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Wright
Brothers' Invention Process
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(1904 - Beyond)
- Pushing the Envelope
After the successful development of the first
airplane, the Wright Brothers continued to be involved in aerospace
technology. Orville was one of the original members of the National
Advisory Council on Aeronautics (NACA) which is the parent organization
of the current NASA.
In the spirit of the Wright Brothers, NASA
is attempting to use aeronautics technology to provide affordable
access to space. Lead by the Marshall Space Flight Center, this
aero-space initiative looks forward to the day when space travel
becomes as routine as air travel is today.
Related Research Programs
| Civil
Tiltrotor Project (CTR) |
The Civil Tiltrotor
Project is developing aircraft that will drastically reduce
runway congestion and airport capacity issues. Tiltrotor
aircraft can take-off and land vertically, similar to
a helicopter, where no runway is required. The future
vision of this program is to allow for greater public
access to flight by creating a series of small vertiports
to siphon off short-haul commuter traffic and free-up
runway space for larger aircraft. |
| Air-breathing
Rocket Propulsion |
NASA is using new propulsion
technology to develop rockets that weigh much less at
take-off then conventional rockets which are weighed down
by large supplies of fuel and oxygen. Air-breathing rocket
propulsion inhales oxygen during flight so that oxygen
does not have to be stored on board. The air-breathing
rocket is going to be completely reusable, and able to
take off and land at airport runways because of the drastically
reduced weight. |
| Magnetic
Levitation |
The Mag-Lev uses a
magnetic track to lift a vehicle, and then move it forward
very quickly. This technology will be used to make rocket
take-offs more efficient by giving them a running start.
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| Helios
Prototype |
On August 13, 2001
the Helios prototype set a world-record by achieving sustained
flight at more then 96,000 feet. The Helios is an unmanned
solar powered aircraft, with a gigantic wingspan of 247
feet. The Helios prototype has two program goals; to reach
an altitude of 100,000 feet with a small payload, and
to achieve a sustained flight with a duration of at least
96 hours. |
| Blended
Wing-Body Aircraft |
NASA is developing
a hybrid shaped aircraft resembling a flying wing, but
incorporating the same features as conventional airliners.
The efficient high-lift wings and wide airfoil-shaped
body generate lift, and minimize drag, increasing fuel
economy. |
| High
Speed Research Program |
NASA is developing
the passenger jet of the future. A next-generation supersonic
jet that could fly 300 passengers more then 1500 mph (twice
the speed of sound). This plane could cross the Atlantic
or Pacific in less then half the time of today's commercial
flights. |
| X-37 |
The X-37 is NASA's
advanced flight test demonstrator. This reusable launch
vehicle will be designed to operate in both orbital and
reentry phases of flight. The X-37 will feature dozens
of advanced airframes, avionics, and operational techniques.
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| Advanced
Space Transportation System |
The Advanced Space
Transportation Program is striving to achieve the full
potential of space for all human endeavors through safe,
affordable, and reliable transportation. NASA researchers
are developing innovative technologies for low-cost space
transportation systems that will be as reliable and safe
as today's airlines. Research efforts and technological
developments are aimed towards accelerating breakthroughs
that will make it possible for ordinary people to live,
work, and play in space. |
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