Josie Burnett, director or Exploration Research and Technology Programs, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Lisa Colloredo, deputy program manager for the Commercial Crew Program, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Darrell Foster, chief of Project Management in Exploration Ground Systems, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Mic Woltman, chief of the Fleet Systems Integration Branch of NASA's Launch Services Program, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Russ DeLoach, director of Safety and Mission Assurance, speaks to Kennedy Space Center employees about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to employees at the Florida spaceport about plans for the coming year. The event took place in the Lunar Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Apollo Saturn V Center. The year will be highlighted with NASA's partners preparing test flights for crewed missions to the International Space Station as part of the agency's Commercial Crew Program and six launches by the Launch Services Program. Exploration Ground Systems will be completing facilities to support the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft. Exploration Research and Technology Programs will continue to provide supplies to the space station launched as part of the Commercial Resupply Services effort.
Drew Smith, a robotics engineer and lab manager with the Exploration Research and Technology programs at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, prepares a Bulk Metallic Glass Gear (BMGG) for ambient temperature tests in a vacuum inside a cryogenic cooler at Kennedy's Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations lab on June 17, 2021. Made from a custom bulk metallic glass alloy, BMGGs could be used in heater-free gearboxes at extremely low temperatures in locations such as the Moon, Mars, and Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is working with commercial partners to create the gears.
Drew Smith, a robotics engineer and lab manager with the Exploration Research and Technology programs at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, prepares a Bulk Metallic Glass Gear (BMGG) for ambient temperature tests in a vacuum inside a cryogenic cooler at Kennedy's Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations lab on June 17, 2021. Made from a custom bulk metallic glass alloy, BMGGs could be used in heater-free gearboxes at extremely low temperatures in locations such as the Moon, Mars, and Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is working with commercial partners to create the gears.
A.J. Nick, left, and Drew Smith, robotics engineers with the Exploration Research and Technology programs at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, test Bulk Metallic Glass Gears (BMGGs) in a vacuum inside a cryogenic cooler at Kennedy's Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations lab on June 17, 2021. Made from a custom bulk metallic glass alloy, BMGGs could be used in heater-free gearboxes at extremely low temperatures in locations such as the Moon, Mars, and Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is working with commercial partners to create the gears.
Guests visit with a representative from Exploration Research and Technology during NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana’s update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana’s presentation covered recent accomplishments and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
Dr. Luke Roberson, NASA scientist in the Exploration Research and Technology Programs, works in a laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Barbara L. Brown, director of Exploration Research and Technology Programs at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, poses for a portrait inside the spaceport’s Space Station Processing Facility High Bay on Aug. 5, 2022. Brown leads processing, assembly, integration, and test of payloads and flight science experiments bound for the International Space Station. Additionally, Brown serves as Kennedy’s lead for the formulation of concepts to support uncrewed operations on the Moon and Mars, directing research, development, testing, and demonstration of flight systems and technologies to advance exploration and space systems. The programs and projects under her purview span NASA’s Exploration Systems, Science, Space Operations, and Space Technology mission directorates.
Director of the Program Management Office at MSI STEM Research and Development Consortium (MSRDC), Latonia Jones participates in a panel discussion titled “Technology Drives Exploration: Paving the Next Era of Space Exploration” during the 36th Space Symposium, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Director of the Program Management Office at MSI STEM Research and Development Consortium (MSRDC), Latonia Jones participates in a panel discussion titled “Technology Drives Exploration: Paving the Next Era of Space Exploration” during the 36th Space Symposium, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, delivers remarks 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)
Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, delivers remarks 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)
Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, delivers remarks 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)
A mockup of the cargo logistics module for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser, the company’s reusable spaceplane, arrived at the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in August. On Sept. 20, 2019, senior leadership had the opportunity to view the cargo module in the SSPF high bay. From left, are Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology Programs; Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro; Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana; Burt Summerfield, Kennedy associate director, management; and Ronnie Lawson, deputy director of Exploration Research and Technology Programs. The SSPF is providing support for current and future NASA and commercial provider programs, including Commercial Resupply Services, Artemis 1, sending the first woman and next man to the Moon, and deep space destinations including Mars.
