Rolls-Royce and easyJet have completed a hydrogen engine flight cycle test at a NASA facility. The test simulated real-world flight conditions, including thrust and load changes, to prove that hydrogen combustion can power a jet engine through a full flight cycle. While hydrogen eliminates direct CO2 emissions, it requires significant aircraft redesigns due to low energy density and the need for cryogenic storage. This research addresses the urgent need for alternatives to kerosene as global air travel demand increases.
