NASA's Environmentally Friendly Plane Will Emit Zero CO2

(Photo : NASA) NASA is working on a plane that will change how people fly. Their electric jet, nicknamed “Maxwell,” will eliminate the need for gasoline, thus cutting down on carbon emissions.

NASA is working on a plane that will change how people fly. Their electric plane, nicknamed "Maxwell," will eliminate the need for gasoline, thus cutting down on carbon emissions.

Currently, air travel is one of the global sources that emit the most CO2. In 2015, flights contributed 770 million tons of global CO2. 

NASA's planet-friendly plane will fly at 175 mph, using five times less energy than a private plane flying at that speed.

"Energy efficiency at cruise altitude using X-57 technology could benefit travelers by reducing flight times, fuel usage, as well as reducing overall operational costs for small aircraft by as much as 40%," noted NASA in a press release. 12 motors will help the plane takeoff, while two will help propel it while it's at cruising altitude.

"Maxwell" is apart NASA's New Aviation Horizons initiative to develop futuristic planes.

NASA's X-planes have been in use longer than most people think. In 1947, their X-1 plane was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier.

"Dozens of X-planes of all shapes, sizes and purposes have since followed - all of them contributing to our stature as the world's leader in aviation and space technology," said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate. "Planes like the X-57, and the others to come, will help us maintain that role."

The global aviation industry is expected to triple its current two percent global emission of CO2 by the middle of the century. Flight volume is expected to grow, and the aviation industry hopes to find ways to reduce how much carbon will be emitted into the atmosphere. In February, the aviation industry agreed to limit its CO2 emissions.

"Aircraft today are 70 percent more fuel efficient than the first commercial jets to enter service, which brings to mind that our sector has a built-in self-interest to lower fuel costs and reduce emissions," said International Civil Aviation Organization Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said at a conference in April.