Episode•June 13, 2025•35 min
Runway to the Stars
A NASA aircraft operations expert discusses the aviation history and work being done at Ellington Field in Houston as a training ground for astronauts. HWHAP 389.
Key Takeaways
- 1
Ellington Field serves as a critical training and operational hub for NASA.
It houses the T-38 fleet for astronaut spaceflight readiness training.
The facility supports high-altitude research with WB-57 aircraft.
It acts as a spaceport and a logistics center for transporting outsized space hardware via the Super Guppy.
- 2
High-performance aircraft are essential for astronaut preparation.
T-38 jets provide an analog for the dynamic environment of spaceflight.
Training focuses on hand-eye coordination, cross-checking, and performing as a crew member under physical stress.
Astronauts must maintain specific flight hour requirements annually to stay proficient.
- 3
Managing an aging fleet requires innovation and specialized expertise.
Many aircraft, including the T-38s and WB-57s, are decades old.
Because some aircraft are one-of-a-kind, NASA engineers often have to develop custom solutions for maintenance and parts.
The team balances strict budget constraints with the need for safety and operational readiness.
Intro
- This episode explores the history and evolving mission of Ellington Field, a historic airfield in Houston that serves as a vital training ground for NASA astronauts and a base for specialized research aircraft.
- David 'DJ' Johnson is the Deputy Chief for the Aircraft Operations Division at NASA Johnson Space Center. A retired Air Force pilot, he has been with NASA since 2009 and currently flies the T-38, WB-57, and Gulfstream V.
– Introduction to Ellington Field and DJ's Background
- Host Courtney Beasley introduces Ellington Field's history from WWI to its current role as a NASA spaceport and training ground. Guest David 'DJ' Johnson shares his journey from an Air Force pilot to his leadership role at NASA.
I can remember seeing an F-15 at an air show go straight up. And I remember watching that thinking, I want to do that.
– The Rich History and Modern Role of Ellington
- DJ discusses the evolution of Ellington Field, noting that it now hosts every military service except the Space Force and was designated a spaceport in 2015.
- T-38s: Used for spaceflight readiness training.
- WB-57s: Used for high-altitude research.
- Gulfstream V: Used for astronaut direct return missions.
- Super Guppy: Used for transporting outsized space hardware.
– Specialized Aircraft: The Super Guppy and WB-57
- DJ explains the unique capabilities of the Super Guppy, the only one of its kind flying in the world, and the high-altitude research capabilities of the WB-57.
The Guppy is one of one. It is the only one flying in the world.
– Astronaut Training and Future Missions
- The conversation shifts to why the T-38 is the preferred training platform for astronauts and how the program is preparing for the Artemis generation, including the potential addition of helicopters for vertical descent landing training.
Resources
Topics
AviationNASAAstronaut TrainingEllington FieldAerospace EngineeringSpace ExplorationAircraft Maintenance