NASA Armstrong flies X-59 and supports Artemis missions

NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center has been named Center of Excellence for Flight Test and Aircraft Operations. The center is flying the X-59 supersonic X-plane and using research aircraft to support Artemis missions.

Armstrong Flight Research Center is in Edwards, California, and is a former NACA outpost. NASA Armstrong is in Southern California.

On 1946-09-30, NACA engineers at Muroc Army Airfield in California's high desert achieved supersonic flight for the first time. The X-1 exceeded the speed of sound and is an important milestone in aviation history.

Armstrong is flying the X-59, a supersonic X-plane meant to demonstrate quiet supersonic flight.

The X-59 is undergoing rigorous testing and flights. It is also being prepared for quiet supersonic demonstrations over U.S. communities.

Armstrong uses research aircraft to support Artemis missions. Artemis missions involve a return to the Moon.

A 737 is linked to astronaut suit testing, and a G-III is linked to Artemis II heat-shield data collection. An F/A-18 tested the autopilot for the Space Launch System rocket.

Armstrong flies ER-2, C-20A, and Gulfstream G-III/IV/V aircraft for science data. The center collects data on wildfires, glacier melt, pollution, and minerals.

Armstrong has supported space shuttle landings and SR-71 flights, and NASA Armstrong has transformed commercial and military aviation. NASA Armstrong also works with government agencies, industry, and academia.

For readers tracking the lunar industry, Armstrong is relevant because it uses research aircraft to support Artemis missions, which involve a return to the Moon. Specific work includes Artemis II heat-shield data collection by a G-III and autopilot testing for the Space Launch System rocket by an F/A-18.

The center is named Center of Excellence for Flight Test and Aircraft Operations and works with government agencies, industry, and academia. NASA Armstrong is also described as poised to lead the next era of aeronautics and human spaceflight.

Preparation is underway for quiet supersonic demonstrations over U.S. communities by the X-59.