When does NASA’s Airborne Science Program fly?

Aircraft fly multiple times per year depending on the mission.

How High Do NASA’s Aircraft Fly?

0 to 13 miles (21 km) above Earth’s surface

What does NASA’s Airborne Science Program do?

The Airborne Science Program uses different kinds of aircraft to test instruments that might someday fly on satellites. Aircraft also fly to help check that the measurements made by satellites are correct. And sometimes, they take measurements that we cannot get from the ground or space. The instruments on the airplanes collect information about Earth’s atmosphere, sea ice, glaciers and ice sheets, and much more. This information helps to improve our understanding of how systems on Earth are connected.

Learn more about NASA’s Airborne Science Program.