NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's Flight Opportunities funds flight of space technology on UP Aerospace's rocket poised to launch at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
UP Aerospace Rocket Poised for Launch from NM to Carry NASA Tech
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft lands following the first of a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
NASA’s all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA’s first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
April Torres and Kyle Dauk set up for a thermal test of components in the Environmental Laboratory at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The components are part of the center’s work on the Orion AA-2 vehicle that is scheduled for a flight test in 2019.
NASA Armstrong Assists with Orion AA-2 Component Testing
NASA's ER-2 aircraft is prepared for a check flight by Eric Hintsa, scientist of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Chromatograph for Atmospheric Trace Species (UCATS) instrument, on May 13, 2022.
NASA's ER-2 is prepared for the Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere, or DCOTSS, 2022 campaign.
Housed at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, the Advanced Air Mobility project's National Campaign upgraded the Mobile Operations Facility, pictured here on July 20, 2022. This command center on wheels is a key piece of NASA's AAM testing.
Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign Upgrades Mobile Operations Facility with Decals and Modifications
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft ground crew prepares the aircraft to begin a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
NASA 862, which is an F/A-18D now based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, arrives for the first time in 2021. The aircraft was stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. Once here, the aircraft was sent for major maintenance, painting, and preparation to join the NASA Armstrong aircraft fleet.
F-18D Support Parts Aircraft Arrival #1
An elementary student enrolled in the U.S. Department of Defense Starbase program at Edwards Air Force Base flew the X-57 Maxwell inside NASA’s Armstrong  Flight Research Center’s simulator lab on Sept. 16th 2019.
Elementary Student Flies The X-57 Maxwell Simulator
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
After climbing the stairs, NASA pilot Nils Larson sits in a NASA F-15B aircraft and begins preflight procedures.
Larson Details Chief Test Pilot Work
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft lands following the first of a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft ground crew prepares the aircraft to begin a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
NASA’s 2017 astronaut candidates (L to R) Jessica Watkins, Zena Cardman, Kayla Barron toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California where they were briefed on the use of Armstrong's F-15 and F-18 aircraft for studying sonic booms.  The aircraft will be used during the development of the low-boom X-59 aircraft that is planned to fly supersonically over land, which is not allowed at this time because of the loud noise created when flying beyond the speed of sound.
Pilot Nils Larsen Speaks to Astronauts on X-59 Research Using Jets
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center ER-2 #809 high-altitude aircraft prepped for Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) science flights in Palmdale, CA.
NASA launches DCOTSS Science Flights
Crew members of the Subscale Research Lab at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California perform a series of preflight system checks of the MicroCub to ensure the aircraft is ready for its maiden flight.
MicroCub Preflight Check
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
UP Aerospace employees preparing their SpaceLoft rocket to carry NASA technologies for testing in microgravity.
UP Aerospace Preparing Rocket to Launch NASA Space Technologies
From left, Ronnie Haraguchi, Chris Mount, and Ray Sadler vacuum bag load pads on the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center's biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Title: NAVAIR F/A-18E Undergoes Loads Testing at NASA Armstrong
Marlon Espinoza uses a forklift at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, to assist in Samaritan Purse's COVID-19 aid work. The supplies were unloaded from a DC-8 and loaded onto a truck.
NASA Armstrong Supports Samaritan Purse's COVID-19 Aid Work
A NASA F/A-18 sits on the apron at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, prior to a supersonic research flight.
NASA F/A-18 Sits on Apron Prior to Flight
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.
UP Aerospace Rocket Launch from NM with NASA Technologies Onboard
NASA’s flight systems engineer, Kassidy Mclaughlin adjusts a visual approach aid for aircraft called Pulse Light Approach Slope Indicator (PLASI). Dry run build-up test flights were conducted in 2021 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
NASA Employees’ Careers Started as Interns
NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. On the right, NASA's, X-59 pilot Nils Larsen, briefs the astronauts as they look at Armstrong's fleet of supersonic research support aircraft, including the F-15, which will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages, and the F-18, which is conducting supersonic research in support of the overall mission.
Pilot Nils Larsen Speaks to Astronauts on X-59 Research Using Jets
The Employee Exchange Council at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California recently awarded its 2019 scholarship to Ben Haering, second from left. Armstrong Center Director David McBride, at right, presented the award. Also in the photo are Haering’s parents Ed and Kathy Haering.
NASA Armstrong Exchange Awards Scholarship
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
Samaritan Purse landed its DC-8 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, to deliver supplies needed to meet the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. NASA Armstrong personnel assisted in unloading the aircraft.
NASA Armstrong Supports Samaritan Purse's COVID-19 Aid Work
Hector Rosas works on fabricating a part for the ER-2 instrumentation panel.
