Santa Claus, accompanied by an elf acting as co-pilot, recently took a break from his traditional sleigh ride and hopped into the cockpit of a T-38 jet at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The thrilling event was captured in a video that shows onlookers waving as Santa and his elf soared through the skies.
The T-38 jet, equipped with two engines, is capable of reaching speeds as high as Mach 1.2 and can fly to heights of 50,000 feet. NASA utilizes this aircraft for aerobatic maneuvers, helping astronauts acclimate to the unusual altitudes they encounter during space shuttle missions.
Traditionally, Santa Claus is “tracked” by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a bi-national organization responsible for aerospace warning and control in North America. NORAD’s website states that it is a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada. NORAD Tracks Santa (NTS), a beloved annual event, will be operated from the Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado this year, which has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
More than a thousand volunteers are expected to participate in the event on Christmas Eve. These dedicated individuals will assist in tracking Santa using the same assets employed to ensure the safety of the North American continent, such as jets, radars, and satellites. Despite Santa’s incredible speed, NTS is able to maintain a clear image of his whereabouts at all times.
Military and civilian volunteers will be present at NORAD Tracks Santa operations from 4 a.m. to midnight on Christmas Eve. Notifications regarding Santa’s progress can be accessed through various platforms, including the NTS website and app.
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 when a child dialed an unlisted NORAD phone number mentioned in an advertisement. The child inquired about Santa’s location, prompting a colonel to provide an answer. Since then, NORAD Tracks Santa has grown into a massive operation, spreading joy and excitement during the holiday season.
Overall, Santa’s adventure in the T-38 jet at NASA’s Johnson Space Center serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring possibilities of flight and the enduring magic of Christmas.
