GE and NASA Partner for Sustainability and Reduced Emissions in Aviation with New Tests in Contrail Science

In a new collaboration, GE Aerospace and NASA have partnered earlier this year to deepen the aviation industry's understanding of contrail science. Their joint initiative, known as the Contrail Optical Depth Experiment (CODEX), involves a series of unique flight tests aimed at developing new aircraft engine technologies to reduce emissions that may result from contrails. The hope is that this will provide critical insights for the development of lower emissions combustors and other advanced propulsion technologies for a more sustainable future in the aviation industry.

The Science of Contrails

Condensation trails—or contrails—are lines of clouds resulting from aircraft exhaust fumes that form when planes fly through cold, humid air. These white cloud lines are often seen trailing behind aircraft and can stay in the atmosphere for several hours. A new study by the Imperial College of London found that these exhaust fume trails may contribute to global warming and negatively impact climate change due to the amount of soot emitted from aircraft engines. By further studying contrails, GE Aerospace and NASA scientists hope to better understand their formation, behavior, and overall environmental effects. During the scheduled CODEX flight tests, which will be conducted in Virginia, NASA Langley Research Center's G-III aircraft will follow GE Aerospace's Flying Test Bed, a 747 platform, and scan its wake with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. This approach will generate three-dimensional images of contrails that will provide valuable data on how they form, how long they stay in the atmosphere, and how they evolve over time—thus, “with a goal to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20%, these technologies represent significant progress toward greener aviation.”

The collaboration between GE Aerospace and NASA aims to collect extensive data on contrail formation and properties, which will be crucial in developing new aircraft engines that produce fewer contrails and ultimately reduce their environmental impact. By understanding the specific conditions and mechanisms that lead to contrail formation, engineers can design propulsion systems that minimize contrail production or even prevent it altogether.

Advancing Sustainable Aviation Technologies

For GE Aerospace, this collaboration represents an opportunity to expand the capabilities of its Flying Test Bed and pave the way for future flight testing of new commercial engine technologies. The tests will support the development of Open Fan, advanced combustion designs, and other propulsion systems under CFM International's Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines (RISE) program. The RISE program is focused on creating engines that are not only more fuel-efficient but also capable of operating with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) derived from renewable resources like plant waste and used cooking oils that produce significantly lower carbon emissions compared to conventional petroleum-based jet fuel. By integrating these fuels with advanced engine technologies, GE Aerospace aims to achieve substantial reductions in CO2 emissions, furthering the industry's sustainability goals.

The Push for a Sustainable Aviation Industry

The aviation industry is under increasing pressure from scientists and policymakers to reduce its environmental impact, particularly its CO2 emissions. In response, industry leaders have committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through various collaborative initiatives. This ambitious goal requires an overarching dedication to research and change in this field, as well as a combination of innovative aircraft technologies, SAF biofuels, operational efficiencies, and measures of carbon offsetting. Additionally, other necessary efforts include enhancing aircraft aerodynamics, optimizing flight operations, and leveraging digital technologies to reduce fuel consumption. Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, are also playing a role in creating lighter, more efficient aircraft components. GE Aerospace and NASA's partnership is a crucial step toward this goal, as it explores new ways of reducing harmful emissions and advancing propulsion technologies.

The Role of Policy and Regulation Driving Aviation Sustainability Adoption

Government policies and regulations play a significant role in driving the adoption of sustainable practices in the aviation industry. International organizations are setting global standards for emissions reduction. National governments are also implementing policies that incentivize the development and use of cleaner aviation technologies.

Collaborations like that between GE Aerospace and NASA are aligned with these regulatory frameworks. By proactively researching and developing technologies that reduce emissions, these organizations are positioning themselves at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability efforts. The insights gained from CODEX will inform not only technological advancements but also policy recommendations for broader industry adoption, ultimately leading to a cleaner, greener aviation industry.

Sustainable Aviation at Capitol Tech

Capitol Technology University’s Bachelor of Science in Aviation Professional Pilot program offers a streamlined path to piloting and aviation science that will prepare you to take on the complexities of the industry, positively impacting the future of sustainable aviation.

To learn more, contact our Admissions team or request more information.