Space Flight Charts, Space Capsule

91,591 Overhead view. McDonnell XF-88B Experimental Jet Fighter. Langley used this aircraft in the mid-1950s to explore the potential of a supersonic propeller. Photographed in Engineer in Charge A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 508. **Note see L57-2259 for eye level view.

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

CM SepRing Integration work being done in NASA's Langley Hanger

Astronaut Eugene Cernan at Lunar Lander Research Facility. Cernan under gantry, in training module. Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. On his second space flight, he was lunar module pilot of Apollo 10, May 18-26, 1969, the first comprehensive lunar-orbital qualification and verification flight test of an Apollo lunar module.

Lunar Landing Research Model. -- Published in James R. Hansen, Spaceflight Revolution: NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo, (Washington: NASA, 1995), p. 356.

1/8 Scale B-32 Turrets. Test conducted in the NACA 19 foot pressure tunnel LMAL-38560 NACA document.

Vehicle for Lunar Landing Research Facility at Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia.

Smoke Flow Investigation XF7C-1 (Cowling Exhaust J.1 Type)

Photograph taken February 06, 1974. High Speed Aircraft Division Personnel, Mary Jackson is one of the people in the front row of this group. Mary Jackson belonged to the Theoretical Performance Group, High Speed Aircraft Division, Office of Director for Aeronautics at time of photo. First row: Steve Wornom, Dick Barnwell, Mary Jackson, and Bud Bobbitt; Second row: Bernie Klunker, Perry Newman, Branch secretary, Frances Keeter, and Ruby Davis, Branch mathematician; Third row: Dennis Allison, Jim Keller, Jerry South, and Cas Czarnecki.

Wing Covering and Doping

YH 32 Helicopter

Photographed on: 08 05 1958. -- Impact test conducted by Langley's Hydrodynamics Division. The Division conducted a series of impact studies with full scale and model capsules of the original capsule shape A. Joseph Shortal wrote (Vol. 3, p. 16): The basic design of the capsule was made by M.A. Faget and his coworkers at PARD during the winter of 1957-1958. It was natural, then, that extensive use was made of the facilities at Wallops during the development of the spacecraft. The tests at Wallops consisted of 26 full-size capsules, either launched from the ground by rocket power or dropped from airplanes at high altitude and 28 scaled models, either rocket boosted or released from balloons. Emphasis in the Wallops program was on dynamic stability and aerodynamic heating of the capsule, and effectiveness of the pilot-escape and parachute-recovery systems. The biggest part of the Wallops program was the series of full-size capsules, rocket launched with the Little Joe booster, developed especially for Mercury. -- Published in Joseph A. Shortal, History of Wallops Station: Origins and Activities Through 1949, (Wallops Island, VA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Wallops Station, nd), Comment Edition.

L57-5383 Hot-air jets employing ceramic heat exchangers played an important role at Langley in the study of materials for ballistic missile nose cones and re-entry vehicles. Here a model is being tested in one of theses jets at 4000 degrees Fahrenheit in 1957. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 477.

Women Adequately Filling Posts in NACA Laboratory: Nearly 200 women are employed at the Langley Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in a limited capacity as mechanics’ helpers and minor laboratory aids on the jobs formerly handled by men, according to E.H. Derring, of the Aerodynamics Division. Many phases of the operations of various wind tunnels at the laboratory are now handled by women with experienced male supervision. Mr. Derring said, pointing out that the reading of the data indicated on wind tunnel instruments during a test is done in a large measure by women. In addition to reading the instruments and computing and integrating engineering test data obtained from tunnel investigations, the minor laboratory aides assist in the preparation of aircraft models preliminary to testing. Women employees who will serve in the Aerodynamics Division of the Laboratory attend an orientation class for two weeks, during which they receive instruction on phases of the work they will do and their aptitudes for different types of work are evaluated in order that they may be properly placed. More than 100 women are employed in minor laboratory apprentices, performing mechanical work heretofore done by men. These women are employed in the various shops of the laboratory. Women in the woodworking shops are taught to operate 15 different machines in carrying out their assignments. Norfolk new paper article from 1943 by Lee Dickinson.

