1 min readPreparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)A newly painted NASA 737 aircraft sits on a ramp in Oklahoma on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. NASA/Carla EscamillaNASA’s 737 aircraft was painted this week in Oklahoma as it progresses with modifications for use as a reduced gravity test aircraft for the agency. NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, took ownership of the aircraft from the United States Air Force in June. The aircraft will perform lunar-gravity parabolic flights to validate astronaut lunar suits and associated crew systems required to support Artemis mission objectives. These flights will happen at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for reduced-gravity operations, with NASA Armstrong oversight. In addition, the aircraft will serve as a key asset for systems‑integration research for flight testing autonomy, sensors, and other digital systems.ShareDetailsLast UpdatedAug 13, 2026EditorDede DiniusContactTeresa Whitingteresa.whiting@nasa.govRelated TermsArmstrong Flight Research CenterArtemisJohnson Space CenterNASA AircraftExplore More5 min readPursuing a Dream of Working for NASAArticle1 day ago5 min readNASA Completes Astronaut-Deployed Science Instrument for Lunar SurfaceNASA has declared “wrenches down” on the first completed payload designed for Artemis astronauts to…Article2 days ago4 min readBuilding the Moon Base: NASA Stories at the Ion Article2 days agoKeep ExploringDiscover More Topics From NASAArmstrong Flight Research CenterAircraft Flown at ArmstrongAeronauticsArtemis