NASA's all-electric aircraft, X-57 Maxwell, is almost ready to take its first flight.
While other companies are putting their efforts into developing zero-emission vehicles, the international space union decided to work on an all-electric aircraft. NASA introduced the X-57 Maxwell back in 2016.
Although its development was affected by various problems, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, the space agency was still able to continue it.
Now, X-57 Maxwell is almost ready to take its first flight. So, what's the next step for NASA?
NASA All-Electric Aircraft Update: X-57 Maxwell's Almost Ready to Fly!
According to Electrek's latest report, NASA is already gearing up for X-57 Maxwell's first flight.
(Photo : Screenshot from NASA's official X-57 Maxwell website )
NASA All-Electric Aircraft Update: X-57 Maxwell's Almost Ready to Fly! What's the Next Step?
With the aerospace agency's efforts, the all-electric aircraft was able to complete and passed critical terminal testing involving its cruise motor controllers.
The test showed that the controllers are 98% efficient when it comes to high-power take-off. This means that they don't emit excessive heat.
But, NASA's first all-electric airplane still needs to undergo other tests. The next step for the space agency is to make X-57 Maxwell pass an incoming flight readiness review. This test would be conducted at the Armstrong Flight Research Center, which is located in California.
As of press time, NASA hasn't announced a specific schedule for the aircraft's first flight. If all goes well, experts said that the airplane could be flight-ready before 2023 ends.
X-57 Maxwell's Future Still Uncertain?
Based on the latest achievements made by NASA for its all-electric airplane, it seems like it could really be flight-ready soon.
However, Smithsonian Mag explained one major issue that makes X-57 Maxwell's future in the aviation industry uncertain.
When the pandemic began, the development of X-57 Maxwell was disrupted. Because of this, NASA needs to make extra efforts to complete the airplane, especially since the program's funding is expected to cease this 2023.
Once the project team runs out of resources, there's a chance that the all-electric aircraft will not reach its final design.
If you want to learn more about this funding problem, you can visit this link.
Aside from the X-57 Maxwell, NASA is also busy with its other innovations. Previously, the NASA IMAP was able to complete a critical design review, allowing its construction to start.
We also reported that NASA's air mobility system is already under development.
For more news updates about NASA and its other technologies, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: NASA's All-Electric Aircraft X-57 Maxwell Completes Thermal Testing - One Step Closer to Flight Readiness