Women Adequately Filling Posts in NACA Laboratory: Nearly 200 women are employed at the Langley Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in a limited capacity as mechanics’ helpers and minor laboratory aids on the jobs formerly handled by men, according to E.H. Derring, of the Aerodynamics Division. Many phases of the operations of various wind tunnels at the laboratory are now handled by women with experienced male supervision. Mr. Derring said, pointing out that the reading of the data indicated on wind tunnel instruments during a test is done in a large measure by women. In addition to reading the instruments and computing and integrating engineering test data obtained from tunnel investigations, the minor laboratory aides assist in the preparation of aircraft models preliminary to testing. Women employees who will serve in the Aerodynamics Division of the Laboratory attend an orientation class for two weeks, during which they receive instruction on phases of the work they will do and their aptitudes for different types of work are evaluated in order that they may be properly placed. More than 100 women are employed in minor laboratory apprentices, performing mechanical work heretofore done by men. These women are employed in the various shops of the laboratory. Women in the woodworking shops are taught to operate 15 different machines in carrying out their assignments. Norfolk new paper article from 1943 by Lee Dickinson.

1/4th Scale Model of Apollo - Impact Structures Facility Launched from an overhead pendulum device, this Apollo spacecraft was tested in the Impact Structures Facility to determine water-landing characteristics. -- Photograph published in Winds of Change, 75th Anniversary NASA publication (page 91), by James Schultz.

Re-Entry Model

The pilot of NASAÕs X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology, or QueSST, aircraft will navigate the skies in a cockpit unlike any other. There wonÕt be a forward-facing window. ThatÕs right; itÕs actually a 4K monitor that serves as the central window and allows the pilot to safely see traffic in his or her flight path, and provides additional visual aids for airport approaches, landings and takeoffs. The 4K monitor, which is part of the aircraftÕs eXternal Visibility System, or XVS, displays stitched images from two cameras outside the aircraft combined with terrain data from an advanced computing system. The two portals and traditional canopy are real windows however, and help the pilot see the horizon. The displays below the XVS will provide a variety of aircraft systems and trajectory data for the pilot to safely fly. The XVS is one of several innovative solutions to help ensure the X-59Õs design shape reduces a sonic boom to a gentle thump heard by people on the ground. Though not intended to ever carry passengers, the X-59 boom-suppressing technology and community response data could help lift current bans on supersonic flight over land and enable a new generation of quiet supersonic commercial aircraft.

From left to right, City of Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray, Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, and Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) are seen during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, Friday, July 31, 2026, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The state-of-the-art facility will support research and technology development that will advance the agency’s aeronautics, exploration, and science goals, including establishing a sustained human presence on the lunar surface through the Artemis program and the development of a Moon Base. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Model of Winged Space Vehicle

L65-5505 In the Gas Dynamics Laboratory, completed in 1951, researchers explored basic aerodynamic, heating and fluid-mechanical problems in the speed range from Mach 1.5 to Mach 8.0. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 348.

Miscellaneous Charts, Space Capsule

Mrs. Katherine G. Johnson at Work

Model at building 193

People are seen viewing the partial solar eclipse from NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, Monday, April 8, 2024. A total solar eclipse swept across a narrow portion of the North American continent from Mexico’s Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of Central America and Europe. Photo Credit: (NASA/Ryan Hill)

Space Suit: NASA Langley researcher (Kenneth R. Yenni) tries out a proposal for an Apollo space suit.

NASA Astronaut Joe Acaba speaks to students and educators during their tour stop at the Lunar Landing Research Facility during an aerospace technical field career day event at Langley Research Center, Hampton Va., Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Photo Credit (NASA/Mark L Knopp)

Portrait of Robert R. Gilruth. More than anyone else at Langley, began to push the idea that manned spaceflight was the next great challenge for aeronautic engineers. As head of NASA s Space Task Group, he was responsible for planning and carrying out Project Mercury, the country's first manned spaceflight program. Photograph published in Engineer in Charge: A History of the Langley Aeronautical Laboratory, 1917-1958 by James R. Hansen. Page 386.

Portrait of April Albert in front of NASA Langley's Hawker Siddeley P-1127 on display at Air Power Park in Hampton, Virginia.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks were mandated by Governor Northam in Virginia in public settings.  This is for the faces of NASA project.  "I am really made to feel like I am part of a family. I don’t feel like anybody is treated differently. We are all one team. To be a part of NASA, to me, is to be part of something special. There is nothing like the camaraderie of NASA. I feel like I’m where I belong.” — April Albert, Schedule Analyst, Langley Research Center

"Self Protection for Women,"sponsored by the Federal Women's Program Committee and the Training Office, will be held June 10 in the Activities Center. This presentation contains practical self-defense techniques that can be learned in ONE hour. Lt. Jim Bullard of the Memphis Police Department, the originator of the program, considers it as pertinent to men as it is to women. Bullard's emphasis is proper "attitude," without which self defense techniques are meaningless. Published in Langley Researcher, May 20,1983 page 2. Mary Jackson, Manager of the Federal Women's Program Committee participating in demonstration.

