Category: Outreach

On March 14, 2025, the SFBAC welcomed a fourth-grade class from Ross Valley to NASA Ames Research Center. The students got the chance to visit the Astrobee Laboratory, the ACT Lab, the Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS), and the National Full-scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). The Astrobee Laboratory introduces students to robotics and the usage of air-propellor systems in a microgravity environment. At the ACT lab, students got the chance to pilot an eVTOL in a flight simulator before heading over to the VMS where ACT Lab flight simulations are integrated into the world’s largest vertical motion simulator for 6 degree of freedom aircraft controls flight simulations. Finally, at the NFAC, students got to walk through the world’s largest wind tunnel where multiple rotorcraft have been tested.

The SFBAC hosted the Girls Who Code club of Rocklin and provided a tour of NASA Ames facilities. The tour included and two facilities that pave the way for vertical flight development.

NFAC has been instrumental to the development of rotorcraft with full scale testing. As rotorcraft continue to evolve, FutureFlight Central will help manage UAM traffic with ATC simulations.

On March 15, 2024, SFBAC hosted a field trip for a 4^th grade class from Manor Elementary School to NASA Ames Research Center. The class toured the National Fullscale Aerodynamic Complex, Future Flight Central, and participated in an engaging session with NASA engineers learning about aerospace engineering.

On March 22 and 29, 2024, SFBAC VFS sponsored a field trip for two 5^th grade classes from Stevenson Elementary School to NASA Ames Research Center. The classes toured the National Fullscale Aerodynamic Complex, Future Flight Central, Vertical Motion Simulator, VIPER lunar rover lab, and participated in a Q & A session with NASA engineers.

Earlier in February of this year, VFS members also visited the school to give a presentation and conduct a hands-on activity session on the topic of aerospace engineering and Mars exploration, with a focus on the Mars Helicopter.

VFS sponsored Manor School from the Ross Valley School district for a field trip to visit Ames. The 3^rd grade class made a stop by the NASA meatball for a photo op, visited the 80 x 120 Ft Wind Tunnel, and got a tour of Future Flight Central. At the end of the day, we encourage students to keep learning, be curious, and set their eyes on the stars and aim high!