Eco Factor: NASA converts unmanned airplanes into climate scouts.
With an ability to stay in the air for more than a day and an operating range of 3400 miles, two Northrop Grumman RQ-4 UAVs have been handed over to NASA for a new assignment. NASA has transformed these UAVs from warplanes to environmental scouts and they will be used for environmental research flights.
The specially outfitted aircrafts will verify the measurements of atmospheric gases that are recorded by its AURA satellite that continuously monitors the planet. Since satellites cannot be brought down to check for any damage, the measurements they record have to be verified using trusted machines to ensure that they’re correct. The first scientific flight of the modified UAVs will take place in January.
Via: Treehugger
