NASA Langley & UNOS Partner to Transform Organ Transport

“As this work progresses, it’s a powerful reminder that the Virginia Peninsula continues to lead at the intersection of research, innovation, and real-world impact—delivering solutions that not only strengthen our regional economy, but also save lives.”

Every second matters in the life-saving world of organ transplantation—and a new collaboration rooted right here on the Virginia Peninsula is aiming to make those seconds count even more.

At a recent announcement in Richmond, United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and NASA Langley Research Center formalized a Space Act Agreement that brings together cutting-edge aeronautics research and the nation’s organ transplant infrastructure. The goal: explore faster, more reliable ways to transport donor organs using advanced aviation technologies, including drones.

UNOS, which plays a central role in managing the nation’s organ donation and transplant system, has long championed innovation. Now, by partnering with NASA Langley—an internationally recognized leader in aviation research—the organization is taking a bold step toward addressing one of the most time-sensitive challenges in healthcare: organ delivery.

While organs are frequently transported by aircraft, ground logistics often introduce delays, particularly in congested or hard-to-reach areas. Through this partnership, NASA Langley will apply its expertise in flight research, advanced modeling, sensing technologies, and safety systems to evaluate whether drone technology can help reduce those delays and improve delivery timelines—ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

“This is a chance to apply NASA Langley technology to a real-world problem that can save lives,” said John Koelling. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your technical work have a positive impact on people’s lives.”

A key component of the research will take place at NASA Langley’s City Environment Range Testing for Autonomous Integrated Navigation (CERTAIN), where drones can be safely tested in real-world conditions beyond visual line of sight. This capability allows researchers to simulate complex delivery scenarios that mirror the urgency and unpredictability of organ transport.

Following initial flight testing, researchers will evaluate whether transported organs remain viable for transplant, analyzing critical factors such as temperature stability and potential tissue damage.

For our region, this partnership represents more than just technological advancement—it underscores the Virginia Peninsula’s growing role as a hub for innovation with global impact. “The idea that something of worldwide benefit could be created in our own backyard is pretty exciting,” Koelling noted.

If successful, this initiative could pave the way for scalable, drone-based delivery systems for time-critical medical needs, transforming how organs—and potentially other life-saving materials—are transported across the country.

As this work progresses, it’s a powerful reminder that the Virginia Peninsula continues to lead at the intersection of research, innovation, and real-world impact—delivering solutions that not only strengthen our regional economy, but also save lives.