Temperature-Cooling Technology
      Article 2 mins ago View the full article
    • NASA
      NASA Glenn Hosts Slovenian Delegation and Ohio Governor’s Office
      By NASA
      NASA Glenn Research Center’s Associate Director Larry Sivic, front row, third from left, joins in a group photo with Slovenian government officials and representatives from the Ohio Governor’s Office during a visit to the center on Friday, April 11, 2025. Credit: NASA/Jef Janis  NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland hosted a delegation of Slovenian government officials and representatives from the Ohio Governor’s Office on April 11. NASA Glenn leadership provided the group with an overview of the center’s vital role within the agency. The delegation also visited key space-related and aeronautics facilities, including tours of the Zero Gravity Research Facility, Simulated Lunar Operations Laboratory, and Icing Research Tunnel. 
      Republic of Slovenia Minister of Defense Borut Sajovic and Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States Iztok Mirosic headed the delegation. Joe Zeis, who is the senior advisor for Aerospace and Defense for the Office of the Governor, and Tobias Engel, who is with the Ohio Department of Development International Affairs, also attended. 
      Facility Manager Dennis Eck, second from left, points out features of NASA Glenn Research Center’s Icing Research Tunnel to a delegation of Slovenian government officials and representatives from the Ohio Governor’s Office during a tour to the center on Friday, April 11, 2025. Credit: NASA/Jef Janis  The Slovenia Space Office — under the Ministry of the Economy, Industry, and Sport — coordinates Slovenia’s space activities within ESA (European Space Agency). Slovenia recently became a member state of ESA, enabling more international opportunities for Slovenian scientists and engineers. Last year, Slovenia joined the Artemis Accords, which provides a common set of principles to enhance the governance of the civil exploration and use of outer space, as the 39th participant.  
      Return to Newsletter Explore More
      1 min read NASA Glenn Engineer Highlights Research for Hubble Servicing Missions 
      Article 21 seconds ago 1 min read Specialty NASA Glenn License Plates Available  
      Article 1 min ago 1 min read NASA Glenn Shows Students Temperature-Cooling Technology
      Article 2 mins ago View the full article
    • NASA
      Specialty NASA Glenn License Plates Available  
      By NASA
      A specialty license plate showcasing NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is now available on the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. Credit: Courtesy of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles  Ohio residents can now take their vehicle to new heights with a specialty license plate showcasing NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. 
      It is available on the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) website under the “Special Interest Plates” section. Click the “Organizational Plates” drop-down tab for details on NASA Glenn’s plate. 
      The Ohio BMV will collect an additional $10 above the regular license plate fee. NASA will not receive any money from the sale. 
      NASA Glenn makes space exploration and aviation possible. This incredible work is happening right here in Northeast Ohio. The specialty license plate allows fans to show support for their community and Ohio’s NASA center. 
      Back to Newsletter Explore More
      1 min read NASA Glenn Engineer Highlights Research for Hubble Servicing Missions 
      Article 21 seconds ago 1 min read NASA Glenn Hosts Slovenian Delegation and Ohio Governor’s Office
      Article 48 seconds ago 1 min read NASA Glenn Shows Students Temperature-Cooling Technology
      Article 2 mins ago View the full article
    • NASA
      NASA Glenn Shows Students Temperature-Cooling Technology
      By NASA
      During World Water Day at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, March 21, 2025, NASA’s Glenn Research Center staff, left to right, Heather Roe, Debbie Welch, and Jacqueline Minerd show how NASA’s Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment uses water to regulate the body temperatures of astronauts during spacewalks.  Credit: NASA/Lillianne Hammel  Water is essential for life, and it is an important engineering tool as well. On March 21, NASA’s Glenn Research Center staff joined Great Lakes Science Center in celebrating World Water Day at the science center, home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, in downtown Cleveland. Staff conducted hands-on demonstrations highlighting NASA’s Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment during the free day for students.
      A NASA Glenn Research Center staff member demonstrates how NASA’s Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment cools down the body using water during World Water Day at Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland on Friday, March 21, 2025. Credit: NASA/Lillianne Hammel  This interactive activity helped students discover how NASA uses water to regulate the body temperatures of astronauts during spacewalks.  
      Approximately 450 students and educators attended the event.   
      Return to Newsletter Explore More
      1 min read NASA Glenn Engineer Highlights Research for Hubble Servicing Missions 
      Article 21 seconds ago 1 min read NASA Glenn Hosts Slovenian Delegation and Ohio Governor’s Office
      Article 48 seconds ago 1 min read Specialty NASA Glenn License Plates Available  
      Article 1 min ago View the full article

  • Check out these Videos

×
×
  • Create New...