In the Swamp Works laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, student interns such as Maddy Olson are joining agency scientists, contributing in the area of Exploration Research and Technology. Olson is majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of North Dakota. The agency attracts its future workforce through the NASA Internship, Fellowships and Scholarships, or NIFS, Program.
In the Swamp Works laboratory at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, student interns such as Kevin Murphy are joining agency scientists, contributing in the area of Exploration Research and Technology. Murphy is majoring in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The agency attracts its future workforce through the NASA Internship, Fellowships and Scholarships, or NIFS, Program.
NASA Director of the Technology Demonstration Missions Program, Trudy Kortes moderates a panel discussion titled “Technology Drives Exploration: Paving the Next Era of Space Exploration” with NASA Senior Advisor for Budget and Finance Bhavya Lal; Director of the Program Management Office at MSI STEM Research and Development Consortium (MSRDC), Latonia Jones; Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Space, Lisa Callahan; and Executive Vice President, Sierra Space, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Janet Kavandi, right, during the 36th Space Symposium, Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, right, moderates a news conference, “Small Satellites, Big Missions: Pathfinding CubeSats Exploring the Moon and Beyond,” during the 37th Space Symposium, Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The panel included, from left: Joe Shoer, Lockheed Martin; Andres Martinez, program executive for small spacecraft in NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate; Bradley Cheetham (CEO) Advanced Space; and Elwood Agasid, deputy program manager for Small Spacecraft Technology at Ames Research Center and Space Technology Hall of Fame inductee. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical, at right, visits with representatives from Exploration Ground Systems during the center director update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders on March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Center Director Bob Cabana recapped achievements and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
In the middle, Emilio Cruz, deputy director, NASA’s Exploration Research and Technology Programs, speaks to a crowd gathered for the 2024 Kennedy Space Center Community Leaders Update on Thursday, May 23, 2024, held at the center’s Visitor Complex. From left, Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems, and Mark Weise, manager, Gateway Deep Space Logistics, discussed how programs based at NASA Kennedy support the agency’s efforts to return humans to the Moon in preparation for Mars and answered questions from guests.
Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala F. Hashmi delivers remarks 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)
Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) delivers remarks 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman views scale models of aircraft 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)
A scale model of the Orion capsule is seen prior to 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)
Mike Waller, vice president of BL Harbert International Federal Division delivers remarks 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)
Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration delivers remarks 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)
A scale model of the Orion capsule is seen 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)
Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott (D-Va.) delivers remarks 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)
Virginia Lt. Governor Ghazala F. Hashmi delivers remarks 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)
Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, speaks with members of the media 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 Administrator Jared Isaacman delivers remarks 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman views scale models of aircraft 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)
Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) delivers remarks 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)
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) delivers remarks 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, center, meets with interns 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)
The Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, is seen Thursday, July 30, 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)
Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) delivers remarks 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)
The Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, is seen Thursday, July 30, 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 Administrator Jared Isaacman delivers remarks 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman delivers remarks 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)
City of Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray delivers remarks 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)
Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration delivers remarks 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)
The Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, is seen Thursday, July 30, 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)
Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration delivers remarks 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)
The Flight Dynamics Research Facility, NASA's newest wind tunnel, is seen Thursday, July 30, 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 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 Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman prepares to launch a scale model of the Orion capsule for 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 Administrator Jared Isaacman delivers remarks 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, center, speaks with Corey Diebler, facility manager, left, 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman delivers remarks 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)
NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro, with senior leaders of NASA and center programs, holds a Community Leaders Update on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The panel discussed how programs based at NASA Kennedy support the agency’s efforts to return humans to the Moon and prepare for Mars, and they answered questions from guests. From second to left, Jenny Lyons, deputy manager, Launch Services Program; Dana Hutcherson, deputy manager, Commercial Crew Program; Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager, Exploration Ground Systems; Emilio Cruz, deputy director, Exploration Research and Technology Programs; and Mark Weise, manager, Gateway Deep Space Logistics.
NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana updates community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders on Kennedy-led programs and accomplishments during a presentation March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana recapped achievements and future plans for the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana updates community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders on Kennedy-led programs and accomplishments during a presentation March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana recapped achievements and future plans for the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
Guests visit with representatives from United Launch Alliance during NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana’s update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana’s presentation covered recent accomplishments and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
A guest visits with a representative from the Engineering Directorate during NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana’s update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana’s presentation covered recent accomplishments and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
Guests visit with a representative from Boeing before NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana’s update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana’s presentation covered recent accomplishments and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
A guest visits with representatives from Jacobs during NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana’s update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana’s presentation covered recent accomplishments and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
Guests visit with representatives from the Launch Services Program (LSP) during NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana’s update to community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana’s presentation covered recent accomplishments and future plans for Kennedy-led programs, including the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, LSP, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, updates community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders on Kennedy-led programs and accomplishments during a presentation March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana recapped achievements and future plans for the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana updates community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders on Kennedy-led programs and accomplishments during a presentation March 29, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Cabana recapped achievements and future plans for the Commercial Crew Program, Exploration Ground Systems, Launch Services Program, Exploration Research and Technology, and Center Planning and Development. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
Elwood Agasid, deputy program manager for Small Spacecraft Technology at Ames Research Center and Space Technology Hall of Fame inductee speaks at “Small Satellites, Big Missions: Pathfinding CubeSats Exploring the Moon and Beyond,” a news conference during the 37th Space Symposium, Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Elwood Agasid, deputy program manager for Small Spacecraft Technology at Ames Research Center and Space Technology Hall of Fame inductee speaks at “Small Satellites, Big Missions: Pathfinding CubeSats Exploring the Moon and Beyond,” a news conference during the 37th Space Symposium, Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The General Dynamics TACT/F-111A Aardvark is seen In a banking-turn over the California Mojave desert. This photograph affords a good view of the supercritical wing airfoil shape. Starting in 1971 the NASA Flight Research Center and the Air Force undertook a major research and flight testing program, using F-111A (#63-9778), which would span almost 20 years before completion. Intense interest over the results coming from the NASA F-8 supercritical wing program spurred NASA and the Air Force to modify the General Dynamics F-111A to explore the application of supercritical wing technology to maneuverable military aircraft. This flight program was called Transonic Aircraft Technology (TACT).
This photograph shows a modified General Dynamics TACT/F-111A Aardvaark with supercritical wings installed. The aircraft, with flaps and landing gear down, is in a decending turn over Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. Starting in 1971 the NASA Flight Research Center and the Air Force undertook a major research and flight testing program, using F-111A (#63-9778), which would span almost 20 years before completion. Intense interest over the results coming from the NASA F-8 supercritical wing program spurred NASA and the Air Force to modify the General Dynamics-Convair F-111A to explore the application of supercritical wing technology to maneuverable military aircraft. This flight program was called Transonic Aircraft Technology (TACT).
The grand opening of NASA’s new, world-class laboratory for research into future space transportation technologies located at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, took place in July 2004. The state-of-the-art Propulsion Research Laboratory (PRL) serves as a leading national resource for advanced space propulsion research. Its purpose is to conduct research that will lead to the creation and development of innovative propulsion technologies for space exploration. The facility is the epicenter of the effort to move the U.S. space program beyond the confines of conventional chemical propulsion into an era of greatly improved access to space and rapid transit throughout the solar system. The laboratory is designed to accommodate researchers from across the United States, including scientists and engineers from NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, universities, and industry. The facility, with 66,000 square feet of useable laboratory space, features a high degree of experimental capability. Its flexibility allows it to address a broad range of propulsion technologies and concepts, such as plasma, electromagnetic, thermodynamic, and propellant propulsion. An important area of emphasis is the development and utilization of advanced energy sources, including highly energetic chemical reactions, solar energy, and processes based on fission, fusion, and antimatter. The Propulsion Research Laboratory is vital for developing the advanced propulsion technologies needed to open up the space frontier, and sets the stage of research that could revolutionize space transportation for a broad range of applications.
