1994–2000—Improvements in the configuration of aircraft to reduce sonic boom intensity were formulated in a sonic boom study.

1997–Ongoing—Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project was established. Remotely piloted, solar-powered “Helios” vehicle flew to the record-breaking altitude of 96,863 feet in 2001, leading the way for future high-altitude, long-duration, solar-powered aircraft.

1999–Ongoing—Neural network technology for aircraft control was invented to help aircraft recover from loss of control.

1999–Ongoing—Future Flight Central is a full-scale airport operations simulator that can create a functionally accurate physical and software replication of a control tower or operations center (current or future). With NASA experts, airport staff can plan new runways, test new ground traffic and tower communications procedures, validate air traffic planning simulations, and perform cost-benefit studies for new airport requirements and designs.

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