TEST FLIGHT #1
The first test flight of the NASA ATom project is currently underway! With lots of training of new operators going on, I am on the ground watching the feed from the aircraft.
The DC-8 aircraft was moved ouside of the hanger at Armstrong Flight Research Center at 7 am this morning. The seering desert heat caused some instruments to overheat during the three hours before take off. But the aircraft cooled down rapidly as it went up in altitude and all were sampling within the first hour.
I am anxiously awaiting the return of the aircraft just to see how everything went. Then I have to analyse all the data and submit it to the archive within 24 hours. Having all the data submitted by then will help the lead scientists to ensure all the instruments are working as expected and that the science questions can be addressed.
On another note, these stylish bikes are the favoured way for the DC-8 crew to get around the huge hangers.
