NASA Aeronautics
The first “a” in “NASA” stands for “aeronautics” – the study of the science of flight. Thanks to advancements in aeronautics developed by NASA, today’s aviation industry is better equipped than ever to safely and efficiently transport all those passengers to their destinations. In fact, every U.S. aircraft flying today and every U.S. air traffic control tower uses NASA-developed technology in some way.
Streamlined aircraft bodies, quieter jet engines, techniques for preventing icing, drag-reducing winglets, lightweight composite structures, software tools to improve the flow of tens of thousands of aircraft through the sky, and so much more are an everyday part of flying thanks to NASA research that traces its origins back to the earliest days of aviation.
Today, a new global aviation system is emerging. NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate is working to transform aviation into an efficient, safe economic engine at all altitudes.
Our nation’s investments in NASA’s cutting-edge aeronautics research support U.S. global leadership in a number of rapidly advancing areas:
- An urban air mobility system that is all electric, autonomous and environmentally friendly to move commuters and packages in and around the world’s megacities;
- Transformed aircraft built by U.S. industry that move more people, more sustainably;
- A revolutionary travel option made real – quiet commercial supersonic flight over land;
- A transformed airspace system to support all these new vehicles and provide citizens confidence that every flight is safe and secure.
NASA is with you when you fly!
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National Space Grant Program
NASA initiated the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, also known as Space Grant, in 1989. Space Grant is a state-based national network of consortia of colleges and universities and other affiliates working to support and enhance science, engineering and technology education, research and public outreach efforts. Space Grant programs substantially contribute to fostering and training the future STEM workforce.
The Space Grant national network includes over 1000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, NASA centers and state and local agencies. These affiliates belong to one of 52 consortia in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Space Grant is supported by NASA with matching funding from the states.
The 52 consortia fund fellowships and scholarships for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, undertake student flight and design projects, support internships, and promote opportunities for student and faculty research, curriculum enhancement and faculty professional development. Member colleges and universities also provide pre-college and public service education programs and projects in their states.
We encourage you to check out the website for the Space Grant Consortium in your state to learn more about programs and opportunities available to you. A list of Space Grant Consortia directors and websites is provided here.