Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems ignites innovation for future aviation

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in collaboration with key partners from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), leading universities, and the broader aviation industry, has unveiled the theme for its 2026-2027 "Dream with Us" Design Challenge. This year’s initiative, titled "Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems," is poised to engage the next generation of innovators in tackling critical challenges facing the United States’ National Airspace System (NAS). The program seeks to foster advancements in aircraft safety, affordability, fuel innovation, and overall efficiency in air travel, addressing the ever-increasing demand for air transportation.

As the NAS continues to experience growth, with a projected increase in air traffic, the imperative for sustainable and advanced aviation solutions becomes paramount. This year’s challenge specifically hones in on the introduction of novel aircraft fuel sources and their transformative impact on both aircraft design and the complex infrastructure of airports. The initiative underscores a forward-looking approach to aviation, recognizing that the integration of new energy systems will necessitate a paradigm shift across the entire aviation ecosystem.

The "Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems" is specifically designed for middle and high school students, with tailored tasks for each age group. The central focus for all participating teams will be the integration of an emerging aircraft fuel source – liquefied natural gas (LNG) – into the existing aviation landscape. This will require students to delve into the properties of LNG, explore its potential applications in aviation, understand the multifaceted benefits of diversifying fuel sources, and critically analyze the necessary adaptations for both aircraft and airport infrastructure.

Historically, commercial aviation has been characterized by a degree of design conservatism, largely influenced by the limitations of materials and manufacturing technologies available in earlier eras. The ubiquitous "tube-and-wing" aircraft configuration, while proven, is now being re-examined in light of rapid advancements in materials science, propulsion systems, and digital design tools. Simultaneously, the escalating demand for air travel, coupled with a growing imperative for environmental sustainability, is driving research into a diverse array of alternative fuel options, including advanced biofuels, hydrogen, and increased electrification of aircraft components. This evolution in aircraft technology directly translates into a need for substantial upgrades and reimagining of airport facilities. Airports will need to accommodate multiple fuel types, develop new aircraft gate configurations to handle diverse aircraft designs, and potentially establish dedicated zones for different types of aircraft operations. The precise manifestation of these future airports remains a subject of ongoing research and design, presenting a fertile ground for the creative problem-solving skills of young students.

Middle School Challenge: Designing the Future Airport Hub

For middle school student teams, comprising two to four members, the challenge lies in redesigning an existing airport or conceptualizing an entirely new one that seamlessly integrates both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and traditional aviation fuels. The airport designs must encompass a comprehensive layout, including, but not limited to, control towers, hangars, fuel dispensing locations, passenger terminals, parking facilities, and runways. Detailed requirements for this aspect of the challenge will be provided to participants. This task encourages students to think holistically about the operational and logistical demands of a dual-fuel airport environment.

High School Challenge: Deeper Dive into New Energy Systems

While specific details for the high school module are to be released on the official "Dream with Us" webpage, it is understood that high school students will undertake more complex analyses and design considerations related to the "New Energy Systems" theme. This could involve in-depth research into the technical specifications of LNG-powered aircraft, the environmental impact assessments of alternative fuels, or the economic feasibility studies of adopting new energy infrastructures. Teams with a mix of middle and high school students will compete in the high school category, ensuring a consistent level of challenge and engagement.

Timeline and Submission Details

The 2026/2027 "Dream with Us" Design Challenge officially opens for student participation on September 25, 2026. The submission period for middle school entrants will commence on the same date and conclude on January 22, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Schools, educational organizations, and community groups are urged to inform parents and guardians that each team is limited to one submission. Team registration necessitates an account created by an individual aged 13 or older; adult team sponsors may facilitate this registration process. All entries must be submitted through the designated submission link on the "Dream with Us Design Challenge" webpage, which will be accessible at nasa.gov/dream-with-us. Crucially, signed permission forms from parents or legal guardians are mandatory for all participants, signifying agreement with the challenge’s terms and requirements.

Integrity and Authenticity in Submissions

In a significant move to ensure the originality and integrity of the students’ work, NASA has explicitly prohibited the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for any challenge-related tasks. This includes the generation or processing of content using AI systems, whether browser-based or specialized code-generation tools, and AI-generated imagery. All submissions must be the sole product of the participating team members, fostering genuine creativity and problem-solving skills. This policy aligns with a broader educational and scientific community concern about the ethical implications and educational value of AI-assisted academic work.

Eligibility and Participation

The middle school challenge is open to all students in grades 6 through 8 enrolled in public, private, parochial, and home schools across the United States. It also extends to children of U.S. military members stationed overseas. Students in grades 9 through 12 will utilize the high school module, with further details available on the main "Dream with Us" webpage.

