Arnold Gonzales, a 20-year veteran of the NASA Armstrong Calibration Laboratory, uses a digital protractor to calibrate an item sent to the lab at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Calibration Laboratory in California has a workload that is 80 percent related to items used in preparing aircraft for flight. To successfully complete that work takes a staff, which from left includes Paul Craig, James Kelly, David Swindle, Arnold Gonzales, Ronnie Juvinall, Anita Solorio and Alex Rivera. They are standing by a 1948 calibration tool they call the boat anchor, which still is a valued asset.
Alex Rivera calibrates a cylindrical plug gauge at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Calibration Laboratory in California.
Paul Craig calibrates specialized high-level radio frequency equipment at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
James Kelly, who is responsible for pickup and delivery of items to and from NASA Armstrong's Calibration Laboratory, checks the numbers of a part before he puts it on the delivery vehicle for transport back to a customer.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. This is a view of the test setup for the wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
CALIBRATION LABORATORY - RESISTANCE SYSTEM
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. The horizontal tail spindle testing, the first of three phases, wrapped up in October 2021. The next phase focuses on wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. The horizontal tail spindle testing, the first of three phases, wrapped up in October 2021. The next phase focuses on wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, is working on one of its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades. The horizontal tail spindle testing, the first of three phases, wrapped up in October 2021. The next phase focuses on wing loads testing that is set to begin in December 2021.
JEFF CHEATHAM, SENIOR METROLOGIST AT THE MARSHALL METROLOGY AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, SPENT 12 YEARS DEVELOPING 2400 AUTOMATED SOFTWARE PROCEDURES USED FOR CALIBRATION AND TESTING SPACE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
Alex Rivera purges a gauge of contamination prior to a calibration test at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California.
NASA scientist Trevor Graff peers at a calibration target, which will help fine-tune settings on the Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument carried aboard NASA's Perseverance Mars rover. The calibration target is housed inside a special environmental chamber that was used to ship it from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, to the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, where the target was added to the rover. There are 10 kinds of materials on SHERLOC's calibration target, including a fragment of a Martian meteorite and five of the first spacesuit materials sent to Mars. They'll be observed to see how they hold up in the intense radiation on the Martian surface. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23979
Engineer Chris Chatellier stands next to a target board with 1,600 dots. The board was one of several used on July 23, 2019, in the Spacecraft Assembly Facility's High Bay 1 at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, to calibrate the forward-facing cameras on the Mars 2020 rover. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23313
iss072e941773 (April 9, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Jonny Kim installs experimental hydrogen sensors to test the advanced life support gear for longer calibration life and improved reliability aboard the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module.
ISS028-E-036696 (2 Sept. 2011) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, Expedition 28 flight engineer, performs a periodic calibration of the pedals for the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.
ISS026-E-029180 (24 Feb. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Catherine (Cady) Coleman, Expedition 26 flight engineer, performs VO2max portable Pulmonary Function System (PFS) software calibrations and instrument check while using the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation System (CEVIS) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.
ISS026-E-027009 (14 Feb. 2011) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer, performs periodic maintenance on the Pulmonary Function in Flight (PuFF) experiment by re-greasing the PuFF calibration syringe in the Columbus laboratory of the International Space Station.
iss072e941778 (April 9, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Jonny Kim installs experimental hydrogen sensors to test the advanced life support gear for longer calibration life and improved reliability aboard the International Space Station's Destiny laboratory module.
