Former F-22A Raptor test pilot Lt. Col. James Dutton has entered the ranks of space pilots, graduating from NASA’s astronaut training course last month. During his two years with the 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., Dutton racked up more than 350 flight hours in the Raptor—which should prove a benefit in his new line of work. “I think that experience is going to be invaluable in terms of developing a new vehicle, understanding what a moderate cockpit is capable of and adapting that to a space mission,” Dutton said. Dutton’s first assignment with NASA is working on the development of the crew exploration vehicle cockpit, the vehicle that is slated to replace the space shuttle fleet.
Celebrating 100 Years of Liquid-Fueled Rockets
March 11, 2026
March 16, 2026, marks 100 years since Dr. Robert H. Goddard launched the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Over the past century, new and ever more capable liquid-fueled rockets have literally propelled humanity into space. Why liquid-fueled rockets?