Submission Process and Awards

Submissions for the "Dream with Us: Middle School Aviation Challenge" will be accepted from September 25, 2026, to January 22, 2027. The submission link will be provided on the "Dream with Us Design Challenge" webpage. Winners will be celebrated at a virtual awards reception, with the exact date to be announced. Subsequently, winning projects will be showcased on social media platforms and the official "Dream with Us Design Challenge" webpage following the reception.

Challenge Rules and Submission Requirements

Each team submission will be evaluated on two distinct components: a technical presentation and a creative submission. Both are mandatory for consideration. All sources used in the presentation, including images, must be properly cited.

Technical Presentation: This component, typically delivered using presentation software such as PowerPoint, must include:

A detailed explanation of the chosen airport design, highlighting its layout and key features.
A comprehensive analysis of how liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be integrated into the airport’s operations, including fuel storage, distribution, and refueling processes.
A discussion of the infrastructure modifications required at the airport to accommodate LNG, such as specialized fueling stations, safety protocols, and maintenance facilities.
An assessment of the benefits and challenges associated with introducing LNG as a dual-fuel source, considering environmental, economic, and operational factors.
Evidence of research into LNG as an aviation fuel, citing credible sources.

Creative Submission: This component aims to market the proposed airport modifications and the benefits of utilizing dual-fuel capabilities. The intended audience can be strategically defined by the teams, such as city or state leadership, potential investors, or airlines considering new routes. The creative presentation can take various forms, including:

A promotional video showcasing the futuristic airport.
A detailed brochure or infographic series.
A website or interactive digital presentation.
A physical model with a supporting presentation.
Any other innovative approach that effectively communicates the project’s value proposition.

All middle school entries will be submitted through the NASA Gateway link, to be provided on the "Dream with Us Design Challenge" webpage. Each submission must include:

A digital copy of the technical presentation.
The creative submission in its chosen format.
A team roster with contact information for one adult sponsor.
Signed parental or legal guardian permission forms for all team members.

Educational Resources and Support

To aid participants in their research and design endeavors, NASA will provide access to a curated list of lessons and activities. These resources will cover essential topics such as aircraft and airport design principles, the science behind alternative fuels, and broader considerations for the future of aviation. Specific learning modules will be available to help students understand the complexities of introducing new energy systems into the aviation sector. For those seeking in-depth information on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an aviation fuel, dedicated research materials will be made available.

Evaluation Criteria

Entries will be rigorously evaluated by a panel of industry experts. The judging criteria will focus on four key areas: impact, practicality, originality, and the clarity with which the ideas are communicated. Award selections will be made based on how well each project demonstrates innovation and addresses the core challenges of the "Fueling Flight Design Challenge."

Educator and Student Support

NASA recognizes the importance of supporting both educators and students throughout the challenge. In October, a mid-point check-in session will be organized to provide guidance and answer questions. Dates for this session will be announced on the "Dream with Us" design challenge webpage, offering a valuable opportunity for teams to receive feedback and refine their projects.

Background and Broader Implications

The "Dream with Us" Design Challenge is part of NASA’s broader commitment to inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals and advancing the frontiers of aeronautics. The focus on "New Energy Systems" reflects a critical juncture in aviation history, where the industry is under increasing pressure to decarbonize and operate more sustainably. The integration of fuels like LNG, while presenting infrastructural challenges, offers a tangible pathway towards reducing aviation’s environmental footprint in the near to medium term, particularly when compared to a complete transition to electric or hydrogen propulsion for all flight operations.

The challenge also highlights the interconnectedness of technological advancement and infrastructure development. As aircraft evolve, so too must the ground-based systems that support them. Airports, often vast and complex entities, will need to become more adaptable and technologically sophisticated to accommodate the diverse needs of future aviation. The students’ designs for dual-fuel airports will not only demonstrate their understanding of these technical requirements but also their capacity for envisioning the operational realities of a transformed aviation landscape.

Furthermore, the explicit prohibition of AI tools underscores a pedagogical approach that values human ingenuity and critical thinking. By requiring students to generate all content themselves, NASA aims to cultivate genuine problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of the subject matter, rather than relying on automated solutions. This approach is crucial for developing a workforce capable of tackling complex, real-world challenges in fields like aerospace engineering and sustainable development.

The "Dream with Us" challenge serves as a vital platform for fostering a pipeline of talent equipped to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the aviation sector. The innovative ideas generated by these young minds could very well shape the future of flight, contributing to a safer, more sustainable, and more accessible air travel system for generations to come.

Contact Information

For any additional questions or inquiries regarding the "Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems," participants and educators are encouraged to reach out to the NASA Aeronautics STEM team at [email protected]. Further information and resources can also be found on the "Dream with Us" main webpage.