Unlocking the Secrets of the Moon to Enhance Earth Observation

In an extraordinary mission conducted in March 2025, NASA's ER-2 aircraft soared under a glowing crescent moon, transforming its high-altitude flight into a state-of-the-art lunar observatory. Based at the Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, this nighttime expedition was part of a groundbreaking Earth science initiative called Airborne Lunar Spectral Irradiance, or air-LUSI.

Precision Technology Meets Celestial Calibration

Armed with a sophisticated spectroradiometer, the air-LUSI instrument captured moonlight across various wavelengths and phases. By analyzing the sunlight that reflects off the Moon's surface, scientists are achieving unparalleled accuracy in calibrating Earth-monitoring satellites.

Kevin Turpie, principal investigator of air-LUSI at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, emphasized the Moon’s role as a beacon of calibration, stating, "With its consistent brightness, the Moon serves as an ideal reference point for satellites, ensuring that we accurately track vital changes in Earth's weather patterns, ecosystems, and oceans."

Elevating Earth Science from the Skies

Flying at altitudes near 70,000 feet, the ER-2 aircraft skimmed above 95% of Earth's atmosphere. This unique vantage point delivers data virtually untouched by atmospheric disturbances, ensuring purity in measurement that is crucial for scientific analysis.

Kelsey Bisson, a NASA scientist deeply involved with the project, remarked, "The air-LUSI measurements of the Moon are the most precise ever recorded. This data not only enhances our understanding of Earth and its climate but also paves the way for innovative satellite calibration that can lead to significant cost savings."

Cutting Costs and Boosting Efficiency

The advanced calibration capabilities offered by air-LUSI decrease the reliance on expensive onboard reference devices typically used on satellites. This advancement not only improves data quality but could also trim down mission costs dramatically.

A Collaborative International Effort

This ambitious project represents a collaborative endeavor between NASA, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the U.S. Geological Survey, and several universities, including McMaster University in Canada. McMaster played a crucial role by developing key hardware for this mission, notably the Autonomous Robotic Telescope Mount Instrument System and the High-Altitude Aircraft Mounted Robotic (HAAMR) telescope mount.

These sophisticated systems enabled precise tracking of the Moon, making their debut aboard the ER-2 during the March campaign. Andrew Gadsden, an associate professor at McMaster who co-investigated the project, noted, "The collaboration between American and Canadian teams has opened up exciting avenues for innovative engineering and scientific discoveries."

A New Era in Airborne Lunar Observation

The successful implementation of the HAAMR system signals a transformative leap in airborne lunar monitoring. With 'the highest accuracy measurements' of lunar light, as described by co-investigator John Woodward IV, NASA is poised to enhance Earth observation systems like never before.