NASA will study and test battery cell systems designed for Archer Aviation’s Midnight electric air taxi. [Courtesy: Archer Aviation]
Key Takeaways:
NASA is collaborating with electric aircraft manufacturer Archer Aviation to explore applying Archer's battery cell systems, originally designed for air taxis, to space applications and advanced air mobility (AAM).
A key driver for this partnership and other U.S. government initiatives is to ensure American leadership in the emerging AAM industry, facing strong competition from foreign companies already achieving commercial milestones.
The initial focus of the collaboration involves testing the safety, energy, and power performance of Archer's battery packs, which are considered vital for the mass production and widespread adoption of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
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.
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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.
