NASA has issued a contracting notice to explore replacements for its T-38 Talon jets, which have supported astronaut training for decades. The agency operates 25 T-38N variants—upgraded with modern avionics—at the Johnson Space Center, but aging aircraft and Air Force retirement plans demand a transition. The USAF will retire its T-38 fleet by 2035, complicating sustainment efforts for NASA’s Spaceflight Readiness Training (SFRT) program.
The Johnson Space Center is soliciting information on high-performance jet trainers with features like self-starting engines, modern avionics, and dual-seat configurations. NASA wants to conduct a limited evaluation program using a small number of aircraft over several years, with options including lease or lease-to-own arrangements. The agency will handle flight operations but expects contractors to manage maintenance.
Potential candidates include the KAI T-50 or aircraft from private training providers like Draken International, owned by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Delays in the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk program—now targeting 2027 for initial operations—further complicate NASA’s timeline. The Artemis IV mission’s 2028 lunar landing could increase training demands, making a successor to the T-38 a priority.
