NASA latest iteration of its vision for aeronautics research activities includes “cutting-edge sustainable aviation updates” and “new perspectives on how NASA’s work addresses key drivers of the aeronautics industry.” The 2023 Strategic Implementation Plan, released last week, lays out the strategy for NASA’s aeronautics research over the next 20 years and beyond.
“To implement this plan, our research portfolio remains organized around six strategic research thrusts,” said NASA associate administrator for aeronautics Robert Pearce. “They detail our vision for future air transportation systems that are safe and sustainable, increase personal mobility, and enhance U.S. economic well-being.”
From 2035 to 2045, NASA envisions that one of these strategic thrusts will result in the introduction of affordable, low-boom, low-noise, and low-emission commercial supersonic aircraft. “It is anticipated that fast point-to-point transportation will first be served by environmentally compatible, small high-speed business jets,” it said.
Another major update is the inclusion of NASA’s commitments to sustainable aviation. Since the last long-term plan was released in 2019, the agency has established a sustainable flight partnership with industry, academia, and government to accomplish the U.S. goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Other areas of research include leveraging technologies such as electric and hybrid propulsion.