NASA Transforms Aircraft into Lunar Observatory

In an extraordinary feat, NASA's ER-2 aircraft took to the skies beneath the glowing March Moon, morphing into a cutting-edge lunar observatory. This mission, dubbed the Airborne Lunar Spectral Irradiance (air-LUSI), flew from the Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, gathering critical data for Earth science.

Harnessing Moonlight for Satellite Calibration

Equipped with advanced spectroradiometers, air-LUSI recorded moonlight across a spectrum of wavelengths. The revelation? By analyzing the Sun's reflected light from the Moon's surface, scientists are achieving unrivaled accuracy in calibrating Earth-monitoring satellites.

Kevin Turpie, the principal investigator of air-LUSI from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, emphasizes the Moon's reliability. "The Moon serves as an absolute reference, allowing satellites to consistently measure Earth's changing environments with unparalleled precision." With its steady brightness, the Moon is the perfect reference point for satellites tracking vital changes in weather, ecosystems, and oceans.

Clarity from Above 95% of the Atmosphere

Flying at an altitude of approximately 70,000 feet, the ER-2 provided a clear view, soaring above the dense layers of Earth’s atmosphere. This altitude allows for measurements that are largely free of atmospheric interference, resulting in data of exceptional clarity.

A Leap Forward in Earth Observation

According to NASA program scientist Kelsey Bisson, the air-LUSI measurements represent the highest accuracy ever linked to lunar observations. Not only do these findings enhance our understanding of Earth and its weather systems, but they also open new avenues for calibrating satellites—leading to potential cost savings.

Collaborative Innovation Across Borders

This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration between NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Canada's McMaster University. McMaster played a key role by developing innovative hardware like the Autonomous Robotic Telescope Mount Instrument System and the High-Altitude Aircraft Mounted Robotic (HAAMR) telescope mount, enabling precise tracking of the Moon during flights.

Engineering Excellence and Future Potential

Andrew Gadsden, associate professor at McMaster and co-investigator on the project, noted the importance of this cross-border collaboration. The integration of the HAAMR system marks a monumental leap in airborne lunar observation. As John Woodward IV, another co-investigator, puts it, "The highest accuracy measurements of lunar light now pave the way for improved Earth observation systems, revolutionizing our approach to understanding our planet."