Armstrong Flight Research Center

**Center Overview** Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, is NASA’s primary center for high-risk, atmospheric flight research and test projects. NASA Armstrong has the facilities and requisite expertise to conceive, design, analyze, fabricate, integrate, maintain and conduct disciplinary research, flight research and flight test on modified or unique research vehicles and systems. Armstrong’s strength is in integration of complex developmental systems. Named in honor of Neil A. Armstrong, a former research test pilot at the center and the first man to step on the moon, Armstrong is located in Edwards, California, in the western Mojave Desert. The center is uniquely situated to take advantage of year-round flying weather and 301,000 acres of remote area with varied topography to advance technology and science through flight. For almost 75 years, research at NASA Armstrong has led to major advancements and breakthroughs in the design and capabilities of many state-of-the-art civil and military aircraft. Armstrong demonstrates America’s leadership in aeronautics, Earth and space science and aerospace technology as the center seeks to revolutionize aviation, add to mankind’s knowledge of the universe and contribute to the understanding and protection of Earth.