Photographed on: 12 09 58. -- Mercury capsule details, capsule in cargo bay of C-130 airplane prior to drop test, equipment in C130 for doing drop test.

Molds for couches for test pilots, line the NASA Langley Research Centers model shop wall. The names of the test subjects (Langley employees) are written on the back. The couches are similar to those made for each astronaut and fitted into the Mercury capsules for manned spaceflight.

NASA Staff Dr.Darden, Matthew Overhold, Kathy Needleman,Robert Mack.

Model of Winged Space Vehicle

First test flight testing the visual display for the X59. The XVS display is aboard the B200 and the LC40 will be interacting as part of the test.

Mary Jackson at Work. In 1958 Mary Jackson became NASA’s first black female engineer. At the time this photo was taken in June 2, 1977 Mrs. Jackson was working in the Transonic Aerodynamic Branch.

Astronaut John Young (above) was one of 14 astronauts, 8 NASA test pilots, and 2 McDonnell test pilots who took part in simulator studies. Young piloted the simulator on November 12, 1963 Arthur Vogeley wrote: "Many of the astronauts have flown this simulator in support of the Gemini studies and they, without exception, appreciated the realism of the visual scene. The simulator has also been used in the development of pilot techniques to handle certain jet malfunctions in order that aborts could be avoided. In these situations large attitude changes are sometimes necessary and the false motion cues that were generated due to earth gravity were somewhat objectionable; however, the pilots were readily able to overlook these false motion cues in favor of the visual realism." Roy F. Brissenden wrote: "The basic Gemini control studies developed the necessary techniques and demonstrated the ability of human pilots to perform final space docking with the specified Gemini-Agena systems using only visual references. ... Results... showed that trained astronauts can effect the docking with direct acceleration control and even with jet malfunctions as long as good visual conditions exist.... Probably more important than data results was the early confidence that the astronauts themselves gained in their ability to perform the maneuver in the ultimate flight mission." -- Published in Barton C. Hacker and James M. Grimwood, On the Shoulders of Titans: A History of Project Gemini, NASA SP-4203; A.W. Vogeley, "Discussion of Existing and Planned Simulators For Space Research," Paper presented at the Conference on the Role of Simulation in Space Technology, August 17-21, 1964; Roy F. Brissenden, "Initial Operations with Langley's Rendezvous Docking Facility," Langley Working Paper, LWP-21, 1964.

Testing the External Vision System (XVS) software on the B200 King Air. Pilots, Peter Coen and Wayne Ringelberg attempt to spot an incoming aircraft on the XVS monitor.

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) command team at Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory monitoring the DART spacecraft’s impact into the asteroid Dimorphos. The operation is the first of its kind test to redirect deadly asteroids from hitting Earth.

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) command team at Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory monitoring the DART spacecraft’s impact into the asteroid Dimorphos. The operation is the first of its kind test to redirect deadly asteroids from hitting Earth.

Scale Model of 9x6 Thermal Structures Tunnel: Image L-7256.01 is a Drawing Figure 12 in NASA Document L-1265. The Major components of the 9-by6-Foot Thermal Structures Tunnel. The 97 foot-long diffuser was added in 1960 to reduce noise.

NASA Staff Dr.Darden, Mach 3 Sonic Boom Model Wind Tunnel

Minority Professionals at NASA Langley Research Center Christine Darden

Sonic boom test models

The original seven Mercury astronauts during training at NASA Langley Research Center Project Mercury. The original seven astronauts trained at NASA Langley Research Center. Chosen from among hundreds of applicants, the seven men were all test pilots. Standing in front of the U.S. Air Force Convair F-106B aircraft, the astronauts are, from left, Lt. M. Scott Carpenter, Capt. Gordon Cooper, Col. John H. Glenn Jr., Capt. Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Lt. Comdr. Walter Schirra, Lt. Comdr. Alan B. Shepard Jr. and Capt. Donald K. "Deke" Slayton. While familiarizing the astronauts with the Mercury set-up, Langley employees helped them to specialize in the technical areas crucial to the overall success of Project Mercury. Langley people also guided and monitored the astronauts activities through the many spaceflight simulators and other training devices built at the Center expressly for the manned space program. In less than three years, Project Mercury proved that men could be sent into space and returned safely to Earth, setting the stage for the longer duration Gemini flights and the Apollo lunar landings. This photograph was originally taken on 01/20/1961 and is published in Spaceflight Revolution NASA Langley Research Center from Sputnik to Apollo, NASA SP-4308, by James R. Hansen, 1995, page 40.

