\n<\/p>\n
After 37 years of successful airborne science missions, NASA\u2019s DC-8 aircraft completed its final mission and returned to the agency\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1.<\/p>\n
The DC-8 and crew were welcomed back with a celebratory water salute by the U.S Air Force Plant 42 Fire Department after completing an air quality study, the Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality, or ASIA-AQ mission. The aircraft is set to retire after concluding operations in May.<\/p>\n
As the largest flying science laboratory in the world, the DC-8 has been used to support the agency\u2019s Airborne Science mission since 1987. This unique aircraft was first acquired by NASA in 1985 and collected data for experiments in support of scientific projects serving the world\u2019s scientific community \u2013 including scientists, researchers, and students from NASA and other federal, state, academic, and foreign institutions.<\/p>\n
The DC-8 will continue its educational legacy as it retires to its new home at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, where it will be used to train future aircraft technicians by providing real-world experience in the college\u2019s Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program.<\/p>\n
For more information about the DC-8 aircraft, visit:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n