posted 11-07-2025 07:27 PM               

The superstructure of the Hangar and Exhibition Hall was erected in September 2022. Phase 2 will be completed with the hanger doors, roof, and superstructure cladding planned for this year, funds permitting.

The current museum has 8,000 square feet of exhibit area. The new museum will have 60,000 square feet. The following is a short list of the space-themed exhibit's planned for the new Flight Test Museum.

NASA: The Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center, located at Edwards Air Force Base, is an aeronautical research center operated by NASA. The facility is NASA's premier site for aeronautical research and operates some of the most advanced aircraft in the world.

Some of NASA's aircraft collection has been transferred to the Flight Test Museum, and many of its artifacts will be displayed at the new museum. Exhibited aircraft will include the LLRV (Lunar Landing Research Vehicle), the world's first lifting body (M2-F1), the Gulfstream G2 STA (Space Shuttle Training Aircraft) and many artifacts and other support equipment used by NASA, such as the original Shuttle Crew Vehicle. In addition, countless historical artifacts such as X-15, U-2, and SR-71 flight suits, helmets, and life support gear will also be displayed as part of the NASA exhibit.

Special exhibits are also planned for the museum, including:

Space Shuttle Orbiter: Development and evolution of the Space Shuttle Orbiter started at Edwards AFB NASA facility. Beginning with the development of the lifting bodies, it progressed into testing Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) with "Enterprise," and eventually led to the achievements of the Space Transportation System (STS) flights. Thirteen test flights of the prototype orbiter "Enterprise", and 54 landing of the STS, were supported at Edwards AFB.