NASA Still Flies 70-Year-Old Jet for modern Space Missions
Northern California – A NASA WB-57 research aircraft, a design originating in the 1950s, was recently spotted by aviation YouTuber Scott Manley operating out of Northern california. The aircraft, remarkably still in active service, played a key role in observing the solar corona during April 2024’s total solar eclipse.
these unique jets, though based primarily at NASA’s hub in Houston, continue to provide crucial high-altitude research capabilities for 21st-century spacecraft advancement and astronomical observation. The WB-57’s longevity is a testament to its adaptable design and ongoing value to NASA’s mission, avoiding the fate of many retired aircraft relegated to aircraft graveyards.
The WB-57 is a variant of the British Canberra bomber, originally designed in the 1950s. NASA acquired several of these aircraft, modifying them for high-altitude research. “Ther is something exceptionally cool about seeing the engine start on this thing,” Manley noted in a recent YouTube upload showcasing the aircraft.
Manley expressed relief that the WB-57 remains operational.”I’m mainly glad it’s not going to be another one of those aircraft that’s just sitting on the tarmac rotting away to nothing,” he said.
