NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman named Troy Asher director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Asher has served as acting director since March.
Asher is a veteran test pilot and aerospace engineer who spent 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He joined NASA in 2008 as a research test pilot and aerospace engineer. During his NASA career, he conducted flight research aboard the F-15, F/A-18, Gulfstream III, and X-56A unmanned aircraft system. He served as lead test pilot for the development of NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) and flew scientific research missions aboard the DC-8 aircraft.
In his Air Force service, Asher set 25 world speed records flying the B-1B bomber in 2003. He also served as instructor at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base and commander of the 419th Flight Test Squadron.
Asher holds a bachelor's degree in astronautical engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from California State University, Fresno.
As director, Asher oversees Armstrong's workforce and operations. The center serves as NASA's Flight Test and Aircraft Operations Center of Excellence, focusing on flight research, aircraft operations, and development of aviation technologies. Armstrong also supports airborne science missions and flight research across the agency.
Asher replaces Bradley Flick, who retired in March after nearly 40 years of NASA service.