The DC-8 aircraft went back to NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1, 2024, after completing its last mission supporting Airborne and Satellite Investigation of Asian Air Quality (ASIA-AQ). The airplane and crew were invited back with a celebratory water salute by the U.S. Air Force Plant 42 Fire Department. Credit: NASA/Steve FreemanNASAs DC-8 concluded its final objective after 37 years, retiring to assist in educational training at Idaho State University.After 37 years of successful airborne science objectives, NASAs DC-8 aircraft finished its last mission and returned to the companys Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703 in Palmdale, California, on April 1. The DC-8 and team 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.A Legacy of Scientific ContributionsAs the biggest flying science laboratory worldwide, the DC-8 has been used to support the firms Airborne Science objective given that 1987. This unique aircraft was first acquired by NASA in 1985 and collected data for experiments in support of clinical projects serving the worlds scientific community– consisting of researchers, scientists, and students from NASA and other federal, state, scholastic, and foreign institutions.Transition to an Educational RoleThe DC-8 will continue its educational legacy as it retires to its brand-new home at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, where it will be utilized to train future airplane service technicians by offering real-world experience in the colleges Aircraft Maintenance Technology Program.
