NASA will study and test battery cell systems designed for Archer Aviation’s Midnight electric air taxi. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
NASA has partnered with Archer Aviation to explore adapting the company's electric air taxi battery technology for potential space applications, aiming to ensure U.S. leadership in advanced air mobility (AAM).
The collaboration focuses on rigorously testing Archer's battery cell systems for safety and performance under extreme conditions, validating them for eVTOL aircraft and potential use in harsh environments, including space.
This initiative is part of a broader U.S. effort by government agencies (NASA, AFWERX, FAA) to accelerate domestic AAM development and counter growing global competition from Chinese and European manufacturers.
The technology expected to power the next generation of commercial aircraft could have some more cosmic applications, according to NASA.
The space agency on Monday announced a new collaboration with electric aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation to explore how the company’s battery cell systems—designed for its flagship Midnight air taxi—could one day be applied for space.
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
