Over the decades, these aircraft have pushed the boundaries of what humans can do in the air.

An earlier version of this story was published on January 21, 2022.

News from the future, delivered to your present.

Eight experimental aircraft tested by NASA (one of which has made our list—can you guess which?).

Eight experimental aircraft tested by NASA (one of which has made our list—can you guess which?).Photo:NASA / Tony Landis

NASA’s SpaceX Crew 9 members inside the International Space Station.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 members pose together for a portrait inside the vestibule between the International Space Station and the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft. Clockwise from left, are NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, Boeing’s Crew Flight Test Commander and Pilot respectively, inspect safety hardware aboard the International Space Station.

Boeing Starliner Undocking Iss

Nasa Astronauts Williams Wilmore

Eufysolocam

Alicia Witt in Urban Legend

Hp14

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Metaquest3s

Sharks

Animaid The Art Of Animation

Mon Mothma Genevieve O’reilly Tony Gilroy Andor Lucasfilm

Eufysolocam

Alicia Witt in Urban Legend

Hp14

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media during a guided tour of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts before leading a board meeting on March 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

An image of a small disposable vape with a green case and mouth piece and visible oil in a clear container.

An image of a hand holding a black vape with a vibrant blue chamber where you can faintly see a laser.

Framework 13 Laptop 1 Hero

Samsung Odyssey 3d 6