NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has appointed Troy Asher as director of the agency's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Asher, a veteran test pilot and aerospace engineer who has served as the center's acting director since March, succeeds Bradley Flick following Flick's retirement.
New Leadership for Flight Operations
In his role as director, Asher oversees Armstrong's workforce and operations, directing NASA's efforts in flight research, aircraft operations, and the development of aviation technologies. Asher had previously served as the center's acting director since March and earlier held the role of director of Flight Operations at Armstrong, managing pilots, engineers, maintainers, and specialized research aircraft.
Asher succeeds Bradley Flick, who retired in March after almost 40 years of service at NASA. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said Asher's background will be invaluable as the center leads efforts to rebuild the agency's X-plane portfolio, restore flight-test capabilities, and advance high-speed flight.
Background in Flight Testing and Research
Asher joined NASA in 2008 as a research test pilot and aerospace engineer. During his flight career with the agency, he conducted flight research aboard aircraft including the F-15, F/A-18, Gulfstream III, and the X-56A unmanned aircraft system.
He also served as the lead test pilot for NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) and flew airborne scientific research missions aboard the agency's DC-8 aircraft. Before his NASA tenure, Asher spent 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. During his military service, he set 25 world speed records in 2003 flying the B-1B bomber and served as commander of the 419th Flight Test Squadron.
Asher holds a bachelor's degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fresno.
Center Mission and Research Priorities
Armstrong Flight Research Center serves as NASA's Flight Test and Aircraft Operations Center of Excellence. The center plays a central role in rebuilding and expanding the agency's X-plane portfolio, evaluating high-speed experimental aircraft, and supporting airborne science campaigns across NASA.
Established in 1946, the center has conducted aeronautical research ranging from the Bell X-1 supersonic flight to current flight programs such as quiet supersonic research with the X-59 aircraft.
Key facts and where they come from
- Troy Asher was named director of NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center after serving as acting director since March.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has named Troy Asher director of the agency’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.
- Asher takes over from Bradley Flick, who stepped down after nearly four decades at NASA.
Asher succeeds Bradley Flick, who retired in March following nearly 40 years of NASA service.
- Asher set 25 world speed records in 2003 while flying the B-1B bomber during his Air Force career.
In 2003, he set 25 world speed records flying the B-1B bomber.
- Armstrong Flight Research Center plays a central role in NASA's efforts to rebuild its X-plane portfolio.
Armstrong plays a central role in the agency’s efforts to rebuild and expand its X-plane portfolio, pushing the boundaries of high-speed flight