NASA Armstrong turns 70 Published Sept. 7, 2017 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards is wrapping up its observance of the center’s 70th anniversary this month. The celebration began Sept. 30, 2016. The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' Muroc Flight Test Unit received permanent status from Hugh L. Dryden, the NACA's director of research Sept. 7, 1947. The unit at Muroc on Edwards numbered 27 people at the time with Walt Williams as chief. (NASA photo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res September 7, 1947, was the date the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics’ Muroc Flight Test Unit received permanent status from Dr. Hugh L. Dryden, NACA's newly appointed director of research. The center’s name has changed over the years, but the overall history of the center remains the same and is shown in the above NASA graphic. Click "Dowload Hi-Res" to see the full resolution version and view 70 years of NASA aerospace achievements at Edwards AFB.