A Vision for America’s Continued Global Leadership in Aeronautics

By Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro, OSTP Assistant Director for Space Policy

Grant Farnsworth, OSTP Senior Policy Advisor

Since the earliest days of aviation, the United States has led the world in research, development, and deployment of technologies that ensure safe and efficient flight. This leadership – made possible by American ingenuity and bolstered by the federal government – requires continued innovation. That’s why today the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) is releasing the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities to advance a vision for America’s continued global leadership in aeronautics.

Developed by federal aeronautics experts, with input from leaders across academia, non-profit, and commercial sectors, the National Aeronautics Science and Technology Priorities outlines activities to maintain the nation’s edge, both in the global aeronautics industry and in national security applications, which requires focus and investment today.

It identifies three key priority areas that will be essential to U.S. leadership in the industry of tomorrow:

• Achieving sustainable aviation: The Administration is committed to reducing and eventually eliminating the climate impact of aeronautics and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes implementing the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan and the Climate Adaptation Plans across the federal government.

• Transforming the national airspace system: The Administration is committed to transforming aviation in both urban and rural communities, creating new industries and jobs. This includes transitioning from legacy technologies, and integrating modern and emerging technologies, including drones and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft, into the national airspace system.

• Promoting connectivity and speed: The Administration is committed to exploring new technologies that will enhance global connectivity at greater speed. This includes continued support for research and development of superior aircraft and technologies, from subsonic through hypersonic technologies, that emphasize speed.

As the Administration works with the U.S. aeronautics community to advance these priorities, we will be guided by key principles: promoting safety, protecting the environment, advancing economic competitiveness, accelerating innovation, strengthening national security, developing our nation’s workforce, and prioritizing equitable access.

This work will solidify the nation’s global leadership in the aeronautic enterprise for decades to come.

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