Taking Flight To Prepare For Space

NASA/Josh Valcarcel

NASA astronaut Adam Fuhrmann (right, in yellow) prepares for a training flight aboard NASA's WB-57 aircraft in this July 16, 2026, photo.

These high-altitude flights train the crew to work in a tight environment and operate aircraft systems while in a pressure suit, preparing them for future missions to the International Space Station, Moon, or beyond.

Image credit: NASA/Josh Valcarcel

/Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here.