NASA’s Jet Set
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
NASA maintains a fleet of Northrop T-38 Talon supersonic jets for astronaut training and proficiency flights. The jets were produced for the U.S. Air Force between 1961 and 1972.
Most space buffs will recognize the T-38 jet as the aircraft the flight crews of NASA space missions use to fly from Houston to Kennedy Space Center a few days before their missions. The jets are also used to keep the flying skills of the crews up to date.
Flying rigorous training missions pits the crews in situations that require them to work together in a coordinated manner where concentration and teamwork are of utmost importance. It a real world scenario—one that can’t be fully duplicated in a simulator—that translates to how the crews will perform on a mission.
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Two supersonic T-38 jets fly over the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center.
Erected by Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space.
Location. 28° 31.498′ N, 80° 40.871′ W. Marker is on Merritt Island, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker can be reached from Space Commerce Way, 1.2 miles south of NASA Parkway West, on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. SATAN Tracking Antenna (a few steps from this marker); Mars Exploration Rover (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Back On Top (about 300 feet away); Orion (about 400 feet away); Swords Into Plowshares (about 700 feet away); Delta II: By The Numbers (about 700 feet away); Shooting the Moon, Dreaming of Stars (about 800 feet away); The Power of Apollo (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Merritt Island.
Also see . . .
1. Northrop T-38 Talon. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on October 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Website homepage (Submitted on July 12, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2021, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. 4. submitted on October 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
