NASA Dryden Renamed Armstrong Flight Research Center

Two icons of aerospace engineering and excellence will share the spotlight on Saturday, when NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, California is officially renamed the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) and the Center’s 12,000-square-mile Western Aeronautical Test Range becomes the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR).  Made possible by legislation signed into law by President Obama on January 16, the renaming honors two NASA legends.  Hugh Dryden was considered an aeronautical genius who pushed the boundaries of high speed flight.  His organizational leadership was at the root of Armstrong’s most spectacular flight achievements, from the X-15 to his 1969 first footsteps on the moon.  I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor these two leaders who broadened our understanding of aeronautics and space exploration. 

Beginning in 1931, Dryden’s expertise at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and then at NASA established America’s leadership in space and organized the research that led to our first steps in space.  Armstrong had significant ties to the Dryden Center, both before and after his days as a NASA astronaut.  He served as a research test pilot there from 1955 to 1962 and was part of the team that conceptualized and tested the lunar landing training vehicle.  Both Dryden and Armstrong are pioneers whose contributions to NASA and our nation are unequalled.  The March 1 renaming is a fitting tribute that honors their legacies.  Please join me in celebrating this historic recognition.  I look forward to a public commemoration marking this occasion later this year. 

Charlie B.

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