NASA invests $11.5 million in 5 sustainable aircraft concepts
What's the story
NASA has awarded five research grants, totaling $11.5 million, under its Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 (AACES) program. The initiative is an early-stage effort to find "transformative solutions" that could guide the carbon-intensive aviation industry toward sustainability. While the money isn't enough to develop a fully operational aircraft, it could help in real-world testing of these innovative technologies.
Award recipients
Electra and JetZero: Pioneers in sustainable aviation
Two of the awardees, Electra and JetZero, are going to utilize their funding for specific projects. Electra already has a working prototype of its electric aircraft and plans to use the award money to further develop this tech. Meanwhile, JetZero is working on an innovative design that combines a cryogenic liquid hydrogen fuel source with a unique blended wing fuselage.
Research focus
Georgia Tech and Pratt & Whitney: Exploring new aviation technologies
The other three awards have been given to Georgia Tech, Pratt & Whitney, and Aurora Flight Sciences. Georgia Tech will use its funding to explore new fuels, propulsion systems, and configurations for its ATH2ENA program. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney hopes to investigate "a broad suite" of propulsion technologies with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Technological exploration
Aurora Flight Sciences: A broad mandate for exploration
Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing-owned company, has received the most comprehensive mandate. The firm has been tasked with conducting an extensive, 'open-aperture' exploration of technologies and aircraft concepts. This broad directive leaves a lot of room for potential innovations in sustainable aviation technology.
Project hierarchy
AACES: A part of a larger NASA initiative
The AACES project is part of the Advanced Air Transport Technology project, which is also a part of the Advanced Air Vehicles Program. This hierarchy shows that NASA's dedication to sustainable aviation goes beyond individual research awards and includes larger efforts to revolutionize the future of air travel.