NASA kicks off 'NFL Inspiration Tour' with first astronaut jets flyover at Steelers' home opener; more stadium flyovers scheduled through October

NASA's 'NFL Inspiration Tour' kicked off with a groundbreaking flyover at the Pittsburgh Steelers' home opener on Sept. 13, featuring two T-38 jets. "This is the first season NASA is taking part in flyovers at NFL games," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, emphasizing the initiative's goal to inspire the next generation.¹²⁴

The flyover showcased NASA's capabilities, with jets piloted by Brett Pugsley and Christopher Condon, and was staged from Pittsburgh International Airport. "We're returning to the moon, building a Moon Base, advancing fission-powered spacecraft and pushing the boundaries in aeronautics, science and discovery," Isaacman added, highlighting the agency's ambitious goals.

The tour includes additional flyovers at NFL games, starting with the Baltimore Ravens versus New Orleans Saints on Sept. 20, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles versus Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 4, and the New York Jets versus Cleveland Browns on Oct. 11. "Achieving those ambitions will take the very best of America and partnering with the NFL gives us an incredible platform to inspire the next generation to look up and imagine the possibilities," Isaacman stated.³

Historically, NASA has limited its aircraft demonstrations, with notable exceptions for memorial services. The agency aims to engage fans and promote its mission through this unique collaboration with the NFL.