The three aircraft will fly a multitude of experiments for researchers from NASA, other government agencies, the academic community and private industry investigators. Many of these missions will be flown from other locations around the country. Photos and video are available. Dryden is collaborating with Antelope Valley College for the tenth annual Women's Conference March 14, furthering NASA's commitment to women and their health. The Center will sponsor a women's health exhibit at the College that details NASA technologies originally developed for the Agency's space and aeronautics programs, which now are improving the health of women around the world.
Turbulent air can be invisible to both the eye and radar.
Using an onboard Infrared Doppler Turbulence Sensor, a laser light beam is sent out ahead of the aircraft's flight path and bounces off the swirling dust particles. Dryden is leading NASA's efforts to develop technologies to detect and avoid clear air turbulence. Graphics are available. NASA could use a Crew Return Vehicle to evacuate crew members to Earth in cases of injury or illness. Also, the six-person vehicle could return the crew to Earth if an orbiter was unavailable or if the Space Station became disabled.