Through aeronautical research solicitations and hosting future challenges, the NASA Aeronautics Research Institute (NARI) promotes innovation in aeronautics across a broad spectrum of aeronautical challenges in the nation’s air transportation system. The institute coordinates those efforts, and communicates the outcome of the research conducted to interested parties both internal and external to NASA.

NARI, part of NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD), was established to pursue ARMD’s objective to make deliberate investments in innovative, early-stage, and potentially revolutionary aviation concepts and technologies. This reflects ARMD’s desire to not only acquire additional innovative concepts within its technical portfolio, but also in the management of this portfolio. The institute’s formulation and operating concept reflects a new approach for ARMD to introduce fresh lines of research into existing ARMD programs and projects. As a result, the NARI will complement other ARMD efforts in seeking early-stage innovative concepts.