NASA's Langley Research Center (LaRC), established in 1917, is the agency's first field center and a cornerstone of U.S. aerospace research. Located in Hampton, Virginia, LaRC spans 764 acres and houses nearly 200 facilities, employing approximately 3,400 civil servants and contractors. The center's mission encompasses aeronautics, atmospheric science, and space exploration, with a significant focus on advancing aviation technologies, understanding Earth's atmosphere, and developing space systems. Langley operates over 40 wind tunnels and various laboratories, including the Langley Aerothermodynamics Laboratory, to conduct cutting-edge research in aerodynamics and aeroheating. Additionally, the center plays a pivotal role in planetary science, atmospheric composition, and lidar remote sensing, supporting NASA's broader mission objectives.