A new, world-class laboratory for research into future space transportation technologies is under construction at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, AL. The state-of-the-art Propulsion Research Laboratory will serve as a leading national resource for advanced space propulsion research. Its purpose is to conduct research that will lead to the creation and development of irnovative propulsion technologies for space exploration. The facility will be the epicenter of the effort to move the U.S. space program beyond the confines of conventional chemical propulsion into an era of greatly improved access to space and rapid transit throughout the solar system. The Laboratory is designed to accommodate researchers from across the United States, including scientists and engineers from NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, universities, and industry. The facility, with 66,000 square feet of useable laboratory space, will feature a high degree of experimental capability. Its flexibility will allow it to address a broad range of propulsion technologies and concepts, such as plasma, electromagnetic, thermodynamic, and propellantless propulsion. An important area of emphasis will be development and utilization of advanced energy sources, including highly energetic chemical reactions, solar energy, and processes based on fission, fusion, and antimatter. The Propulsion Research Laboratory is vital for developing the advanced propulsion technologies needed to open up the space frontier, and will set the stage of research that could revolutionize space transportation for a broad range of applications.
The grand opening of NASA’s new, world-class laboratory for research into future space transportation technologies located at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, took place in July 2004. The state-of-the-art Propulsion Research Laboratory (PRL) serves as a leading national resource for advanced space propulsion research. Its purpose is to conduct research that will lead to the creation and development of innovative propulsion technologies for space exploration. The facility is the epicenter of the effort to move the U.S. space program beyond the confines of conventional chemical propulsion into an era of greatly improved access to space and rapid transit throughout the solar system. The laboratory is designed to accommodate researchers from across the United States, including scientists and engineers from NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, universities, and industry. The facility, with 66,000 square feet of useable laboratory space, features a high degree of experimental capability. Its flexibility allows it to address a broad range of propulsion technologies and concepts, such as plasma, electromagnetic, thermodynamic, and propellant propulsion. An important area of emphasis is the development and utilization of advanced energy sources, including highly energetic chemical reactions, solar energy, and processes based on fission, fusion, and antimatter. The Propulsion Research Laboratory is vital for developing the advanced propulsion technologies needed to open up the space frontier, and sets the stage of research that could revolutionize space transportation for a broad range of applications.
Trent Smith, Veggie project manager, Exploration Research and Technology Programs, is in the Veggie Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 27, 2018. Next to him are zinnia flowers grown from seeds germinated in the Veggie plant growth system on the International Space Station. The seeds were returned to Earth and researchers in the SSPF planted them in the Veggie control unit and grew the colorful flowers.
Participants listen to presentations during a two-day workshop, Aug. 6 and 7, 2019, focusing on robotics and automation in space crop production. The workshop was hosted by the Exploration Research and Technology Programs at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participants from around the world and members of NASA, industry, academia and other government agencies met to share their knowledge to enable a common goal of sustaining human operations on the Moon, in deep space and eventually on Mars. Keynote speakers and representatives from different organizations presented data gleaned from their research.
Participants listen to presentations during a two-day workshop, Aug. 6 and 7, 2019, focusing on robotics and automation in space crop production. The workshop was hosted by the Exploration Research and Technology Programs at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participants from around the world and members of NASA, industry, academia and other government agencies met to share their knowledge to enable a common goal of sustaining human operations on the Moon, in deep space and eventually on Mars. Keynote speakers and representatives from different organizations presented data gleaned from their research.
