NASA Ames Research Center: Exploring the Frontiers of Innovation

NASA Ames Research Center, located at Moffett Federal Airfield in Mountain View, California, is a leading NASA research center with a rich history of innovation and discovery. Established in 1939 as the second laboratory of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), it has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of aeronautics, space exploration, and information technology. The center was named in honor of Joseph Sweetman Ames, a physicist and one of the founding members of NACA. From its early days conducting wind-tunnel research on aircraft aerodynamics, Ames has evolved into a multidisciplinary research hub, contributing to virtually every major NASA mission. Its expertise spans astrobiology, small satellites, robotic lunar exploration, the search for habitable planets, supercomputing, intelligent systems, advanced thermal protection, planetary science, and airborne astronomy. Ames also develops tools for a safer, more efficient national airspace. Throughout its history, Ames has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research and technological advancements. During the early space race, Ames played a crucial role in testing and refining the re-entry capsules and thermal protection systems for the Apollo program. Researchers at Ames were also among the first to inspect lunar samples and search for signs of life upon their return to Earth. The center's contributions extend beyond space exploration. Ames has developed cutting-edge wind tunnels, including the world's largest, which have been used to test nearly every major commercial transport and military jet built in the United States over the last 40 years. These facilities have also played a vital role in the development of spacecraft, including the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo capsules, as well as the Space Shuttle. Today, NASA Ames continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technological innovation. The center is actively involved in a wide range of missions, including the Kepler Space Telescope, which has discovered thousands of exoplanets, and the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), which studies the universe from a high-altitude aircraft. Ames is also a major contributor to the Orion crew exploration vehicle, which aims to send humans to Mars and beyond. While public tours of the main research facilities are not offered, visitors can still experience the wonders of NASA Ames at the Ames Exploration Center and the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum. The Ames Exploration Center features interactive exhibits about NASA technology, missions, and space exploration. Visitors can see a Moon rock, meteorite, and other geologic samples, and watch movies with footage from NASA's explorations of Mars and the planets. The Moffett Field Historical Society Museum showcases the history of Moffett Field and its role in aviation and space exploration. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, NASA Ames is surrounded by a vibrant community of technology companies and research institutions. The center's proximity to these organizations fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a hub of scientific and technological advancement. A visit to NASA Ames Research Center offers a unique opportunity to learn about the past, present, and future of space exploration. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the universe, you'll find something to inspire and amaze you at this iconic research center. While the NASA Ames Visitor Center was previously located near the main gate, it has since moved to the Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland, California. This new location offers an expanded visitor experience with access to over 80 years of Ames history and a look into current and future projects. Exhibits include models of spacecraft, genuine spacesuits from early missions, and artifacts related to the Artemis missions. The Ames Gift Shop is still located near the main gate of the research center and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday.