Event: Forebody and Nose - Windtunnel Testing A model of the X-59 forebody is shown in the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ wind tunnel in Palmdale, California. These tests gave the team measurements of wind flow angle around the aircraft’s nose and confirmed computer predictions made using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software tools. The data will be fed into the aircraft flight control system to tell the pilot the aircraft’s altitude, speed and angle. This is part of NASA’s Quesst mission which plans to help enable supersonic air travel over land.

Event: Forebody and Nose - Windtunnel Testing A model of the X-59 forebody is shown in the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works’ wind tunnel in Palmdale, California. These tests gave the team measurements of wind flow angle around the aircraft’s nose and confirmed computer predictions made using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software tools. The data will be fed into the aircraft flight control system to tell the pilot the aircraft’s altitude, speed and angle. This is part of NASA’s Quesst mission which plans to help enable supersonic air travel over land.

Event: Forebody and Nose - Windtunnel Testing A technician works on the X-59 model during testing in the low-speed wind tunnel at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California. These tests gave the team measurements of wind flow angle around the aircraft’s nose and confirmed computer predictions made using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software tools. The data will be fed into the aircraft flight control system to tell the pilot the aircraft’s altitude, speed, and angle. This is part of NASA’s Quesst mission which plans to help enable supersonic air travel over land.

The model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is being prepared for windtunnel test in the 14x22 Subsonic windtunnel at NASA Langley.

The model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is being prepared for windtunnel test in the 14x22 Subsonic windtunnel at NASA Langley.

The model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is being prepared for windtunnel test in the 14x22 Subsonic windtunnel at NASA Langley.

The model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is being prepared for windtunnel test in the 14x22 Subsonic windtunnel at NASA Langley.

The model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is being prepared for windtunnel test in the 14x22 Subsonic windtunnel at NASA Langley.

Aerial of NASA Langley Research Center Wind Tunnel

The flexwall section of NASA Glenn’s 10x10 supersonic wind tunnel is made up of two movable flexible steel sidewalls. These powerful hydraulic jacks move the walls in and out to control supersonic air speeds in the test section between Mach 2.0 and 3.5.