ER-2 Cockpit Effort Will Enhance Pilot Safety
Masten Space Systems employees prepare its rocket to flight test NASA -licensed Psionic navigation doppler lidar technology that enables precision landing on celestial bodies where GPS for navigation only available on Earth is not an option.
Masten Prepares Rocket to Test Lunar Precision Landing Technology
NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates (L to R) Zena Cardman, Loral O'Hara, Frank Rubio, Jonny Kim, Raja Chari practice flying in an X-59 QueSST simulator at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California. The low boom flight demonstrator, X-59, being built at Lockheed Martin and was designed to fly at supersonic speeds over land without the loud noise of breaking the sound barrier and disturbing communities.
Astronauts Pilot X-59 Simulator at Armstrong Flight Research Center
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center conducted its first formation flight with the Preliminary Research Aerodynamic Design to Lower Drag (Prandtl) aircrafts Prandtl-D2 and Prandtl-3C.
Prandtl Formation Flight
NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center photographer Lauren Hughes takes photos of the Super Blue Blood Moon eclipse from California’s Trona Pinnacles Desert National Conservation for the Jan. 31 of the total lunar eclipse that provided a rare opportunity to capture a supermoon, a blue moon and a lunar eclipse at the same time. A supermoon occurs when the Moon is closer to Earth in its orbit and appearing 14 percent brighter than usual. As the second full moon of the month, this moon is also commonly known as a blue moon, though it will not be blue in appearance. The super blue moon passed through Earth’s shadow and took on a reddish tint, known as a blood moon. This total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and a full moon form a near-perfect lineup in space. The Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra (shadow).
Image shows Trona Pinnacles near California’s NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center during Jan. 31 Super Blue Blood Moon. Trona Pinnacles is an unusual geological feature of the state’s Desert National Conservation.
New decals are shown in this image of NASA's Mobile Operations Facility at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on July 20, 2022. NASA's Advanced Air Mobility Project’s National Campaign uses the vehicle for mobile testing efforts.
Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign Upgrades Mobile Operations Facility with Decals and Modifications
NASA’s X-57 Maxwell, the agency’s first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft’s cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57’s goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
NASA and Samaritan's Purse DC-8 aircrafts met on the ramp in front of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703.
NASA and Samaritan's Purse DC-8
Aerosol data from the High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO), pictured here, will give mission scientists a better sense how Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar (DAWN) is working and what its strengths and weaknesses are.
High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) instrument
The subscale Prandtl-D 3C glider, carrying a pressure system developed and integrated by students, successfully flies at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Student Developed Aircraft System Provides Vital Data
NASA's ER-2 aircraft receives a liquid oxygen refill (LOX) by engineer technician Octavio Provincia-Salazar. Liquid oxygen is used to supply the pilot with substantial oxygen for flight without additional weight.
NASA's ER-2 Liquid Oxygen Refill
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft prepares for a landing following the first of a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
NASA Armstrong says goodbye to its Prandtl-D1 that is being shipped to the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution and Prandl-D3 that will be going to the California Science Center.
Prandtl-D1 and Prandtl-D3
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
Student interns and NASA personnel cluster in front of PRANDTL-D No. 3 following a crash on Rosamond Dry Lake. The radio-controlled glider was built to validate a new spanload.
PRANDTL-D No 3 Crash Aftermath
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center ER-2 #809 high-altitude aircraft maintained by avionics technician Gregory Bantalin for Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) science flights.
NASA launches DCOTSS Science Flights
NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California (L to R) Jenni Sidey-Gibbons, Raja Chari, Loral O'Hara, Jasmin Moghbeli, Jonny Kim and Jessica Watkins look inside the engine nozzle of an F-15 jet.  The F-15 will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages for the X-59 development.
Astronauts Look in F-15 Nozzle at Armstrong Flight Research Center
NASA's 2017 astronaut candidates toured aircraft hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Southern California where Crew Chief Tom Grindle talks with (L to R) Jessica Watkins and Raja Chari near engine nozzle of F-15 jet. The F-15 will fly in tandem with the X-59 QueSST during early flight test stages for the X-59 development.
Astronauts Tour Aircraft Hangar at Armstrong Flight Research Center
The X-59, NASA’s quiet supersonic technology experimental aircraft, is suspended in the air at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California, following several months of critical ground testing in Ft. Worth, Texas
X-59 Arrives Back in California After Critical Ground Tests
NASA’s X-57 Maxwell, the agency’s first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft’s cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57’s goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
The communication antenna is used primarily for test flights to receive downlink flight data and video from test aircraft and also to support command uplink of data to test aircraft for command and control. It is one of two such assets of the Dryden Aeronautical Test Range at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
DATR Supports Space Communication, Research Flights
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell aircraft undergoes high voltage ground testing at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. A goal of the X-57 project is to help the Federal Aviation Administration set certification standards for emerging electric aircraft markets.
