The NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is an American scientific research center that specializes in aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering and materials science. It is located in Hampton, Virginia, United States. LaRC has played a pivotal role in the history of both manned and unmanned flight, developing such groundbreaking technologies as the Apollo Lunar Module and Ranger spacecraft. The center also conducts important research into atmospheric sciences, climate change and Earth science.
Founded in 1917 as the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) Laboratory for Aerodynamics, LaRC was one of the original five laboratories created by the NACA. The other four were located at Ames Research Center (now part of NASA’s Ames Research Center), Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory (now part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (operated by Caltech under a contract with NASA) and Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory (now part of NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center). LaRC initially focused on solving problems related to aircraft flutter – a dangerous oscillation that can occur during flight. Over time, the scope of LaRC’s work expanded to include all aspects of aircraft design and performance. During World War II, LaRC conducted important research into aircraft propulsion systems and aerodynamic drag reduction. In addition to its work on military aircraft, LaRC also became involved in developing new civilian aviation technologies.
In 1958, NACA was dissolved and replaced by two new agencies: the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As a result of this reorganization, LaRC became part of NASA. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, LaRC made major contributions to the development of supersonic transport aircraft; however, funding cuts in the 1980s led to a shift in focus towards supporting existing programs such as space shuttle operations and atmospheric science research. In recent years,LaRC has been working on several cutting-edge projects such as microgravity research & 3D printing technology for future missions!