What is the NASA DC-8?

The NASA DC-8 aircraft is an airborne science laboratory.  It is a national treasure that is used by collaborating investigators to promote scientific discovery of our planet.  Missions for the DC-8 are planned by the National Suborbital Education and Research Center (NSERC) at the University of North Dakota.  The aircraft itself is stationed at NASA’s Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility in Palmdale, CA.