NASA Explores Cryogenic Hydrogen Test Facility to Advance Aircraft Technology
Key Ideas
  • NASA's Glenn Research Center in Ohio has issued a request for information to assess industry's needs for a test facility to advance cryogenic hydrogen technology for aircraft.
  • The proposed Cryogenic Hydrogen Test Facility aims to support the implementation of new materials, components, and technologies for aeronautical applications and other hydrogen transportation needs.
  • The facility could enable the development of operational procedures for airport operations and testing at various scales, from material development to full-sized aircraft.
  • NASA's Electric Aircraft Testbed in Sandusky, Ohio, has served as a ground test facility for multi-megawatt electric propulsion systems, attracting industry and academia for testing purposes.
NASA is exploring the development of a Cryogenic Hydrogen Test Facility at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, to advance aircraft technology. Building on the success of the Electric Aircraft Testbed, NASA's Glenn Research Center issued a request for information to understand industry needs for progressing cryogenic hydrogen technology. The facility aims to support the implementation of new materials, components, and technologies for aeronautical applications and hydrogen transportation needs. This includes testing at various scales, from material development to full-sized aircraft, to enhance operational procedures for airport operations. The Electric Aircraft Testbed, available for industry and academia, has already been utilized by companies like GE Aerospace and MagniX to test electric propulsion units. The facility has been integral in testing multi-megawatt electric propulsion systems, including those for NASA's Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project. Overall, the initiative reflects a positive step towards advancing aircraft technology through hydrogen innovation.
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