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NASA Glenn’s Legacy Forged Through Decades of Flight Research
NASA’s Glenn Research Center has conducted decades of flight tests to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world aerospace performance. This process transforms aircraft into flying laboratories to validate theories in targeted environments.
Why it matters
This research improves commercial aviation safety through icing hazard data and develops critical technologies for future space missions, such as laser communications.
The details
- The De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter helped shape modern aviation safety standards.
- In 2024, a Pilatus PC-12 NG demonstrated laser communication with the ISS.
- Aircraft flight operations relocated to Armstrong Flight Research Center in October 2025.
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De Havilland owns De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
De Havilland made the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft.
Martin owns Martin B-57B Canberra
Martin made the B-57B Canberra aircraft.
Pilatus owns Pilatus PC-12 NG
Pilatus made the PC-12 NG aircraft.
Glenn Research Center uses De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
NASA Glenn used the Twin Otter as its workhorse for nearly 40 years of in-flight icing research.
Glenn Research Center uses Martin B-57B Canberra
NASA Glenn tested a hydrogen fuel system on the B-57B from February to April 1957.
Glenn Research Center uses S-3B Viking
NASA Glenn used the S-3B Viking with the Twin Otter to track harmful algal blooms on Lake Erie.
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Glenn Research Center uses DC-9
NASA Glenn used the modified DC-9 to create brief periods of weightlessness for microgravity research.
Glenn Research Center uses Pilatus PC-12 NG
NASA Glenn's Flight Operations used the Pilatus PC-12 NG in a 2024 optical communications study.
Pilatus PC-12 NG uses Optical Communications
The Pilatus PC-12 NG carried a laser communication system that streamed 4K video to the International Space Station and back.
Orion is related to Optical Communications
NASA further tested optical communications on the Artemis II mission, transmitting data from Orion to multiple ground stations.
NASA transmitted substantial amounts of data from Orion to multiple ground stations during the 10-day Artemis II mission.
Glenn Research Center is a partner of Armstrong Flight Research Center
After NASA relocated aircraft from Glenn to Armstrong in October 2025, Glenn continues its icing, propulsion, and communications technology research in collaboration with Armstrong.
Mark Russell works at Glenn Research Center
Mark Russell is a NASA safety officer and pilot who served as the former acting chief of Aircraft Operations at Glenn.
Related events
NASA Glenn Demonstrates Laser Communications from Pilatus Aircraft to the International Space Station
NASA Relocates Research Aircraft from Glenn to Armstrong Flight Research Center
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