Pathfinder 1 flies over San Francisco Bay

May 15, 2025

LTA Research marked a significant step forward in our ongoing flight test program today when Pathfinder 1, our prototype airship, flew outside of the airspace at Moffett Federal Airfield.

Following several weeks of tethered and untethered test flights over the airfield, Pathfinder 1 flew over the San Francisco Bay for the first time, operated by our team of certified airship pilots and flight test engineers. This flight expanded our operational flight testing area and allowed us to evaluate the airship’s performance in open-air conditions beyond the perimeter of Moffett Federal Airfield.

Each phase of our flight test program incrementally builds our understanding of the proof-of-concept vehicle’s behavior in different environments. Flying over the Bay allows the team to gather new data on Pathfinder 1’s responsiveness, stability, and system performance during extended flight.

As we continue testing, each flight brings us closer to realizing the potential of lighter-than-air technology to transform transportation for cargo and passengers.