NASA wishes for a more fuel efficient plane and transportation. They work on it a long time, just to make a plane that burns 40% less fuel than a 777 by 2020 and 70% less by 2030. It also wants the plane to be whisper-quiet. This past winter, the agency awarded $12.3 million to Boeing, Lockheed Martin and other companies to develop the so-called N+3-generation airplane. It is a design that can reach their fuel and noise goal. The blended wing’s fuselage relies on a triangular shape to reduce its surface area and generates 20 percent of its lift. Less surface area means less drag, and less drag means more fuel efficiency. The blended wing’s widened fuselage will make for amphitheater-like seating, with long wide rows.

By 2050, hypersonic commercial flight is expected. The “Spaceliner” under development by the German space agency DLR will be far more exciting. Funded by the European commission, the plane will be capable of flying 14,000 mph and delivering 50 passengers from New York to Sydney in less than 90 minutes—through space.

In a push to reduce carbon emissions and relieve crowded airports, trains are quickly replacing airplanes. In 2007 the European commission initiated a plan that will triple its high-speed-rail networks by 2020. The next generation train of the French firm Alstom, the AGV, just entered full-speed tests last December and in 2011 will be whizzing around Italy. Alstom is in discussion to provide trains for the high-speed-rail system planned in California. The aerodynamics of the AGV not only increases speed but also cut noise.

In 2012, we will be heading towards having personal planes to fly around with. Every year, Americans spend $78 billion dealing with traffic alone. A typical pilot’s license costs about $10,000 and requires 40 hours of training. But in 2004 the FAA created a new designation for light-sport planes: those with one engine, a flight ceiling below 10,000 feet and a top speed of less than 138 mph. Light-sport Certification takes half as long as usual. In response, entrepreneurs are rushing forward with intriguing ideas and options.