On October 22, 2024, NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center successfully tested a new atmospheric probe designed with a lifting body structure, which utilizes its shape to generate lift instead of relying on traditional wings. This innovative design, inspired by 1960s research on lifting body aircraft, aims to offer a more efficient and cost-effective method for collecting atmospheric data from various planets. The probe was released from a quad-rotor remotely piloted aircraft above Rogers Dry Lake, adjacent to the Armstrong center. The test validated the probe’s unique design, demonstrating its stability and functionality during flight. John Bodylski, the probe’s principal investigator, expressed enthusiasm over the successful test, noting the probe’s stability and the potential for future enhancements, including higher altitude releases to extend flight duration and broaden its operational capabilities. The pilot for the test was Justin Link, alongside chief engineer Derek Abramson, who coordinated the preparations for the flight. These advancements reflect NASA’s commitment to enhancing atmospheric exploration technology, paving the way for more ambitious tests and explorations in the future.
