NASA’s largest research aircraft can carry 75,000 pounds of science gear at 43,000 feet

NASA has received back a heavily modified Boeing 777 to serve as its new long-range airborne science lab.

The aircraft replaces the retired DC-8 and can fly up to 18 hours while carrying 75,000 pounds of instruments and 100 researchers.

NASA says the larger platform will improve atmospheric and Earth-system data collection for climate and severe-weather studies.

The plane is expected to support missions like NURTURE in 2027, using tools such as lidar and infrared spectrometers.