NASA has overhauled and restructured its aeronautics research program, Lisa Porter, NASA’s associate administrator of the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, announced last week. “NASA is returning to long-term investment in cutting-edge fundamental research in traditional aeronautics disciplines,” Porter said. The key goals will include working to master the science of subsonic (rotary and fixed wing), supersonic, and hypersonic flight, and to directly address the needs of the next-generation air transportation system. The new programs include fundamental aeronautics, airspace systems, aviation safety and the aeronautics test program. The aviation safety program will focus on four key areas: aircraft aging and durability, integrated intelligent flight deck technologies, integrated vehicle health management and integrated resilient aircraft control. “We are investing in research for the long-term in areas that are appropriate to NASA’s unique capabilities and meeting our charter of addressing national needs and benefiting the public good,” Porter said. For more information about the Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, visit their Web site.
