Uber and NASA are taking another step toward the future of transportation. The ride-sharing firm signed a second space act agreement with NASA this month to explore ways to implement a safe and efficient air travel network over congested cities. Working off Uber's plans for an urban flying taxi system, NASA will use computer models and simulations to assess how small craft could fit into city life. Uber has plans to launch its Uber Air service in 2020, starting out with piloted flights before becoming fully autonomous within a decade. The ride-sharing firm signed a second space act agreement with NASA this month to explore ways to implement a safe and efficient air travel network over congested cities. An artist's impression is pictured'Urban air mobility could revolutionize the way people and cargo move in our cities and fundamentally change our lifestyle much like smart phones have,' said Jaiwon Shin, associate administrator for NASA's Aeronautics Research and Mission Directorate.

Uber is stepping up its bid to create one of the first urban flying taxi networks. The firm unveiled its Uber Air design models for the first time at the Elevate Summit in Los Angeles today, revealing a look at the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) craft that could be ferrying passengers above congested cities in just two years. A full-size model and miniature design prototype showed off to CBS News show how the electric flying taxis could fit up to four riders per vehicle, at first for piloted flights before ultimately becoming fully autonomous. Uber plans to launch the air-taxi service in 2020, with its self-flying craft to follow in the next five to 10 years. During the summit, Uber execs also revealed the firm has plans to take on nearly 10 times the number of daily flights than the FAA for a single city – and, it could cost riders less than $2 per mile.