NASA made history on Sunday by conducting its first-ever flyover at an NFL game, sending two supersonic T-38 Talon jets over Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium before the Steelers' matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The flyover, featuring aircraft used by Artemis astronauts for training, drew an enthusiastic response from fans.
This event marks a significant step in NASA's efforts to increase its public profile. "People should not be surprised in a few years if somebody drops a "yinz" from the surface of the moon, because they're everywhere," noted Anthony Vareha, a NASA flight director and Pittsburgh-area native, referencing the local colloquialism for a proud western Pennsylvanian. Vareha explained that the training for astronauts mirrors the precision required in other fields, stating, "Like a spacecraft, you have to get it right."
The flyover is part of a broader public relations strategy. "We want to get out and engage with the public," said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. This initiative comes as the federal government continues to invest billions in contracts with private space companies like SpaceX, while Congress has resisted budget cuts proposed by the White House. Isaacman stated that NASA is "trying to do a lot of things differently right now" in terms of outreach.
NASA has scheduled three additional flyovers at NFL games this season: September 20 in Baltimore, October 4 in Philadelphia, and October 11 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. These events aim to showcase NASA's diverse fleet of aircraft, which are utilized for high-speed testing, high-altitude research, and astronaut training. Regularly flying these aircraft helps maintain their operational status and publicly demonstrates technologies that could be integrated into future commercial air travel.
"This is the first season NASA is taking part in flyovers at NFL games, bringing the excitement of America's space program directly to fans across the country," Isaacman added. "We're returning to the Moon, building a Moon Base, advancing fission-powered spacecraft, and pushing the boundaries in aeronautics, science, and discovery. 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."
Other NFL teams also featured military flyovers during opening Sunday games, including Army National Guard helicopters over Nashville and a civilian flight team over Cincinnati. However, NASA's participation in Pittsburgh marked a unique moment in sports and space program collaboration.