NASA Aerial Photographer Completes 1,000th Flight

NASA aerial photographer Carla Thomas waves from the backseat of a NASA F-15 aircraft as chief pilot Wayne Ringelberg taxis following Thomas’ 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.

NASA aerial photographer Carla Thomas waves from the backseat of a NASA F-15 aircraft as chief pilot Wayne Ringelberg taxis following Thomas’ 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.

Location AFRC
NASA s Armstrong Flight Research CenterAFRCCarla Thomasaerial photographerF A-18NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier AircraftEndeavourSR-71Capsule Parachute Assembly SystemSonic Booms in Atmospheric Turbulence programEdwards Air Force BaseCalifornia