Aeronautics Research
With more than a century of aviation research heritage, NASA’s aeronautical innovators have developed technology through the years that makes air travel safer, faster, and more sustainable. Their contributions are so widespread that every U.S. airplane and air traffic control tower has something from NASA built right in.
NASA Aeronautics Technical Excellence
Presented here are a collection of hand-picked stories that showcase the aviation technology NASA is working on — or has worked on and turned over to others for use in the National Airspace System. This page will be updated with new content at the beginning of each month.
Modeling Turbofan Engines to Understand Aircraft Noise
Airplane engines are loud – just ask anyone who lives near an airport. Increased air traffic from next-generation aircraft has…
NASA Completes Key Step in Aviation Safety Research
NASA’s aeronautical innovators have completed a significant step in their pursuit of safer, more efficient aviation technologies that spot hazards…
NASA, Partners Explore Sustainable Fuel’s Effects on Aircraft Contrails
Contrails, the lines of clouds from high-flying aircraft that crisscross the skies, are familiar sights, but they may have an…
NASA Studies Human Pilots to Advance Autonomous Air Taxis
Air taxis may become an important part of the U.S. transportation ecosystem, quickly carrying people relatively short distances – and…
NASA Glenn Earns R&D 100 Award
R&D Magazine and a panel of experts have chosen NASA’s Glenn Research Center’s GRX-810: A 3D Printable Alloy Designed for…
NASA Concludes Wind Study
A NASA wind study aimed at enhancing air taxi safety on takeoff and landing is complete at NASA’s Armstrong Flight…
NASA Has Helped Hush Aircraft Engine Noise for Decades
NASA Has Helped Hush Aircraft Engine Noise for Decades
Piazza Knows How to Manage the Heat
Whether it’s a hot re-entry or just the California desert in summer, some people handle the heat better.
NASA Armstrong Supports Wind Study
Wind affects all aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. It’s especially critical for new types of transportation. A new NASA…
NASA Software Developers Take Autonomy from Simulation to Flight
Self-flying air taxis may create a new era of transportation opportunities for passengers and cargo, shortening travel time using autonomous…
NASA Uses New Air Taxi Ride Simulator to Test Passenger Comfort
To create a future where air taxis are a regular form of transportation, passengers need to be comfortable. That’s why…
Idaho Students get Hands-On with NASA Technology
University of Idaho students learned real-world engineering skills during the 2022-2023 school year while advancing two NASA technologies – a…
Other Aeronautics topics
Supersonic Flight
Research about flying faster than the speed of sound.
Flight Innovation
Stories about pioneering the frontiers of 21st century flight.
Drones & You
All about new ways to get from here to there in the air.
Green Aviation Tech
Learn about research to make aviation more sustainable.
Air Traffic Solutions
Read about how NASA is opening up the sky for all.
NASA Aircraft
Information about NASA's fleet of aircraft.
Science in the Air
News about using NASA aircraft to better understand our world.