Space Flight Charts, Space Capsule

100' Satellite Packaging of Echo

North American F-100 C airplane used in sonic boom investigation at Wallops, October 7, 1958. Photograph published in: A New Dimension Wallops Island Flight Test Range: The First Fifteen Years by Joseph Shortal. A NASA publication. Page 672. -- Aircraft number: NACA 42024. Side view, 3/4 view from front, 3/4 view from rear, rear view, and two front views.

B-33 Vega Turrets. Photo are listed in the NACA Wartime report L-463, October 1942, Test of a Large Spherical Turret and a modified Turret on a Typical Bomber Fuselage by Axel T. Mattson.

Mission Adaptive Digital Composite Aerostructure Technologies (MADCAT) model in the 14x22 test section. Interior of Structure. For more information go to NASA.gov article. April 3, 2019 "What is MADCAT?" Flexing Wings for Efficient Flight

NACA Laboratory Computers Help Compile Handbook: ''Monroe Methods for Algebra, " a new booklet describing short-cuts that can be used in solving frequently-used algebraic formulas with a calculating machine, is undergoing its first trial at the hands of Laboratory computers. Several Monro-matics were purchased recently by NACA. NACA Air Scoop August 17,1951 Page 4. People on the photos re W.H. Rankins, David M. Goldenbaum and Marian D. Holzbach

Testing the External Vision System (XVS) software on the B200 King Air. Pilots, Peter Coen and Wayne Ringelberg attempt to spot an incoming aircraft on the XVS monitor.

This is the 3rd entry of the TTBW model in 14x22. This test specifically is a lateral-directional test looking at the effects of 3D printed ventral, keel, and dorsal strakes on the stability and control characteristics of the model. Cooperative agreement between Boeing and NASA.

Test subject wearing the pressurized "space" suit for the Reduced Gravity Walking Simulator located at the Lunar Landing Facility. The purpose of this simulator was to study the subject while walking, jumping or running. Researchers conducted studies of various factors such as fatigue limit, energy expenditure, and speed of locomotion. A.W. Vigil described the purpose of the simulator in his paper "Discussion of Existing and Planned Simulators for Space Research," "When the astronauts land on the moon they will be in an unfamiliar environment involving, particularly, a gravitational field only one-sixth as strong as on earth. A novel method of simulating lunar gravity has been developed and is supported by a puppet-type suspension system at the end of a long pendulum. A floor is provided at the proper angle so that one-sixth of the subject's weight is supported by the floor with the remainder being supported by the suspension system. This simulator allows almost complete freedom in vertical translation and pitch and is considered to be a very realistic simulation of the lunar walking problem. For this problem this simulator suffers only slightly from the restrictions in lateral movement it puts on the test subject. This is not considered a strong disadvantage for ordinary walking problems since most of the motions do, in fact, occur in the vertical plane. However, this simulation technique would be severely restrictive if applied to the study of the extra-vehicular locomotion problem, for example, because in this situation complete six degrees of freedom are rather necessary. This technique, in effect, automatically introduces a two-axis attitude stabilization system into the problem. The technique could, however, be used in preliminary studies of extra-vehicular locomotion where, for example, it might be assumed that one axis of the attitude control system on the astronaut maneuvering unit may have failed." -- Published in James R. Hansen, Spaceflight Revolution: NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo, (Washington: NASA, 1995), p. 377; A.W. Vigil, "Discussion of Existing and Planned Simulators for Space Research," Paper presented at Conference on the Role of Simulation in Space Technology," Blacksburg, VA, August 17-21, 1964.

HDR Time lapse composite of the Solar Eclipse with the Falcon UH-25 in front of the NASA Langley hangar.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, center, greets members of the Uninhabited Aircraft Systems Laboratory, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Langley marks the second stop in Isaacman’s roadshow to visit NASA facilities and engage directly with the agency’s workforce. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)

Control utilizing inertia wheel and bar magnet.

