NASA opens first new wind tunnel at Langley Research Center in 40 years

NASA inaugurated the Flight Dynamics Research Facility, a new wind tunnel at its Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, marking the first major wind tunnel built at the site since 1986. The opening ceremony featured NASA Langley director Dr. Trina Dyal and agency administrator Jared Isaacman, and was supported by a partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration.

The 25,000‑square‑foot tunnel includes a 20‑foot‑diameter vertical test section, can generate wind speeds up to 117 mph, and is powered by four 750‑hp carbon‑fiber‑blade fans. It will be used to test spacecraft, aircraft and lunar‑program technologies, including the Orion capsule and the Dragonfly parachute decelerator system, enhancing NASA’s aeronautics and exploration capabilities.