Included in the payload of science instruments for NASA's Europa Clipper is the Plasma Instrument for Magnetic Sounding (PIMS). Scientists will use PIMS to study the characteristics of plasma around Europa to better understand the moon's ice-shell thickness, ocean depth, and ocean salinity. PIMS will have four sensors, called Faraday cups, to measure the electrical current produced by charged particles (or plasma) as they strike a detector plate inside each sensor. In this photo, the Plasma Instrument Calibration Chamber at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, recreates the plasma environments that PIMS and other instruments will encounter in space. The equipment in this lab simulates these environments with ion beams that reproduce plasma energy ranges found at Jupiter and Europa. Once PIMS is fully assembled in the clean room attached to the chamber, the team will direct these ion and electron beams into the Faraday cup sensors for calibration. This will be used specifically to simulate the plasma in Europa's ionosphere and Jupiter's magnetosphere, which PIMS will later measure directly. With an internal global ocean twice the size of Earth's oceans combined, Europa may have the potential to harbor life. NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft will swoop around Jupiter on an elliptical path, dipping close to the moon on each flyby to collect data. Understanding Europa's habitability will help scientists better understand how life developed on Earth and the potential for finding life beyond our planet. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA24330
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Louis MacDowell (right), Testbed manager, explains to Center Director Jim Kennedy the use of astmospheric calibration specimens. Placed at various locations, they can rank the corrosivity of the given environment. The KSC Beach Corrosion Test Site was established in the 1960s and has provided more than 30 years of historical information on the long-term performance of many materials in use at KSC and other locations around the world. Located 100 feet from the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1 mile south of the Space Shuttle launch sites, the test facility includes an atmospheric exposure site, a flowing seawater exposure site, and an on-site electrochemistry laboratory and monitoring station. The beach laboratory is used to conduct real-time corrosion experiments and provides for the remote monitoring of surrounding weather conditions. The newly added flowing seawater immersion facility provides for the immersion testing of materials and devices under controlled conditions.
ISS006-E-11003 (24 December 2002) --- Astronaut Kenneth D. Bowersox, Expedition Six mission commander, works in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS).
This photograph is of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 telescope being checked by engineers in the X-Ray Calibration Facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The MSFC was heavily engaged in the technical and scientific aspects, testing and calibration, of the HEAO-2 telescope. The HEAO-2 was the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date. The X-Ray Calibration Facility was built in 1976 for testing MSFC's HEAO-2. The facility is the world's largest, most advanced laboratory for simulating x-ray emissions from distant celestial objects. It produced a space-like environment in which components related to x-ray telescope imaging are tested and the quality of their performance in space is predicted. The original facility contained a 1,000-foot long by 3-foot diameter vacuum tube (for the x-ray path) cornecting an x-ray generator and an instrument test chamber. Recently, the facility was upgraded to evaluate the optical elements of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-Ray Observatory and Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory.
This photograph is of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 telescope being evaluated by engineers in the clean room of the X-Ray Calibration Facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The MSFC was heavily engaged in the technical and scientific aspects, testing and calibration, of the HEAO-2 telescope The HEAO-2 was the first imaging and largest x-ray telescope built to date. The X-Ray Calibration Facility was built in 1976 for testing MSFC's HEAO-2. The facility is the world's largest, most advanced laboratory for simulating x-ray emissions from distant celestial objects. It produced a space-like environment in which components related to x-ray telescope imaging are tested and the quality of their performance in space is predicted. The original facility contained a 1,000-foot long by 3-foot diameter vacuum tube (for the x-ray path) cornecting an x-ray generator and an instrument test chamber. Recently, the facility was upgraded to evaluate the optical elements of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-Ray Observatory and Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory.
This narrated animation shows NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars and how the rover's SuperCam laser instrument works. SuperCam is led by Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, where the instrument's Body Unit was developed. That part of the instrument includes several spectrometers, control electronics and software. The Mast Unit was developed and built by several laboratories of the CNRS (French research center) and French universities under the contracting authority of CNES (French space agency). Calibration targets on the rover deck are provided by Spain's University of Valladolid. Animation available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA24426
This view shows the left wing loading test configuration and testing area of an 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.
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.
A center top view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an 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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
ISS011-E-13101 (16 Sept. 2005) --- Astronaut John L. Phillips, Expedition 11 NASA space station science officer and flight engineer, balances on the footplate of a special track attached to the Human Research Facility (HRF) rack in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station to perform Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) / Electromyography (EMG) calibration operations. Phillips is wearing the Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit (LEMS), the cycling tights outfitted with 20 sensors, which measures forces on joints and muscle activity.
The actuator on the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is pinned to the horizontal tail load test fixture. 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.
The horizontal tail and load fixture is moved into position for testing the 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.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
ISS012-E-12629 (16 Dec. 2005) --- Astronaut William S. (Bill) McArthur Jr., Expedition 12 commander and NASA space station science officer, sets up the calibration arm on the Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD) attached to the Human Research Facility (HRF) rack in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.
ISS012-E-14529 (10 Jan. 2006) --- Astronaut William S. (Bill) McArthur, Expedition 12 commander and NASA space station science officer, performs Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) experiment set-up operations in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. Foot Ground Interface Flight Calibration Unit (FGI-FCU) is visible upper right and the Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit (LEMS) is visible in the foreground.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This rear view of the left wing load hardware shows the setup for testing 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.Â
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The jacks are lowered to remove them from under the 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.
