NASA Administrator to Pilot Fighter Jet at Alabama Game

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will pilot one of three F-5 fighter jets over Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday during the University of Alabama vs. Texas A&M football game. It's not every day the nation's top space official flies a military jet over 100,000 cheering fans.

The flyover kicks off during the national anthem on October 24 in Tuscaloosa. Isaacman and his team are showcasing how NASA continues pushing the boundaries of aviation technology, from fighter jets to spacecraft.

But the real excitement happens on the ground. NASA is setting up a free Experience Zone on Champions Lane from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and you don't need a game ticket to attend.

Families can explore a massive inflatable Space Launch System rocket and see displays of the spacecraft that will carry astronauts back to the Moon. NASA team members will be there to answer questions about everything from rocket science to how students can land internships with the space agency.

The Experience Zone offers photo ops with NASA exhibits and hands-on learning about the Artemis campaign. Kids and adults alike can discover what it takes to explore deep space and how Alabama's own Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville plays a crucial role in those missions.

This Alabama stop is part of NASA's Inspiration Tour, a cross-country journey connecting the agency with communities nationwide. The tour brings together students, industry partners, and space enthusiasts to celebrate American innovation in flight and exploration.

The Ripple Effect

The tour culminates November 7-8 with MAX POWER, a major public celebration at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Timed with America's 250th anniversary, the family-friendly event will showcase next-generation aircraft, spacecraft, and autonomous vehicles shaping the future of transportation.

By bringing space exploration directly to college campuses and communities, NASA is inspiring the next generation of engineers, pilots, and scientists. These young people will design the rockets and aircraft of tomorrow.

Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious about what NASA does beyond launching rockets, Saturday's event offers a rare chance to connect with the people making it happen.