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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [TECHNOLOGY]

2 clusters · 12 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

NASA new wind tunnel at Langley

Overview

NASA inaugurated the Flight Dynamics Research Facility, a new wind tunnel at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, on 31 July 2026. The installation is the first major wind tunnel built at the site in four decades, consolidating two historic tunnels into a 2,320 m² facility. It features a 6‑metre‑diameter test chamber powered by four 750‑horsepower carbon‑fiber fans that can generate wind speeds up to 188 km/h (117 mph). The opening ceremony was attended by Administrator Jared Isaacman, Langley director Dr. Trina Dyal, and was supported by the U.S. General Services Administration.

Two days later, further details emphasized the tunnel’s 25,000‑square‑foot footprint and a 20‑foot‑diameter vertical test section. NASA highlighted its role in testing spacecraft such as the Orion capsule and the Dragonfly parachute decelerator, as well as aircraft and lunar‑program technologies. The facility is intended to support upcoming lunar and Mars missions by enabling entry, descent, and landing tests, improving performance, safety, and energy efficiency.

Entities

NASA · Jared Isaacman · Langley Research Center · Flight Dynamic Research Facility · Flight Dynamics Research Facility

Timeline

  1. 18 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    NASA opens first new wind tunnel at Langley Research Center in 40 years

    NASA opened a new 25,000‑sq ft wind tunnel at Langley Research Center, the first since 1986, to support lunar, aircraft and spacecraft testing.

  2. 20 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 9 sources
    NASA opens new wind tunnel in Virginia for lunar and Mars missions

    NASA opened a new wind tunnel at Langley Research Center, Virginia—the first in 40 years—featuring a 6 m test chamber, 188 km/h airflow, and capabilities to test aircraft and spacecraft for lunar and Mars trips

Sources

archynetys.com · elsumario.com · executivegov.com · focoinformativo.com · gestion.pe · lapatilla.com · larevista.com.ec · mundour.com · nypost.com · panamaamerica.com.pa · plazajuarez.mx · theobjective.com