There's a 1950's aircraft design which NASA still uses today in crucial operation for its 21st century spacecraft
Published on Dec 01, 2025 at 7:08 AM (UTC+4)
by Jack Marsh
Last updated on Nov 28, 2025 at 10:08 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Despite having all the technology in the world to play with, the NASA WB-57 is a 1950s aircraft that is still used in crucial operations for the leading aeronautics agency, and one was spotted in California.
NASA has explored more of our galaxy than any other institution on Earth.
With rockets, drones, satellites, and supersonic jets at its disposal, the US government agency is able to crawl through space and time with technology that is unimaginably advanced.
Yet it still uses an aircraft from the 1950s to do important research.
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NASA still uses this 1950s aircraft today
As far as planes go, NASA is up there with the best of the best. It’s Super Guppy is a beastly aircraft that plays a similar role to the popular Airbus Beluga.
Then, the supersonic X-59 is on its way to being the fastest jet in operation, breaking the sound barrier with its piercing looks and cutting-edge aerodynamics.
Yet when it comes to research for Earth observation and mapping, the 1950s NASA WB-57 is still one of its finest aircraft.
The 70-year-old plane operates with 2,300 nautical miles of range and has been operating in America on a frequent basis.
Its role involves exploring high-altitude parts of the world with solar and thermal cameras, given its capability to fly at over 60,000 feet for six hours straight.
As recently as April 2024, it was used to observe the Sun’s corona during a solar eclipse.
WB-57 spotted by YouTuber in California
While the NASA WB-57 planes often operate from NASA’s hub in Houston, YouTube aviation expert Scott Manley showcased one that was spotted in Northern California.
In an upload to his channel, explaining the incredible journeys and missions that the jets have undergone, Manley captured the WB-57 in all of its glory.
“There is something exceptionally cool about seeing the engine start on this thing,” he said.
Thankfully, these planes have no plans to be one of those models that we see in abandoned graveyards.
“I’m mainly glad it’s not going to be another one of those aircraft that’s just sitting on the tarmac rotting away to nothing,” he added.
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Jack Marsh is a journalist who started his media career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Chester. As an avid supercar and racing enthusiast, he has a passion for everything from Formula 1 to NASCAR. Whether it's highlighting the intricacies of McLaren’s anti-dive suspension revelations or recognizing celebrities’ multi-million-dollar rides, he has a keen eye for the faster things in life.
