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NASA Langley Research Center\u2019s integral role in the past, present, and future of flight was on full display April 25-27 during the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show.<\/p>\n
The air show, held at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE), which neighbors NASA Langley in Hampton, Virginia, attracted thousands of spectators throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n
The weekend kicked off with a STEM Day on April 25. Langley\u2019s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offered educational and engaging activities, exhibits, and displays to share NASA missions and encourage K-12 students from local schools to explore the possibilities that science, technology, engineering, and math offer.<\/p>\n
\u201cParticipation in the air show allows us to share NASA\u2019s work in aeronautics with the public and provides an opportunity for Langley researchers and engineers to work directly with students and families to share the exciting work they do,\u201d said Bonnie Murray, Langley OSTEM Student Services manager.<\/p>\n
Langley OSTEM\u2019s participation continued throughout the weekend as a part of the air show\u2019s STEM Expo, where visitors to the NASA booths tested a paper helicopter in a small-scale wind tunnel to explore flight dynamics, learned how NASA uses X-planes for research and designed their own X-plane, and tested experimental paper airplanes of various designs. By observing flight of the plane designs and making improvements to each one, students participated in the engineering design process. NASA subject matter experts in attendance guided students through these activities, inspired young minds by sharing some of their innovations, and promoted a variety of STEM career paths.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough engagement in the NASA STEM Zone activities, students had an opportunity to see themselves in the role of a NASA researcher,\u201d Murray said. \u201cAuthentic learning experiences such as these help build children\u2019s STEM identity, increasing the likelihood of them pursuing STEM careers in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
The air show\u2019s static aircraft displays included NASA Langley\u2019s Cirrus Design SR22, a research aircraft used to support NASA\u2019s airborne science program, the science community, and aeronautics research.<\/p>\n
\u201cReflective of our strong, long-standing partnership with JBLE, NASA Langley was proud to participate in this year\u2019s Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show,\u201d said Glenn Jamison, director of Langley\u2019s Research Services Directorate. \u201cOur relationship spans back to 1917 when NACA and Langley Field evolved together over formative years in aerodynamic research, sharing the airspace and facilities here in Hampton. Today, we continue our collaboration with JBLE in pursuing shared interests and finding innovative solutions to complex problems.\u201d<\/p>\n
The displays also featured several small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and NASA\u2019s P-3 Orion, a research aircraft based at NASA\u2019s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.<\/p>\n
Air show visitors could explore a picture display that highlighted NASA Langley\u2019s rich aviation legacy, from its founding in 1917 to Langley\u2019s work today to accelerate advancements in aeronautics, science, and space technology and exploration. Spacey Casey, a crowd favorite, greeted and took pictures with educators, students, and guests throughout the weekend, bringing out-of-this-world smiles to their faces. Members of Langley\u2019s Office of the Director also represented the center at the event.<\/p>\n