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scienceThursday, October 29, 2026 at 11:36 PM
NASA Names Veteran Test Pilot Troy Asher Director of Armstrong Flight Research Center

NASA Names Veteran Test Pilot Troy Asher Director of Armstrong Flight Research Center

NASA has installed a career test pilot with deep Edwards experience to lead its primary flight research center at a moment when the agency seeks to rebuild experimental aircraft capabilities. The move prioritizes operational continuity over external recruitment.

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Armstrong also supports airborne science campaigns with the DC-8 and Gulfstream III; continued leadership stability reduces risk of schedule slippage on those missions. The next measurable signal will be the fiscal year 2026 budget request and any new X-plane solicitation issued under Asher's tenure.

⚡ Prediction

Asher: First X-59 quiet supersonic flight test completed before December 2026.

Sources (2)

  • [1]
    Primary Source(https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-names-troy-asher-armstrong-flight-research-center-director/)
  • [2]
    Supporting Source(https://www.nasa.gov/centers/armstrong/home/index.html)