One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft is seen through the jet wash of another F-5 aircraft during an employee incentive flying event, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen with his personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen with his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen with his personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen in his personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen ahead of a flight in his personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in a hangar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen ahead of a flight in his personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in a hangar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen with his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen ingressing his personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft is seen at sunset, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employee Greg Gaddis, spaceport senior operations manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Trey Carlson, chief of staff at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Spencer Barr, Exploration Ground Systems mission assurance manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Matthew Mickens, project scientist, space crop production at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator, poses for a photograph in NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, ahead of a formation flight at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Associate Administrator Kshatriya in F-5 Aircraft
NASA employee James Hamilton, propellant and pressurant manager at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employee Briou Bourgeois, E-3 test director at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Family members of NASA employees watch as members of the NASA workforce participate in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employee Kristian Miasek, ET-10 test engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Luis Muniz, radiation safety officer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, poses for a photograph before an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Dr. Kyle Thompson, research aerothermodynamist at NASA’s Langley Research Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Michael J. Acheson, senior researcher and principal investigator at NASA’s Langley Research Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Michael J. Acheson, senior researcher and principal investigator at NASA’s Langley Research Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen flying his personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Lara Trump of Fox News flying in the back seat. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, right, are seen at sunset following a formation flight in Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen following a formation flight with his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Lara Trump of Fox News flying in the back seat. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen before an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft is seen during an employee incentive flying event, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Rachel Kraft, Artemis communications lead at NASA Headquarters, was flying in the back seat. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft is seen during an employee incentive flying event, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Rachel Kraft, Artemis communications lead at NASA Headquarters, was flying in the back seat. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft is seen during an employee incentive flying event, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Rachel Kraft, Artemis communications lead at NASA Headquarters, was flying in the back seat. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Rachel Kraft, Artemis communications lead at NASA Headquarters, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft is seen during an employee incentive flying event, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Rachel Kraft, Artemis communications lead at NASA Headquarters, was flying in the back seat. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Dr. Scott Glaser, pilot, and Rachel Kraft, Artemis communications lead at NASA Headquarters, pose for a photograph following an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Clara Wright, chief of the laboratories, development, and testing division within the engineering directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Spencer Barr, Exploration Ground Systems mission assurance manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, speaks with Jerry Kirby, pilot, right, following an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Matthew Mickens, project scientist, space crop production at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, and Clara Wright, chief of the laboratories, development, and testing division within the engineering directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, right, are seen following an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the NASA Administrator, left, embraces Trey Carlson, chief of staff at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, right, following an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Matthew Mickens, project scientist, space crop production at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, and Clara Wright, chief of the laboratories, development, and testing division within the engineering directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, right, are seen following an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employee Megan Vansant, chief architect and demolition program manager at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Kyle Back, director of the business management office at the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) Enterprise at NASA Headquarters, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla, director of the Moon to Mars Space Weather Analysis Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, poses for a photograph before an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Sean Clarke, NASA technical fellow for electric power for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employee Brittany Bouché, acting deputy chief of facility engineering services at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA employees participate in an employee incentive flying event using NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Jerry Kerby, pilot; Michael J. Acheson, senior researcher and principal investigator at NASA’s Langley Research Center; Dr. Kyle Thompson, research aerothermodynamist at NASA’s Langley Research Center; and Dr. Scott Glaser, pilot, pose for a photograph following an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, left, speaks with NASA employees Megan Vansant, chief architect and demolition program manager at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, second from left; James Hamilton, propellant and pressurant manager at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, third from left; and Brittany Bouché, acting deputy chief of facility engineering services at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, right, following an employee incentive flying event using Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, fifth from left, poses for a photograph with NASA employees and F-5 pilots following an employee incentive flying event using Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left to right: Sean Gustafson, pilot and senior advisor to the administrator; Kristian Miasek, ET-10 test engineer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center; Megan Vansant, chief architect and demolition program manager at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center; James Hamilton, propellant and pressurant manager at NASA’s Stennis Space Center; NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman; Briou Bourgeois, E-3 test director at NASA’s Stennis Space Center; Brittany Bouché, acting deputy chief of facility engineering services at NASA’s Stennis Space Center; and Jerry Kerby, pilot. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with three of his personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with three of his personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with three of his personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman Flies His F-5 Aircraft
Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the NASA Administrator, left; Matthew Mickens, project scientist, space crop production, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, second from left; Trey Carlson, chief of staff at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, third from left; Spencer Barr, Exploration Ground Systems mission assurance manager at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, fourth from left; Clara Wright, chief of the laboratories, development, and testing division within the engineering directorate at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, fifth from left; and Jerry Kerby, pilot, right, pose for a photograph following an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 6, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
Foreground, from left: Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla, director of the Moon to Mars Space Weather Analysis Office at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center; Kyle Back, director of the business management office at the Office of the Chief Financial Officer Enterprise at NASA Headquarters; NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman; and Luis Muniz, radiation safety officer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center; background: Sean Clarke, NASA technical fellow for electric power for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center, based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, center, and Ryan Fishel, pilot, right, pose for a photograph following an employee incentive flying event with Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Friday, March 27, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman's F-5 Aircraft
NASA's F-15B Research Testbed aircraft recently flew in the supersonic shock wave of a U.S. Navy F-5E in support of the F-5 Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) project, part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Quiet Supersonic Platform (QSP) program.  The flights originated from the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, California. Four flights were flown in order to measure the F-5E's near-field (close-up) sonic boom signature at Mach 1.4, during which more than 50 shockwave patterns were measured at distances as close as 100 feet below the F-5E.
NASA's F-15B Research Testbed aircraft flies in the supersonic shock wave of a U.S. Navy F-5E as part of the F-5 Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) project.
