NASA awards ‘sustainable’ aircraft concepts $11.5M

NASA funds sustainable aircraft research with $11.5M.

: NASA's AACES program grants $11.5 million towards research for sustainable aircraft concepts. Five projects aim to revolutionize aviation's carbon footprint. Notably, Electra and JetZero will advance with electric tech and liquid hydrogen fuel. Georgia Tech, Pratt & Whitney, and Aurora explore new propulsion and aircraft configurations.

NASA has allocated $11.5 million for the development of futuristic aircraft concepts through the Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 (AACES) program. The initiative aims to discover transformative solutions to shift the air travel industry towards sustainability, acknowledging that current funding is insufficient for full-scale working aircraft but crucial for advancing new technologies.

Among the recipients, Electra will enhance its electric aircraft prototype, while JetZero will work on hybrid technology using cryogenic liquid hydrogen with a blended wing fuselage. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech explores promising fuels and propulsion systems in its ATH2ENA program, with Pratt and Whitney pursuing lower emissions technology, and Aurora Flight Sciences embarking on a comprehensive technology exploration.

Interestingly, none of the familiar electric propulsion startups appear among the participants, likely due to abundant venture capital or differing visions for aviation's future. The AACES project operates under the Advanced Air Transport Technology project, part of the broader Advanced Air Vehicles Program structure.

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