NASA’s New ‘Vomit Comet’ Has a Secretive Air Force Past

Key Points:

• NASA has acquired a former U.S. Air Force Boeing 737-700, previously registered as N712JM, and re-registered it as N837NA to serve as a new reduced-gravity research aircraft supporting the Artemis lunar program.
• The aircraft will conduct parabolic flights simulating lunar gravity to test astronaut spacesuits and crew systems, enabling evaluation of mobility and performance in one-sixth Earth gravity conditions.
• Originally delivered in 2013, the Boeing 737-700 underwent extensive classified modifications as a U.S. Air Force flying testbed, with its exact military testing role undisclosed; NASA took ownership in June 2026.
• The new registration N837NA has historical significance, previously assigned to a highly modified NASA NF-15B research aircraft used in advanced flight control programs before retiring in 2009.
• Modifications for NASA’s mission are ongoing, with work managed by Denmar Technical Services, and flights expected to support Artemis program goals by enabling systems-integration research and autonomy testing.