NASA's F-15B Research Testbed aircraft recently flew in the supersonic shock wave of a U.S. Navy F-5E in support of the F-5 Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) project, part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Quiet Supersonic Platform (QSP) program.  The flights originated from the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards, California. Four flights were flown in order to measure the F-5E's near-field (close-up) sonic boom signature at Mach 1.4, during which more than 50 shockwave patterns were measured at distances as close as 100 feet below the F-5E.
NASA's F-15B Research Testbed aircraft flies in the supersonic shock wave of a U.S. Navy F-5E as part of the F-5 Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) project.
One of NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft is seen through the jet wash of another F-5 aircraft during an employee incentive flying event, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA employee Ashley Scharfenberg participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and his personal F-5 aircraft, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen before an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen before an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA employee Daniel Forrestel participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and his personal F-5 aircraft, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen before an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft with NASA employees Daniel Forrestel and Ashley Scharfenberg, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator, pose for a photograph following a formation flight in Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Associate Administrator Kshatriya
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Amit Kshatriya, NASA associate administrator, are seen following a formation flight in Isaacman’s personal F-5 aircraft, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Associate Administrator Kshatriya
NASA employee Jonathan Baker, chief of the spaceport development division at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is seen before an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman arrives at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo in a formation flight with his F-5 aircraft, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with two of his personal F-5 aircraft, piloted by Isaacman and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s, piloted by Thunderbird 7 Lt. Col. Tyler Keener and Thunderbird 8 Maj. Samuel Larson, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Vehicle Assembly Building and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman F-5s and USAF Thunderbirds F-16s Flight
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in an employee incentive flying event using his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen with one of his personal F-5 aircraft ahead of an air show performance at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is seen in the cockpit of his personal F-5 aircraft after arriving at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA employee Jonathan Baker, chief of the spaceport development division at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, speaks with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, right, following an employee incentive flying event using Isaacman's personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA employee Jonathan Baker, chief of the spaceport development division at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, participates in an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, center, and his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA employee Jonathan Baker, chief of the spaceport development division at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, left, is seen before an employee incentive flying event with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, right, and his personal F-5 aircraft, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Employee Flight with Administrator Isaacman
NASA's F-15B research testbed jet from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center flew in the supersonic shockwave of a Northrop Grumman Corp. modified U.S. Navy F-5E jet in support of the Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) project, which is part of the DARPA's Quiet Supersonic Platform (QSP) program. On Aug. 27, 2003, the F-5 SSBD aircraft demonstrated a method to reduce the intensity of sonic booms.
NASA's F-15B from the Dryden Flight Research Center flew in the supersonic shockwave of a modified U.S. Navy F-5E jet in support of the Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstration (SSBD) project. On Aug. 27, 2003, the F-5 SSBD aircraft demonstrated a method to reduce
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies in his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the back seat for a flight around Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and surrounding areas at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Secretary Hegseth Fly Over Kennedy
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies in his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the back seat for a flight around Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and surrounding areas at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Secretary Hegseth Fly Over Kennedy
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his F-5 aircraft during an air show performance at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Isaacman was joined by pilots Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and Jerry Kerby. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his F-5 aircraft during an air show performance at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Isaacman was joined by pilots Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and Jerry Kerby. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his F-5 aircraft during an air show performance at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Isaacman was joined by pilots Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and Jerry Kerby. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his F-5 aircraft during an air show performance at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Isaacman was joined by pilots Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and Jerry Kerby. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman participates in a formation flight with his F-5 aircraft during an air show performance at the SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo, Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2026, in Lakeland, Fla. Isaacman was joined by pilots Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and Jerry Kerby. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman at SUN 'n FUN
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with two of his personal F-5 aircraft, piloted by Isaacman and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s, piloted by Thunderbird 7 Lt. Col. Tyler Keener and Thunderbird 8 Maj. Samuel Larson, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman F-5s and USAF Thunderbirds F-16s Flight
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with two of his personal F-5 aircraft, piloted by Isaacman and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s, piloted by Thunderbird 7 Lt. Col. Tyler Keener and Thunderbird 8 Maj. Samuel Larson, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman F-5s and USAF Thunderbirds F-16s Flight
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with two of his personal F-5 aircraft, piloted by Isaacman and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s, piloted by Thunderbird 7 Lt. Col. Tyler Keener and Thunderbird 8 Maj. Samuel Larson, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the surrounding area at Kennedy ahead of Crew-12’s mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman F-5s and USAF Thunderbirds F-16s Flight
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with two of his personal F-5 aircraft, piloted by Isaacman and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s, piloted by Thunderbird 7 Lt. Col. Tyler Keener and Thunderbird 8 Maj. Samuel Larson, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman F-5s and USAF Thunderbirds F-16s Flight
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman conducts a formation flight with two of his personal F-5 aircraft, piloted by Isaacman and Sean Gustafson, senior advisor to the administrator, and two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16s, piloted by Thunderbird 7 Lt. Col. Tyler Keener and Thunderbird 8 Maj. Samuel Larson, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The formation flew near the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft at Launch Complex 39B and the surrounding area at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman F-5s and USAF Thunderbirds F-16s Flight
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies in his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the back seat for a flight around Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and surrounding areas at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Secretary Hegseth Fly Over Kennedy
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies in his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the back seat for a flight around Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and surrounding areas at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Secretary Hegseth Fly Over Kennedy
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies in his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the back seat for a flight around Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and surrounding areas at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Secretary Hegseth Fly Over Kennedy
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flies in his personal F-5 aircraft, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Isaacman was joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the back seat for a flight around Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, and surrounding areas at Kennedy. Photo Credit: (NASA/John Kraus)
Administrator Isaacman and Secretary Hegseth Fly Over Kennedy