NASA Langley Research Center

At NASA Langley, we are dreamers, stargazers, and explorers. We aspire to know more, dig deeper, climb higher and along the way we keep asking questions. We dare to ask, “what if?” A simple start to endless possibilities and opportunities. Explore all that NASA Langley Research Center has to offer and see how our wonder changes the world in our 2023 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/eMZnPQZB

Look up in the night sky this week — you might spot a solar sail! Our Advanced Composite Solar Sail System lets small spacecraft "sail on sunlight" using particles from the Sun, providing an alternative to rocket fuel. The spacecraft is now in orbit, and stargazers can find out when it will be visible in their area on our NASA app. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ePA4Q88K

Just in time for a Labor Day “sail”, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) has successfully deployed! Solar sail propulsion systems like ACS3 can make future low-cost deep space missions possible. Learn more about the ACS3 mission to fly using the power of the Sun: https://lnkd.in/ebU8Tjrz

It’s National Aviation Day! Today, we’re celebrating NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration aeronautics innovators, including some who are working here at NASA Langley to safely transform aviation for the benefit of all. Read their stories here: https://lnkd.in/ePvv53Ft

Advanced space exploration missions typically encounter extreme temperatures that complicate the storage of cryogenic propulsion elements like liquid hydrogen. Cryogenic fuel tanks help control extreme temperatures and keep the propellant in a liquid state, but these tanks are made of metal that tends to be heavy and costly, with composite materials (like thermosets) that are unsuitable for some missions. NASA’s Langley Research Center is working to develop thermoplastic composite materials that would make tanks 30% lighter, cut costs by 25%, and improve durability. The technology could lead to cryogenic tanks that can store propellants for years (instead of hours) and enable a broad range of missions involving planetary landers, ascent stages, in-space transfer vehicles, habitats, and in-situ resource utilization equipment. Learn more about the project, key partners, and NASA centers on our TechPort database: https://lnkd.in/gVBaqwPn

107 never looked better! Since its establishment in 1917, NASA Langley's wonder has changed the world. Our quest to make the impossible possible continues to fuel curiosity and innovation around the world.

We’ve got some news to share: effective immediately, Langley Center Director Clayton Turner will serve as the acting associate administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), stepping into this role with the retirement of Dr. Kurt “Spuds” Vogel. During this time, Dawn Schaible will serve as acting Langley center director. Dawn has most recently been serving as the deputy director at NASA Glenn Research Center, and she previously served as the director of the Engineering Directorate here at Langley. Please join us in congratulating Acting Associate Administrator Turner and Acting Director Schaible on their new roles!

Happy birthday to the NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration meatball! For 65 years, this iconic logo has represented NASA’s mission to reach new heights for the benefit of all and inspired the world to reach for the stars. This spring, a 15-ft-diameter and 700-pound version of the meatball was installed on the Flight Dynamics Research Facility, which will be Langley’s newest major wind tunnel. Learn more about the FDRF: https://lnkd.in/eWs3E4bn

Looking for the secrets to our planet? It’s all in the data! STEM Takes Flight Interns at Langley recently attended a day-long training on how to access Earth science data, like satellite imagery and air quality data, using free resources from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Discover more about the Earth with?NASA Earth Data: https://lnkd.in/e6tzmGFZ

Are you developing new drones? Advancing air taxi technologies? We want to hear from you! On Wednesday, May 15th, NASA is hosting a meeting for the Advanced Air Mobility Working Group. If you’re a member of the Advanced Air Mobility community, sign up to join the meeting and share your ideas, ask questions, and help build the future of aviation! Register online here: https://lnkd.in/gfupQ7K