NASA to Conduct Low-Altitude Atmospheric Research Flights in 2025

NASA is set to conduct a series of low-altitude atmospheric research flights from June 22 to July 2, 2025, in various locations across the Mid-Atlantic and California. The flights will utilize two research aircraft: NASA's P-3 Orion, stationed at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, and the King Air B200, operated by Dynamic Aviation. These missions aim to gather vital atmospheric data as part of the Student Airborne Research Program (SARP).

The P-3 Orion aircraft will perform specialized maneuvers, including vertical spirals and low-altitude flybys, at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 10,000 feet. These flights will be conducted over urban environments, power plants, and landfills, focusing on collecting air samples close to the Earth's surface. The East Coast flights will occur primarily around Baltimore and Philadelphia, while California flights will target the Los Angeles Basin, Salton Sea, and Central Valley.

According to Brian Bernth, Chief of Flight Operations at NASA Wallops, "The SARP flights have become mainstays of NASA’s Airborne Science Program, exposing highly competitive STEM students to real-world data gathering within a dynamic flight environment." He emphasized the importance of precise coordination in executing these complex missions safely.

SARP is an eight-week summer internship program designed to immerse undergraduate students in scientific research. Participants will gain hands-on experience operating scientific instruments aboard the aircraft, contributing to data collection that informs our understanding of atmospheric conditions.

The P-3 Orion, a four-engine turboprop aircraft, will be outfitted with a six-instrument science payload, allowing for a total of approximately 40 hours of scientific flights on both coasts. The King Air B200 will operate concurrently, following an independent flight profile to maximize data collection opportunities.

NASA’s atmospheric research initiatives are crucial for understanding climate change and its impacts. The data gathered during these flights will support ongoing scientific investigations and contribute to the broader field of atmospheric science.

By engaging students in this research, NASA not only fosters the next generation of scientists and engineers but also enhances public understanding of the critical issues pertaining to our atmosphere. For further details about the Student Airborne Research Program, interested individuals can visit NASA's official website.