Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
NASA’s Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR), based at Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, provides essential communications, radar, telemetry, and video services to support NASA’s aeronautics and space missions. These services enable real-time data delivery and situational awareness crucial for the safety and efficiency of research flights, including the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft and International Space Station operations.
In recent years, the range has been modernized with new very high frequency (VHF) ground antennas, updated electronic components, and improved software to enhance tracking and communications for spaceflight and research. Additional antennas have also been installed for backup coverage during operations.
The DATR supports a variety of research aircraft, including NASA’s ER-2 high-altitude aircraft and the C-20A. It also oversees projects like the Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF) wing model, installed on an F-15B, to help reduce drag and fuel use for future commercial aviation.
NASA is streamlining flight data processing and validation to help engineers make informed decisions about test points. Automating and consolidating data processing, as well as partnering with the U.S. Air Force, enables simultaneous post-processing of data from different missions.
These upgrades and collaborations aim to significantly improve data turnaround times, supporting more efficient research workflows and resource management.