The iconic T-38 jets flown by astronauts just got a spiffy new look
NASA has unveiled a new Artemis-themed paint scheme on one of its T-38 astronaut training jets, replacing the long-familiar blue-stripe appearance with black and white panels, red and blue stripes, Artemis branding and Moon imagery. The redesign is intended to make the aircraft’s role in preparing astronauts for lunar missions more visible, even though the jet itself does not fly in space.
The Northrop T-38 Talon has supported NASA since 1962 and is used to build astronauts’ skills in demanding flight environments; Johnson Space Center operates 14 active jets, with only tail number N924NA currently carrying the new design. NASA chose it simply because it was due for repainting, but plans a second Artemis-liveried T-38. Artemis III is targeted for no earlier than June 2027, while a Moon landing could follow with Artemis IV as early as 2028.
- NASA gave a T-38 trainer a new Artemis-inspired livery.
- The jet supports astronaut training, not spaceflight.
- A second Artemis-painted T-38 is planned.
New here? Start with this
NASA’s Artemis programme is a series of missions intended to return astronauts to the Moon and support future exploration there. The T-38 Talon is a high-performance training jet that NASA has used since 1962 to help astronauts practise handling demanding flights; it does not travel into space.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center operates 14 of these jets. Their familiar blue-striped look is being replaced on selected aircraft with paint inspired by Artemis, making the link between flight training and lunar missions more visible.