X-57 High Voltage Testing Begins
NASA’s all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA’s first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
Masten Space Systems’ Xodiac lander completes a tethered flight test at the Mojave Air & Space Port. Xodiac is one of several suborbital vehicles used to flight test NASA-sponsored technologies supported by the agency’s Flight Opportunities program.
Xodiac Flies at Mojave Air & Space Port
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell aircraft tests the motors with the battery packs installed on the aircraft at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. A goal of the X-57 project is to help the Federal Aviation Administration set certification standards for emerging electric aircraft markets.
X-57 Motor Spin Test on Aircraft Battery
NASA’s all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA’s first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
One of multiple microphone stations used in the CarpetDIEM flight series, which gave researchers valuable lessons learned in preparations to deploy a similar array for the quiet supersonic X-59. Prior to community overflights, X-59 will undergo an acoustic validation phase, during which NASA will deploy the array of specially-configured microphones to measure the X-59’s thumps, in order to verify that they are as quiet as predicted.
Microphone Station for CarpetDIEM Flight Series
UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.
UP Aerospace Rocket Launch from NM with NASA Technologies Onboard
From left, Dominic Barela and Lucas Oramas review a drawing for installing the wing load test fixturing on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Title: NAVAIR F/A-18E Undergoes Loads Testing at NASA Armstrong
Technician David Johnson works on rewiring the high-altitude ER-2 aircraft's fixed nose and cockpit.Â
ER-2 Cockpit Effort Will Enhance Pilot Safety
UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.
UP Aerospace Rocket Launch from NM with NASA Technologies Onboard
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
Syd Myers, a NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center confined space supervisor for a drill at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s Building 703 in Palmdale, California, observes U.S. Air Force Plan 42 Fire Department responders extract a mannequin from a confined space as part of an emergency exercise.
Confined Space Exercise Improves Response
The upgraded NASA Mobile Operations Facility, a mission control and data collection center on wheels, is shown parked at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on July 20, 2022. This vehicle is used for NASA's Advanced Air Mobility project’s National Campaign testing.
Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign Upgrades Mobile Operations Facility with Decals and Modifications
Martin Munday selects the accelerometers that will be used for vibration testing of the Orion AA-2 test article components in the Environmental Laboratory at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. Following Armstrong’s validation and verification work, the components will be integrated on the AA-2 test article for a flight set for 2019.
NASA Armstrong Assists with Orion AA-2 Component Testing
Nathan Sam and Robert “Red” Jensen lay material into a Prandtl-M aircraft mold at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The aircraft is the second of three prototypes of varying sizes to provide scientists with options to fly sensors in the Martian atmosphere to collect weather and landing site information for future human exploration of Mars.
Sam Maximizes Mars Airplane Internship
NASA's ER-2 high altitude aircraft takes off from Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California to perform a check flight for the the Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere, or DCOTSS, 2022 campaign on May 13, 2022.
NASA's ER-2 Taking Off for a DCOTSS Check Flight
The Preliminary Research Aerodynamic Design to Land on Mars, or Prandtl-M, glider flies after a magnetic release mechanism on the Carbon-Z Cub was activated to air launch the aircraft. A team from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, conducted the successful research flight.
Magnetic Release Mechanism Succeeds in Flight
A flight crew prepares for the B200 King Air Sub-Mesoscale Ocean Dynamics Experiment (S-MODE) at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. From left to right are Scott "Jelly" Howe, Jeroen Molemaker and Delphine Hypolite.
NASA Launches S-MODE Flights
A group of university students and mentors flew aboard NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s DC-8 aircraft to study air quality as part of NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP). Based at NASA’s Armstrong Building 703 in Palmdale, California, the DC-8 flew over the Central Valley to measure pollution and monitor air quality on Tuesday, June 21, 2022.
NASA Flies Students on DC-8 to Study Air Quality
Clark Johnson inspects components tested in the Environmental Laboratory at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. He ensures none of the research items were damaged during testing and a check to see that the workmanship standards for the components are met.
NASA Armstrong Assists with Orion AA-2 Component Testing
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
The High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) system electronics and diagnostic tools are integrated onto the DC-8 airborne science laboratory at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The lidar system control electronics are on the right hand side of the rack. The large monitors on the left are used to display real-time images of water vapor and aerosol profiles, which are used by the science team to guide in-flight decisions and navigation. The compact HALO instrument head can be seen directly behind the electronics rack.
