Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program

Artemis 2

Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate

Space Launch System (SLS)

NASA Simulations Improve Artemis II Launch Environment

Airflow around rockets as they travel from Earth into space can have a dramatic impact on a mission, which is why NASA used advanced simulations to provide the best possible launch conditions for the Artemis II test flight around the Moon. To better understand the Artemis Space Launch System (SLS) rocket’s flight environment, engineers turned to a

Posted March 20, 2026

About Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program (TACP)

TACP Benefits Foundation for disruptive technologies: Placing emphasis on transformative concepts lays the groundwork for revolutionary advancements in aviation. Accelerated innovation in aerospace: Developing next-generation engineering methodologies and digital tools enables faster, more efficient design, testing, and certification processes.

Posted March 6, 2026

General

Advanced Air Transport Technology

Advanced Air Vehicles Program

Aerosciences Evaluation Test Capabilities

NASA Centers & Facilities

NASA Software Raises Bar for Aircraft Icing Research

When flying in certain weather conditions, tiny freezing water droplets floating in the air can pose a risk to aircraft. If not taken into consideration, these water droplets can accumulate on an aircraft as ice and pose a safety risk. But NASA software tools such as Glenn Icing Computational Environment (GlennICE) are working to keep […]

Posted December 4, 2025

CoECI News

Prizes, Challenges, & Crowdsourcing News

NASA Launches 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition

NASA’s 2026 Gateways to Blue Skies competition invites collegiate teams to conceptualize innovative systems and practices that would advance current commercial aircraft maintenance, repair, and operations with the goal to enhance resilience, safety, and efficiency. The commercial aviation industry is a crucial component of the U.S.

Posted September 24, 2025

Aeronautics

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Technology Transfer

University Innovation

Winners Announced in NASA’s 2025 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition

A team from South Dakota State University, with their project titled “Soil Testing and Plant Leaf Extraction Drone” took first place at the 2025 NASA Gateways to Blue Skies Competition, which challenged student teams to research aviation solutions to support U.S. agriculture.

Posted May 22, 2025

University Student Research Challenge

Aeronautics

University Innovation

NASA Selects Student Teams for Drone Hurricane Response and Cybersecurity Research

NASA has selected two more university student teams to help address real-world aviation challenges, through projects aimed at using drones for hurricane relief and improved protection of air traffic systems from cyber threats. The research awards were made through NASA’s University Student Research Challenge (USRC), which provides student-led team

Posted May 15, 2025

Advanced Air Mobility

Aeronautics

NASA Tests Ultralight Antennas to Benefit Future National Airspace

NASA engineers are using one of the world’s lightest solid materials to construct an antenna that could be embedded into the skin of an aircraft, creating a more aerodynamic and reliable communication solution for drones and other future air transportation options. Developed by NASA, this ultra-lightweight aerogel antenna is designed to enable sat

Posted April 22, 2025

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Advanced Air Mobility

Convergent Aeronautics Solutions

Drones & You

NASA Studies Wind Effects and Aircraft Tracking with Joby Aircraft

NASA engineers began using a network of ground sensors in March to collect data from an experimental air taxi to evaluate how to safely integrate such vehicles into airspace above cities – in all kinds of weather. Researchers will use the campaign to help improve tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations and […]

Posted April 18, 2025

Aeronautics

Armstrong Flight Research Center