NASA acquires Boeing 737 for lunar gravity simulation

NASA has acquired a Boeing 737-700, serial number 40116, from the United States Air Force to support the Artemis program. The aircraft, now registered as N837NA, will be used to simulate lunar gravity.

Previously, the jet served as a flying test platform for the Air Force under the callsign ‘Sting 38’. Due to the nature of its former military missions, certain modifications and details regarding its past operations remain classified. NASA documentation indicates that agency personnel do not have ‘need to know’ authorization for these specific historical details.

The aircraft, built in 2013, was operated out of Santa Maria, California, conducting missions near military test ranges. The Armstrong Flight Research Center took possession of the jet in June to begin its new role in space program support.