Left wing load hardware is setup for testing 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.
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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
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
This rear view of the right wing load hardware shows the setup for testing 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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
Instrumentation wire extends from the aft end 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.
Jeremy Woellner, from left, and Ted Powers spread tank sealant on rubber load pads, a step in the process to test 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.
ISS012-E-20043 (9 March 2006) --- Astronaut William S. (Bill) McArthur, Expedition 12 commander and NASA space station science officer, sets up the electromyography (EMG) calibration cord assembly for a data collection session of the Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) experiment in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. McArthur was attired in the specially instrumented Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit (LEMS), cycling tights outfitted with sensors for the experiment.
This front view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an 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.
Larry Hudson and Tony Chen inspect test data during horizontal tail testing 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.
ISS012-E-14518 (10 Jan. 2006) --- Astronaut William S. (Bill) McArthur, Expedition 12 commander and NASA space station science officer, talks to Mission Control Center while holding the Total Force Foot Ground Interface (TF-FGI) during Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) experiment set-up operations in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. The Foot Ground Interface Flight Calibration Unit (FGI-GCU) is visible at right.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Larry Hudson does an inspection after the actuator on the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is pinned to the horizontal tail load test fixture. 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.
This right-side view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
– A team working on tests on a F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, stand by the aircraft. The F/A-18E 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.
From left, Ray Sadler, Ted Powers, and Walter Hargis align 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.
This front view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The horizontal tail is under test load 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.
This left-side view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This rear view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Ray Sadler, left, and Chris Mount spread tank sealant 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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
Walter Hargis, left, and Chris Mount apply tank sealant 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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
This rear view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
– Installation of wing load test hardware is installed under the wing 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.
A top view shows the wing loading test configuration 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.
ISS008-E-20901 (7 April 2004) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale, Expedition 8 commander and NASA ISS science officer, balances on the footplate of a special track attached to the Human Research Facility (HRF) rack in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS) to perform Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) / Electromyography (EMG) calibration operations. Foale is wearing the Lower Extremity Monitoring Suit (LEMS), the cycling tights outfitted with 20 sensors, which measures forces on joints and muscle activity.
A top view shows the wing loading test configuration of an 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.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
– Hydraulic actuators are pinned to horizontal tail test fixture for testing 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.
A top view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an 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.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The actuator on the F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is positioned for pinning to the horizontal tail load test fixture. 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.
The horizontal tail is under test load 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.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
ISS030-E-128918 (9 March 2012) --- NASA astronaut Don Pettit, Expedition 30 flight engineer, works with the Structure and Liftoff In Combustion Experiment (SLICE) at the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox (MSG) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. Pettit conducted three sets of flame tests, followed by a fan calibration. This test will lead to increased efficiency and reduced pollutant emission for practical combustion devices.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland F/A-18E is moved to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California. NASA Armstrong is working on its biggest load calibrations tests on an F/A-18E Super Hornet. This testing is needed before the aircraft can serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The load pad bonding process for the vertical tails was a preliminary step in the process to test the 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.
This left-side view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
This rear view shows the wing loading test configuration and testing area of an 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
Assembled test structures called whiffle trees, which are needed to distribute prescribed hydraulic actuator loads, are attached to load pads to test the 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.
An F/A-18E from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, Maryland, is moved from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center Flight Loads Laboratory in Edwards, California, to a hangar where it will undergo final preparations to return to its squadron. The aircraft underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. The testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle to determine if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
ISS006-E-25010 (7 February 2003) --- Astronaut Kenneth D. Bowersox, Expedition Six mission commander, conducts a Foot/Ground Reaction Forces During Spaceflight (FOOT) – Electromyography (EMG) calibration at the Human Research Facility (HRF) rack in the Destiny laboratory on the International Space Station (ISS). This experiment determines the change in joint angles (muscle activity) of the ankle, knee, and hip.
This right-side view shows an 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, where it underwent the center’s biggest load calibrations tests. This testing will permit the aircraft to serve as a test vehicle for determining if it can safely manage maneuvers and proposed upgrades.
The team who worked on the load testing of the horizontal tails stands by the 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.
Wing load test hardware is setup under wing 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.
The outboard pylon load fixture is secured for the 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.