Foreword, front view of McDonnell Model XV-1 Convertiplane in the Ames 40x80 Foot Wind Tunnel. The McDonnell XV-1 was an experimental compound gyroplane developed for a joint research program between the United States Air Force and the United States Army to explore technologies to develop an aircraft that could take off and land like a helicopter but fly at faster airspeeds, similar to a conventional airplane. The XV-1 would reach a speed of 200 mph (322 km/h), faster than any previous rotorcraft, but the program was terminated due to the tip-jet noise and complexity of the technology which gave only a modest gain in performance.
Left to right, Stefan Tomovic from the Engineering Directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and Christopher Biagi from the agency’s Exploration Research & Technology Program evaluate pressure transducers for NASA’s Engineering and Safety Center on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. This probe is designed to improve the detection of thruster pressure sensor anomalies for the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.
Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, speaks with members of the media alongside Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, right, 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 Administrator Jared Isaacman speaks with members of the media alongside Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, left, and Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, right, 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)
A reporter from The Virginian-Pilot is seen during a media engagement session with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, and Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration 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)
Dr. Trina Dyal, director of NASA's Langley Research Center, right, shows NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, a historical photo 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)
Nathan Gelino, a principal investigator with the Exploration Research and Technology programs at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepares a vacuum chamber for testing 3D printing inside the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) lab at Kennedy’s Swamp Works on April 5, 2022. The testing is part of the Relevant Environment Additive Construction Technology (REACT) project, which derives from NASA’s 2020 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity, with AI SpaceFactory – an architectural and construction technology company and winner of NASA’s 3D Printed Habitat Challenge – collaborating with Kennedy teams to build 3D-printed test structures using a composite made from polymers and a regolith simulant in a vacuum chamber that mimics environmental conditions on the Moon.
Chemist Nilab Azim, left, and Nathan Gelino, principal investigator with NASA’s Exploration Research and Technology programs, test a 3D printer on July 28, 2022, at Swamp Works at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as part of the Relevant Environment Additive Construction Technology (REACT) project. Among the key objectives of the project is developing an architectural and structural design for a shelter that provides protection to habitable assets on the lunar surface. Testing REACT derives from NASA’s 2020 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity with AI SpaceFactory – an architectural and construction technology company and winner of NASA’s 3D Printed Habitat Challenge.
Keith Belvin, NASA Systems Engineer at NASA Langley Research Center, speaks during the NASA New Space Technology Industry Forum being held at the University of Maryland in College Park on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. During the two-day event, speakers are focusing on the president's fiscal year 2011 budget request for NASA's new Space Technology Program. Representatives from industry, academia and the federal government are in attendance to discuss strategy, development and implementation of NASA's proposed new technology-enabled exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)
Chemist Nilab Azim, left, and Nathan Gelino, principal investigator with NASA’s Exploration Research and Technology programs, test a 3D printer on July 28, 2022, at Swamp Works at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as part of the Relevant Environment Additive Construction Technology (REACT) project. Among the key objectives of the project is developing an architectural and structural design for a shelter that provides protection to habitable assets on the lunar surface. Testing REACT derives from NASA’s 2020 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity with AI SpaceFactory – an architectural and construction technology company and winner of NASA’s 3D Printed Habitat Challenge.
The Exploration Research and Technology Programs at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosted a two-day workshop, Aug. 6 and 7, 2019, focusing on robotics and automation in space crop production. Participants from around the world and members of NASA, industry, academia and other government agencies met to share their knowledge to enable a common goal of sustaining human operations on the Moon, in deep space and eventually on Mars. Keynote speakers and representatives from different organizations presented data gleaned from their research.. Murat Kacira, a professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and director of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Program at the University of Arizona presents to workshop attendees on Aug. 6.
