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.
Flying taxis? NASA is working on it.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated March 27, 2025, to reflect the final dates for the testing period. NASA researchers…
Shortly after dawn on March 27, 2001, NASA pilot Bill Rieke took off from an airfield just outside of Phoenix…
NASA is collaborating with the wildland fire community to provide tools for some of the most challenging aspects of firefighting…
As air taxis, drones, and other innovative aircraft enter U.S. airspace, systems that communicate an aircraft’s location will be critical…
NASA recently began a series of flight tests with partners to answer an important aviation question: What will it take…
It’s the holiday season — which means many are taking to the skies to join their loved ones. If you’ve…
Package delivery drones are coming to our doorsteps in the future, and NASA wants to make sure that when medication…
Editor’s note: This article was edited April 16, 2025, to note that the mid-field probe was in development at the…
Upside down can be right side up. That’s what NASA researchers determined for tests of an efficient wing concept that…
The design and build of a unique NASA pod, produced to advance computer vision for autonomous aviation, was recently completed…
NASA, in partnership with AeroVironment and Aerostar, recently demonstrated a first-of-its-kind air traffic management concept that could pave the way…
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.
