NASA Ames Inducts 30 Civil Servants for Artemis Research

Civil servants were sworn in at NASA’s Ames Research Center on Aug. 24, 2026, inside the National Full‑Scale Aerodynamics Complex (NFAC). The 80‑by‑120‑foot test section, N221, served as the backdrop for a photo that included the new hires, guests and senior NASA leaders. The ceremony was the largest of its kind at Ames since the center opened its doors in 1959, and it marked the first time in a decade that the center had hosted a swearing‑in of this scale.

NASA Ames is a key research hub in Silicon Valley, home to cutting‑edge work on hypersonic flight, advanced propulsion and spaceplane concepts. The new civil servants join a growing team that NASA is building to support the next generation of aerodynamics experiments. Funding for the NFAC was recently renewed, and the center’s leadership said the hiring surge reflects a broader strategy to keep pace with industry partners and the Artemis lunar program.

Thirty‑plus new civil servants were sworn in, including scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff. They will work on projects such as the X‑59 Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft, the SpaceX Starship test program and NASA’s high‑speed wind‑tunnel experiments. NASA’s director of Ames praised the ceremony, noting that the new hires will bring fresh expertise to the center’s research agenda. The group also received a tour of the NFAC, where they will soon begin training and hands‑on work.

The new hires will start their assignments next week, beginning with orientation and safety training. They are expected to contribute to upcoming experiments that will test new materials and designs for future spacecraft. NASA says the expanded workforce will help the center meet its research deadlines and maintain its reputation as a leader in aerodynamics. The ceremony also highlighted Ames’ role as a bridge between federal research and the vibrant tech ecosystem of Silicon Valley.