Disclaimer: This material is being kept online for historical purposes. Though accurate at the time of publication, it is no longer being updated. The page may contain broken links or outdated information, and parts may not function in current web browsers. Visit https://espo.nasa.gov for information about our current projects.

 

What is DC-8 Flying Laboratory of NASA?

GK Today - NASA has begun conducting marathon research flights across Asia in order to improve air pollution forecasting models. The flights aim to collect detailed data on air pollution sources and behavior to enhance warning systems for the public. Millions of deaths each year are linked to air pollution.

The flights involve NASA’s DC-8 flying laboratory, the world’s largest aircraft designed for airborne science missions. Starting in the Philippines, the DC-8 is flying for up to 8 hours at a time, sometimes as low as 15 meters above the ground, to collect air pollution particles for analysis.

Mission: