While private companies have been developing all-electric planes and hover-craft for years, Nasa’s X-57 venture is aimed at designing and proving technology according to standards that commercial manufacturers can adapt for government certification. These will include standards for airworthiness and safety, as well as for energy efficiency and noise.

“We’re focusing on things that can help the whole industry, not just one company,” said Brent Cobleigh, a project manager for Nasa’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, about 160km north of Los Angeles. “Our target right now is to fly this airplane in late 2020.”

The final modification, or Mod IV, of the aircraft, will feature narrower, lighter-weight wings fitted with a total of 14 electric engines – six smaller ‘lift’ props along the leading edge of each wing, plus two larger ‘cruise’ props at the tip of each wing.

The lift propellers will also be activated for take-off and landings, but will retract during the flight’s cruise phase.

According to Cobleigh, as electric motor systems are more compact with fewer moving parts than internal-combustion engines, they are simpler to maintain and weigh much less, requiring less energy to fly. They are also quieter than conventional engines.

However, Cobleigh said that one challenge they must overcome is improving the battery technology in order to store more energy to extend the plane’s range, along with faster re-charging.

Due to current battery limitations, Maxwell’s design is envisaged for use in short-haul flights as an air-taxi or commuter plane for a small number of passengers.

In mid-October, the agency revealed its new ‘Orion’ astronaut suit for space missions, which has been designed to be stronger and more comfortable for those to wear it.