NASA Armstrong experts share their stories about their career paths and experiences at NASA to middle school students during an event hosted by NASA’s California Office of STEM Engagement at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. From left to right: Laurie Grindle, Julio Trevino, Nicki Reid and Troy Asher.
NASA experts share inspiring stories to students during National Aviation History Month
NASA photographer Jim Ross captured this shot while pilot Troy Asher flew inverted in an F-15D. The F-15B is seen here flying over the mirror farm, AKA the Abengoa Mojave Solar Project, east of Four Corners off of Highway 58 in Southern California.
AFRC2016-0082-13
Troy Asher, director for flight operations at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, shakes hands with Jeremy Johnson, a pilot with NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The two stand in front of a NASA Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, tail number 606, which arrived at the center Feb. 11, 2026. This aircraft is now housed at NASA Armstrong to continue supporting research at NASA Glenn, among other agency efforts.
PC-12 and T-34 Aircraft Arrive to NASA Armstrong
Los Angeles Police Department personnel and former NASA astronaut and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (then Dryden) test pilot Gordon Fullerton, seated, join the crew of the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Standing is, from left, Larry LaRose, J.J. Johnston, Jeff Moultrie, Frank Batteas, Bill Brockett, Henry Taylor, Troy Asher, Jim Less, Bill Rieke, officer Kevin Standage, Sgt. Stephen Roussell, and Glenn Grossman.
Space Shuttle Endeavour Toured California in 2012
Troy Asher, acting center director, presents NASA aerial photographer Carla Thomas with an award commemorating her 1,000th flight at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Monday, April 20, 2026. For 38 years, Thomas has captured aerial photographs of research and science flights. The milestone flight was completed in the backseat of a NASA F-15 aircraft piloted by NASA Armstrong chief pilot Wayne Ringelberg.
NASA Aerial Photographer Completes 1,000th Flight
NASA Armstrong and NASA senior management Gulfstream III team pose for group shot by aircraft after return from covering Total solar eclipse. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Thomas)
2017 Total Solar Eclipse