Background
The Aviation Sustainability Center (ASCENT) is a cooperative aviation research organization co-led by Washington State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ASCENT – also known as the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment – develops science-based solutions for aviation’s biggest challenges.
The ASCENT research cooperative includes 16 leading U.S. research universities and more than 60 private-sector stakeholders. ASCENT also works in partnership with international research programs, federal agencies and national laboratories. Funding is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, the Department of Defense, Transport Canada, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mission
The Aviation Sustainability Center is:
- Focusing on meeting the environmental and energy goals of the Next Generation Air Transportation System, including reducing noise, improving air quality, reducing climate impacts, and energy efficiency.
- Exploring ways to produce sustainable aviation fuels at commercial scale, creating an industry with the potential for large-scale economic development and job creation.
- Discovering science-based solutions will benefit the aviation industry and improve the health and quality of life of those living and working around airports.
