NASA Announces Design Competition

NASA Headquarters – November 30, 2007 – In the 1930s, the Douglas DC-3 made air travel popular and airline profits possible. It’s recognized as the greatest airplane of its time. Now NASA is asking you to describe the greatest airplane of the future, and vie for trophies, student internships and cash prizes. NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate competition has separate divisions for high school and college and challenges students to write about what the next generation of aircraft would look like and how they would operate. Either teams or individuals can enter. Based on the legendary Douglas DC-3 aircraft, high school students must write a research paper to explain their ideas for a future aircraft that could become the ‘DC-3’ for cargo and passengers in 2058. The research paper, no longer than 12 pages, should include sections on fuel, environmental effects, noise levels, runway length and conditions, operating costs, passenger and cargo loads, and service operations. Notice of intent, which will help NASA determine how many reviewers it will need, must be made by Dec. 15, 2007. Final entries are due on or before March 15, 2008. A group of federal, university and industry experts will judge the papers on creativity and imagination, organization, writing and research. College students should write up to 25 pages about their designs for the next generation of 21st-century aircraft. Design considerations include reduced environmental impact, reduced noise, daily operations on short runways, cost analysis for production and operation, passenger and cargo limits, structure and materials, and engines. In addition, students should also describe three valid scenarios for potential use of this vehicle in the year 2058. Students should submit a notice of intent by Jan. 19, 2008, with the final entry due by April 30, 2008. Representatives from each of the four NASA aeronautics centers will review the entries. College entries will be judged on innovation and creativity, discussion of feasibility, a brief review of current literature, and a baseline comparison with the relevant current technology, system or design. Click here for all the details and let your imagination run wild!

Jared Hagan (from left), Tyler Pennington and Morgan Harless, who attend different schools, collaborated electronically on their essay. Pennington, Harless and Hagan took first place in the division for U.S. teams in 2006, and shared a $1,000 cash prize. NASA Photo More Information NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate Competition Details

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