08/19/2026
"As a child, I didn’t have a single defining moment where aviation ‘clicked’ for me. Instead, my spark came from a constant curiosity I loved taking things apart just to understand how they worked. I wasn’t particularly disciplined in school, but thanks to parents who were deeply involved, I learned to follow through and finish what I started.
That curiosity carried me to Syracuse University for a mechanical engineering degree, and then to NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where I began a career that allowed my interest in aviation to evolve into true passion. Outside of work, that fascination led me to remote‑control aircraft and high‑power model rocketry, hands‑on outlets that kept me connected to the joy of flight.
Today, I’m the propulsion lead for the X‑59 program, contributing to an aircraft that represents the future of aeronautics innovation. My spark wasn’t a moment it was a lifelong path of curiosity, support, and the excitement of discovering how things fly."
— Ray Castner, NASA Propulsion Lead, Quesst Mission
✨ What sparked your love of aviation?
Celebrate by sharing your ! Post a photo that captures your Flight Spark, a photo of where that journey has taken you today, and a short caption.
