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NASA opens first major wind tunnel in 40 years in Virginia

The Flight Dynamics Research Facility in Virginia is NASA's first major new wind tunnel since the 1980s, supporting testing for next-generation aircraft and spacecraft.

·1 min read·2 outlets

The short version

NASA opened its first major new wind tunnel in over 40 years at a facility in Virginia. The Flight Dynamics Research Facility will be used to test aircraft, rockets, and space exploration vehicles.

NASA opened the Flight Dynamics Research Facility in Virginia on July 31.2 The facility is the agency's first major new wind tunnel in more than 40 years.1 The wind tunnel will be used to test the safety and performance of future aircraft, rockets, and space exploration vehicles.2

NASA described the facility as a critical new resource for its research and development efforts.2

Why it matters

  • A wind tunnel is a research tool that simulates airflow over objects like aircraft or spacecraft to study aerodynamic performance and structural integrity.2

  • The last major NASA wind tunnel opening occurred in the 1980s, making this the first such facility in over four decades.1

This account was written from the 2 reports listed below, filed by 2 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Corroborated2 outlets
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2 reports from 2 outlets. The numbers in the article point here.

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