NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has appointed Troy Asher director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Asher, a test pilot and aerospace engineer who has led the centre as acting director since March 2026, will oversee its workforce and operations, including flight research, aircraft operations and development of aviation technologies. He succeeds Bradley Flick, who retired in March after nearly 40 years at NASA.
Armstrong conducts flight research and aircraft testing for NASA, and supports airborne science missions. Its work includes developing and evaluating experimental aircraft and aviation technologies. The centre is also involved in NASA’s efforts to rebuild and expand its X-plane portfolio. The appointment notice did not identify any immediate changes to programmes or operations.
Asher joined NASA in 2008 as a research test pilot and aerospace engineer. He flew the F-15, F/A-18, Gulfstream III and X-56A, led testing for the SOFIA airborne observatory, and flew scientific missions aboard the DC-8. Before joining NASA, he served 24 years in the US Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. In 2003, he set 25 world speed records flying a B-1B bomber.