HSC Model 154 Dyna Soar (Martin-Bell)

Modified Bell X-1 model pioneered variable-sweep studies in 1947. Photograph published in Sixty Years of Aeronautical Research 1917-1977 By David A. Anderton. A NASA publication, page 52.

The Space X capsule being tested at NASA Langley’s Splash Test Basin. A series of drop tests into the Hydro Impact Basin at the Landing and Impact Research Facility at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia helped SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule prepare to safely land astronauts. A mock-up of the capsule with two instrumented crash test devices seated inside was tested in March 2019, representing how the capsule may impact the water during splashdown with different wind and parachute dynamics. Data collected helps understand pressures on the capsule and how those forces affect the spacecraft and occupants. Crew Dragon will carry NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station in the Demo-2 mission, the final SpaceX flight test for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and the first flight of astronauts to orbit from U.S. soil since the space shuttle’s retirement in 2011. (NASA/ David C. Bowman)

R_1987-L-01475 001

Aerial of 16 ft tunnel

Christine Darden Speaker of the Year presented by Center Director Paul Holloway

Students learn about research model aircraft and spacecraft built in the Aerospace Composite and Model Development Section during a visit to NASA Langley Research Center, Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Photo Credit (NASA/Ryan H. Hill)

WS-110A "Brown Bomber"

William J. O Sullivan at desk with folded subsatellite, 30 inch subsatellite, 12 foot subsatellite, and corner reflector.

Astronauts at 1959 Langley Inspection

NASA Langley partnered with UNOS, a non-profit organization that manages the U.S. organ transplant system, to conduct the first-of-its-kind organ transport drone test with a human kidney on June 5, 2026 at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Photo Credit NASA/Mark Knopp

Langley's human computers at work in 1947. The female presence at Langley, who performed mathematical computations for male staff. Bell computers.

NASA Langley's B777 aircraft before it departs Langley Research Center to receive its new livery (paint job), prior to its departure on July 16th, it received ground maintenance in the center’s hangar. (Photo Credit NASA/ Mark Knopp)

In the picture are F.F. Fullmer, aeronautical engineer, supervise a group of women who are helping operate the research equipment in the two-dimensional wind tunnel. Miss Elizabeth Patterson, left foreground, and Miss Katherine Thomason, right foreground obtains aerodynamic data, while Miss Lenore Woodland left background and Mrs. Blanche White help operate the tunnel. By Lee Dickinson 1943

NASA Project Mercury astronaut.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, right, meets with U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman of Virginia’s 1st congressional district, left, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va. Langley marks the second stop in Isaacman’s roadshow to visit NASA facilities and engage directly with the agency’s workforce. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)

Modified Bell X-1 model pioneered variable-sweep studies in 1947. Photograph published in Sixty Years of Aeronautical Research 1917-1977 By David A. Anderton. A NASA publication, page 52.

Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility. Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.

Sonic Boom test model and measuring probe rake with Christine Darden

Women Adequately Filling Posts in NACA Laboratory: Nearly 200 women are employed at the Langley Laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics in a limited capacity as mechanics’ helpers and minor laboratory aids on the jobs formerly handled by men, according to E.H. Derring, of the Aerodynamics Division. Many phases of the operations of various wind tunnels at the laboratory are now handled by women with experienced male supervision. Mr. Derring said, pointing out that the reading of the data indicated on wind tunnel instruments during a test is done in a large measure by women. In addition to reading the instruments and computing and integrating engineering test data obtained from tunnel investigations, the minor laboratory aides assist in the preparation of aircraft models preliminary to testing. Women employees who will serve in the Aerodynamics Division of the Laboratory attend an orientation class for two weeks, during which they receive instruction on phases of the work they will do and their aptitudes for different types of work are evaluated in order that they may be properly placed. More than 100 women are employed in minor laboratory apprentices, performing mechanical work heretofore done by men. These women are employed in the various shops of the laboratory. Women in the woodworking shops are taught to operate 15 different machines in carrying out their assignments. Norfolk new paper article from 1943 by Lee Dickinson.