Barbara Brown, center, chief technologist, Exploration Research and Technology Programs, participates in a panel discussion during a Community Leaders Update hosted by Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 18, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. At left is Jenny Lyons, deputy manager, Gateway Logistics Element. At right is Jeremy Parsons, deputy manager, Exploration Ground Systems. The panel discussion was moderated by Center Director Bob Cabana. Attendees included community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
Attendees visit NASA and contractor exhibits during a Community Leaders Update hosted by NASA Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 18, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Center Director Bob Cabana moderated a panel discussion featuring senior leaders from Exploration Ground Systems, Spaceport Integration and Services, Exploration Research and Technology Programs, Gateway Logistics Element, and Center Planning and Development. Attendees included community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
A business leader visits an exhibitor booth during a Community Leaders Update hosted by NASA Kennedy Space Center on Feb. 18, 2020, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Center Director Bob Cabana moderated a panel discussion featuring senior leaders from Exploration Ground Systems, Spaceport Integration and Services, Exploration Research and Technology Programs, Gateway Logistics Element, and Center Planning and Development. Attendees included community leaders, business executives, partners, educators and government leaders. After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and visit displays from the programs and some of the commercial partners.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, joined by Rick Thorpe, equipment specialist, right, is seen after launching 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)
Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, right, participates in a water test demonstration alongside NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, and by Rick Thorpe, equipment specialist, center, 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)
Corey Diebler, facility manager, right, and Ryan Smith, project manager, left, speak with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration 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)
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, and Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration, right, pose for a photo beside a plaque 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)
A mockup of the cargo logistics module for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser, the company’s reusable spaceplane, arrived at the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in August. On Sept. 20, 2019, senior leadership had the opportunity to view the cargo module in the SSPF high bay. Third from left is Kelvin Manning, Kennedy associate director, technical; fifth from left is Josie Burnett, director of Exploration Research and Technology Programs. In the center are Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. Behind Petro is Ronnie Lawson, deputy director of Exploration Research and Technology Programs. To Cabana’s right is Burt Summerfield, associate director, management. At far right is James Wood, chief engineer for the Launch Services Program with the Engineering Directorate. The SSPF is providing support for current and future NASA and commercial provider programs, including Commercial Resupply Services, Artemis 1, sending the first woman and next man to the Moon, and deep space destinations including Mars.
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center marked its 60th anniversary as the aerospace agency's lead center for atmospheric flight research and operations in 2006. In connection with that milestone, hundreds of the center's staff and retirees gathered in nearby Lancaster, Calif., in November 2006 to reflect on the center's challenges and celebrate its accomplishments over its six decades of advancing the state-of-the-art in aerospace technology. The center had its beginning in 1946 when a few engineers from the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory were detailed to Muroc Army Air Base (now Edwards Air Force Base) in Southern California's high desert to support the joint Army Air Force / NACA / Bell Aircraft XS-1 research airplane program. Since that inauspicious beginning, the center has been at the forefront of many of the advances in aerospace technology by validating advanced concepts through actual in-flight research and testing. Dryden is uniquely situated to take advantage of the excellent year-round flying weather, remote area, and visibility to test some of the nation�s most exciting aerospace vehicles. Today, NASA Dryden is NASA's premier flight research and test organization, continuing to push the envelope in the validation of high-risk aerospace technology and space exploration concepts, and in conducting airborne environmental and space science missions in the 21st century.
Inside a laboratory at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, research scientist Sarah Snyder applies a selective surface coating to an Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) on March 31, 2021. This is one of several concurrent activities preparing dust shield samples for testing in space. Dust mitigation technologies could one day be applied to diminish dust hazards on lunar surface systems such as cameras, solar panels, spacesuits, and instrumentation, enabling sustainable exploration of the Moon under the Artemis program.
Melanie Pickett, from the Exploration Research and Technology Programs directorate, presents her proposal during the “Innovation Without Boundaries” event held in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday, Aug. 2. There were 39 proposals featuring a wide range of innovative ideas as part of the Chief Technologist Innovation Call. Presenters had two minutes to highlight their idea, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer period. The judging panel included senior staff, contractors and representatives throughout Kennedy.