NASA Deploys 737-700 for 20-Second Lunar-Gravity Tests in Artemis Suit Checks
Updated
Updated · leonarddavid.com · Aug 19
NASA Deploys 737-700 for 20-Second Lunar-Gravity Tests in Artemis Suit Checks
3 articles · Updated · leonarddavid.com · Aug 19
Summary
NASA has put its Boeing 737-700 reduced-gravity aircraft into service for Artemis, using parabolic flights to verify lunar suits are flight-ready and support other Moon-to-Mars work.
Each maneuver creates about 20 seconds of reduced gravity, and a typical mission strings together 15 to 30 parabolas to mimic lunar or Martian conditions inside the cabin.
The jet was transferred from the U.S. Air Force to NASA Armstrong in June 2026 after years tied to a classified military program; its final Air Force flight was in January 2009.
Denmar Technical Services was selected earlier this year to handle modifications, maintenance and testing, with NASA Armstrong owning the aircraft and NASA Johnson overseeing operations.