Portrait of Author W. Vogeley

Water Type Muffler Test

Walter (Wally) M. Schirra in Visual Docking Simulator From A.W. Vogeley, "Piloted Space-Flight Simulation at Langley Research Center," Paper presented at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 1966 Winter Meeting, New York, NY, November 27-December 1, 1966. "This facility was [later known as the Visual-Optical Simulator. It presents to the pilot an out-the-window view of his target in correct 6 degrees of freedom motion. The scene is obtained by a television camera pick-up viewing a small-scale gimbaled model of the target. "For docking studies, the docking target picture was projected onto the surface of a 20-foot-diameter sphere and the pilot could, effectively, maneuver into contract. this facility was used in a comparison study with the Rendezvous Docking Simulator - one of the few comparison experiments in which conditions were carefully controlled and a reasonable sample of pilots used. All pilots preferred the more realistic RDS visual scene. The pilots generally liked the RDS angular motion cues although some objected to the false gravity cues that these motions introduced. Training time was shorter on the RDS, but final performance on both simulators was essentially equal. " "For station-keeping studies, since close approach is not required, the target was presented to the pilot through a virtual-image system which projects his view to infinity, providing a more realistic effect. In addition to the target, the system also projects a star and horizon background. "

Inside view from the back of an aircraft cabin. The Lift Plus Cruise #2: eVTOL swing and drop test held at the Landing And Impact Research Facility (LandIR), known as the Gantry.

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) command team at Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory monitoring the DART spacecraft’s impact into the asteroid Dimorphos. The operation is the first of its kind test to redirect deadly asteroids from hitting Earth.

Modified Bell X-1 model pioneered variable-sweep studies in 1947. Photograph published in Sixty Years of Aeronautical Research 1917-1977 By David A. Anderton. A NASA publication, page 52.

Lift off of Lunar Orbiter III from Complex 13.

Hayden Dean, senior aerospace engineer, speaks with, from left to right, Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, about a test model of NASA’s Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging (DAVINCI) descent probe during a tour of the Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, Friday, July 31, 2026, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The state-of-the-art facility will support research and technology development that will advance the agency’s aeronautics, exploration, and science goals, including establishing a sustained human presence on the lunar surface through the Artemis program and the development of a Moon Base. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

Astronaut Fred Haise visiting the gantry at Langley Research Center; a place where he once trained for the Apollo Mission.

Christine Darden at Work

Astronauts Conrad and Bean at Lunar Landing Research Facility. Alan Bean was one of the third group of astronauts named by NASA in October 1963. He served as backup astronaut for the Gemini 10 and Apollo 9 missions. In September of 1962, Mr. Conrad was selected as an astronaut by NASA. His first flight was Gemini V, which established the space endurance record and placed the United States in the lead for man-hours in space. As commander of Gemini XI, Mr. Conrad helped to set a world's altitude record. He then served as commander of Apollo XII, the second lunar landing. On Mr. Conrad's final mission, he served as commander of Skylab II, the first United States Space Station. https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/former for more information.

Photos of LaRC team weighting and performing Center of Gravity (CG) measurements of the Structural Test Article (STA) at NASA Langley Research Center.

Mercury capsule in Spin Tunnel

Water Type Muffler Test

B-33 Vega Turrets. Photo are listed in the NACA Wartime report L-463, October 1942, Test of a Large Spherical Turret and a modified Turret on a Typical Bomber Fuselage by Axel T. Mattson.

20 Inch Variable Supersonic Tunnel G.A.S. Variable Mach Tunnel

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman launches a scale model of the Orion capsule during a demonstration at the Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, Friday, July 31, 2026, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The state-of-the-art facility will support research and technology development that will advance the agency’s aeronautics, exploration, and science goals, including establishing a sustained human presence on the lunar surface through the Artemis program and the development of a Moon Base. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) command team at Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory monitoring the DART spacecraft’s impact into the asteroid Dimorphos. The operation is the first of its kind test to redirect deadly asteroids from hitting Earth.

NASA Mechanical Engineer Christopher B. Meek speaks to students and educators during their tour stop at the Lunar Landing Research Facility for an aerospace technical field career day event at Langley Research Center, Hampton Va., Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Photo Credit (NASA/Mark L. Knopp)

Alan Shepard and engineer looking at equipment, alone in Visual Docking Simulator, with engineers in Visual Docking Simulator.

A model of the X-66 aircraft with a wingspan of almost 6 feet was placed in the 12-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia on October 30, 2024. During the tests, the team captured measurements of forces such as lift and drag over many aerodynamic configurations and flight conditions.

Lindsay Rogers and Robert Quinn participants in Administrator Jared Isaacman’s initiated employee incentive program, received the Administrator's Flight Experience Award, presented by Acting Center Director Trina M. Dyal at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton Va. (Photo Credit: NASA, Ryan Hill)