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Hydrogen’s hoped for role in aviation dates back to the mid-20th century, when researchers began exploring its potential as an alternative to conventional jet fuel. In 1957, engineers at Lockheed and Boeing investigated hydrogen propulsion as part of Cold War efforts to develop high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft. In 1959, a modified Martin B-57 Canberra successfully flew with one engine running on liquid hydrogen. In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union flew the Tupolev Tu-155, a modified Tu-154 airliner that became the first jet aircraft to fly solely using liquid hydrogen.
Following the Cold War, interest in hydrogen aviation waned as jet fuel remained inexpensive and dominant. However, growing concerns over climate change and carbon emissions reignited research into hydrogen propulsion in the 2000s. Boeing made headlines in 2008…