High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) instrument
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA Armstrong Interns watch a live broadcast of a town hall with Administrator Jim Bridenstine for National Intern Day 2018
NASA Armstrong Interns Watch Town Hall with Jim Bridenstine Live
Load pads are bonded to the aircraft surface of a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, while under pressure. The aircraft is in NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, for the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades
Title: NAVAIR F/A-18E Undergoes Loads Testing at NASA Armstrong
Abbigail Waddell and Nathaniel Boisjolie-Gair test a pressure system they and other students developed for the subscale Prandtl-D 3C glider.
Student Developed Aircraft System Provides Vital Data
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell continues to undergo high-voltage ground testing with successful spinning of the propellers under electric power at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The principal goals of the X-57 Project are to share the X-57 design and airworthiness process with regulators and standards organizations; and to establish the X-57 as a reference platform for integrated approaches of distributed electric propulsion technologies.
X-57 High-Voltage Testing Continues
NASA’s X-57 Maxwell, the agency’s first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft’s cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57’s goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
UP Aerospace SpaceLoft rocket launched into space Sept 12, 2018 from Spaceport America in New Mexico carrying three NASA technologies onboard to test in microgravity.
UP Aerospace Rocket Launch from NM with NASA Technologies Onboard
On the east side of Building 4826, the future home of the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology aircraft, a conference room, offices, restrooms and a communications room are under construction at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
Work Continues on Future X-59 Home
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell continues to undergo high-voltage ground testing with successful spinning of the propellers under electric power at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The principal goals of the X-57 Project are to share the X-57 design and airworthiness process with regulators and standards organizations; and to establish the X-57 as a reference platform for integrated approaches of distributed electric propulsion technologies.
X-57 High Voltage Testing Continues
Preparations begin before dawn for the X-56B remotely piloted aircraft for a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
NASA's X-57 Maxwell, the agency's first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft's cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57's goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center ER-2 #809 high-altitude aircraft prepped for Dynamics and Chemistry of the Summer Stratosphere (DCOTSS) science flights in Palmdale, CA.
NASA launches DCOTSS Science Flights
NASA’s X-57 Maxwell, the agency’s first all-electric X-plane and first crewed X-planed in two decades, is delivered to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California in its Mod II configuration. The first of three primary modifications for the project, Mod II involves testing of the aircraft’s cruise electric propulsion system. Delivery to NASA from prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, marks a major milestone for the project, at which point the vehicle is reintegrated for ground tests, to be followed by taxi tests, and eventually, flight tests. X-57’s goal is to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft, which can provide multiple benefits to efficiency, emissions, and noise.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Delivered to NASA Armstrong
NASA's all-electric X-57 Maxwell, in its Mod II configuration, arrives at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The X-plane was delivered by prime contractor Empirical Systems Aerospace of San Luis Obispo, California, in two parts, with the wing separated from the fuselage, to aid in a more timely delivery. X-57 is NASA's first crewed X-plane in two decades, and seeks to further advance the design and airworthiness process for distributed electric propulsion technology for general aviation aircraft.
X-57 Mod II Vehicle Arrives at NASA Armstrong
A bobcat resting leisurely on a retaining wall among the flowering bushes at Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The facility is home to a number of wild animals including the bobcats which are free to roam the more than 300,000 acres of Mojave Desert.
Room to roam for wildlife in the Mojave Desert at Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California
NASA Advanced Air Mobility project’s National Campaign mobile testing trailer is pictured at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards California on July 20, 2022. This trailer supports the Mobile Operations Facility’s data transmission when deployed to test locations.
Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign Upgrades Mobile Operations Facility with Decals and Modifications
The High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) instrument head, which houses the lidar instrument, is installed onto the DC-8 airborne science laboratory at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. The gold and blue casing holds the laser, optics, detectors, and electronics, which are at the heart of the lidar.
High Altitude Lidar Observatory (HALO) Instrument
Jesus Vazquez, Zach Springer and Sonja Belcher, from left, are at stations in the Mobile Operations Facility 5 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The mobile station support included the Pad Abort-1 test of the Orion Launch Abort System at White Sands, New Mexico, the first Dream Chaser air launch and most recently supported the TigerShark remotely piloted aircraft for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the National Airspace System flights.
DATR Supports Space Communication, Research Flights
The X-56B remotely piloted aircraft flies the first of a new flight series. The flight was April 19 at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, with partner Northrop Grumman.
X-56B Begins New Flight Series
Eric Nisbet works on a part for the ER-2 instrument panel.
ER-2 Cockpit Effort Will Enhance Pilot Safety
Justin Hall, left, attaches the Preliminary Research Aerodynamic Design to Land on Mars, or Prandtl-M, glider onto the Carbon-Z Cub, which Justin Link steadies. Hall and Link are part of a team from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, that uses an experimental magnetic release mechanism to air launch the glider.
Magnetic Release Mechanism Succeeds in Flight