NASA’s new 777-200ER will make a commanding appearance over the historic Shuttle Landing Facility. Acquired to succeed NASA’s legendary DC-8, the widebody airliner has been transformed into the largest airborne research laboratory in NASA’s fleet, equipped with specialized instrument ports, enlarged sensor windows, research stations and advanced data systems that allow scientists to study Earth from the sky. In early 2027, the aircraft will embark on its first-ever NASA science mission, NURTURE, ranging across the North Atlantic, Arctic and North America to investigate the atmospheric processes that drive extreme winter weather and help improve weather forecasting. Before that mission begins, guests at Salute to America in Space 250 will have the rare opportunity to see NASA’s next-generation flying laboratory take to the skies over Kennedy Space Center.
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