Key facts
- NASA has applied a new Artemis-themed livery to one of its T-38 astronaut training jets.
- The design includes the Artemis program logo and a depiction of the Moon.
- The jet, N924NA, features a black and white paint scheme with blue and red stripes.
- The T-38 has been used by NASA for astronaut training since 1962.
- Another T-38 is planned to receive a similar Artemis livery.
NASA has introduced a new livery for one of its T-38 Talon supersonic trainer jets, celebrating the Artemis program's return to the Moon. The jet, designated N924NA, now features a black and white paint scheme with blue and red stripes, along with the Artemis program logo and a depiction of the Moon on its fuselage. Sean Brady, the T-38 project pilot, proposed and designed the livery to better connect the T-38's training role with NASA's lunar missions.
The T-38, which NASA has operated since 1962, is used to familiarize new astronauts with high-stress environments and maintain pilot proficiency. Johnson Space Center operates a fleet of 14 T-38s, most of which bear the traditional blue stripe livery. The Artemis jet was selected for the new paint scheme as it was next in line for routine repainting.
Artemis III mission specialist Andre Douglas expressed enthusiasm for the new look, sharing a photo of himself and instructor pilot Andre Price with the aircraft. The Artemis III mission, targeted for no earlier than June 2027, aims to test rendezvous and docking techniques in Earth orbit, potentially paving the way for a lunar landing by Artemis IV as early as 2028. NASA's long-term goal includes establishing a Moon base to mine water ice and prepare for Mars surface operations.
Brady's initiative aims to bridge the communication gap between the public's understanding of T-38 training and its relevance to spaceflight. He revealed plans to roll out another T-38 with a similar Artemis livery, with potential design ideas including gold and silver accents and a depiction of the Moon's far side. Other NASA aircraft have also received new paint schemes recently, including a Boeing 777 and a Boeing 737, while several aircraft, including most T-38s, were updated with a logo for the United States' 250-year anniversary.
The Artemis livery marks the fifth design change for NASA's T-38 trainers since their introduction. The aircraft initially featured a mostly white fuselage, earning the nickname "white rocket." Subsequent livery changes included the introduction of the "worm" logo in 1976, the "meatball" insignia in 1992, and a return to the "meatball" with the "worm" logo reappearing on the tail in 2023.