NASA Awards Contract to Modify Boeing 737 for Lunar Gravity Testing

This article is based on an official press release from NASA.

NASA has awarded an $8.4 million contract to Nevada-based Denmar Technical Services to modify a Boeing 737-700 into a dedicated reduced-gravity test aircraft. Announced on June 1, 2026, the acquisition is a critical step in preparing for the agency’s upcoming lunar exploration missions.

According to the official NASA press release, the newly modified aircraft will serve a highly specific and vital role for the Human Spaceflight Mission Directorate. By flying in parabolic arcs to simulate the one-sixth gravity of the Moon, the aircraft will allow engineers and astronauts to test next-generation equipment safely.

“The aircraft will be used to validate astronaut lunar suits and associated crew systems required to support Artemis mission objectives.”

— NASA Press Release

This move marks a strategic shift for the space agency, transitioning away from reliance on commercial zero-gravity flight providers and bringing the capability back in-house to ensure readiness for the planned 2028 Artemis III lunar landing.

Contract Details and Aircraft Modernization

Upgrading the “Vomit Comet” Fleet

The firm-fixed-price contract awarded to Denmar Technical Services carries a maximum potential value of $8.4 million and includes time and material provisions for unforeseen work. The modification project is scheduled to run through February 1, 2027.

Historically, NASA operated its own reduced-gravity aircraft, most notably the KC-135 Stratotanker and the McDonnell Douglas C-9, which earned the affectionate nickname “Vomit Comet” among astronauts. In recent years, the agency retired its dedicated fleet and relied heavily on commercial providers, primarily utilizing an aging Boeing 727-200 operated by the Zero Gravity Corporation. By purchasing and modifying a commercial Boeing 737-700, NASA is upgrading its testing infrastructure to a much more modern, efficient, and easily maintainable airframe.

Once the extensive structural modifications are complete, NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, will officially own the aircraft. Ongoing flight operations will be overseen by the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

The Artemis Connection and Spacesuit Validation

Meeting the 2028 Lunar Landing Goal

The primary objective of the newly modified Boeing 737-700 is to test the next-generation lunar spacesuits currently under development by Axiom Space. Simulating the Moon’s partial gravity is an absolute necessity for evaluating suit mobility, joint flexibility, and life-support systems before astronauts step onto the lunar surface.

The timeline for these validation tests is critical. Following the successful crewed lunar flyby of Artemis II in April 2026, NASA is heavily focused on the Artemis III mission, which targets a human return to the Moon by 2028.

AirPro News analysis

We note that spacesuit development has been a closely watched bottleneck for the Artemis program. An April 2026 report by the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG) cautioned that spacesuit development was behind schedule and might face delays pushing readiness to 2031. However, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has publicly pushed back against the OIG’s estimate, maintaining confidence in the 2028 timeline.

Securing a dedicated, in-house reduced-gravity aircraft appears to be a direct measure to mitigate testing delays and keep the Axiom suit development on track. While the $8.4 million contract is a relatively small financial figure for NASA, it represents a massive, critical-path milestone. Taking ownership of the aircraft ensures the agency has uninterrupted, on-demand access to testing facilities as the 2028 deadline approaches.

About Denmar Technical Services

Specialized Engineering for Parabolic Flight

Modifying a standard commercial airliner to withstand the repeated structural stresses of two-G pullouts and zero-G push-overs, is a highly specialized engineering feat. Denmar Technical Services, an employee-owned small business headquartered in Reno, Nevada, was selected for its deep expertise in this niche field.

Founded in the early 1980s, Denmar specializes in aircraft modifications, flight test operations, and advanced mission system development. The company has a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense, having previously worked on highly specialized, classified radar-testing aircraft such as the Air Force’s NT-43A. Their background in structural analysis and airworthiness certification makes them uniquely suited to ensure the Boeing 737-700 can safely execute parabolic maneuvers for human spaceflight testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reduced-gravity aircraft?

A reduced-gravity aircraft flies in specific wave-like patterns called parabolic arcs. At the top of the arc, passengers and payloads experience a period of weightlessness or partial gravity (such as lunar or Martian gravity) for a short duration, allowing for the testing of equipment in space-like conditions.

Why is NASA buying a Boeing 737-700?

NASA is transitioning from renting time on older, 1970s-era commercial jets to owning a modern Boeing 737-700. This provides the agency with a more reliable, efficient, and easily maintainable aircraft, ensuring on-demand access for critical Artemis testing.

Sources:
NASA Press Release: NASA Awards Modification Contract for Reduced Gravity Test Aircraft