NASA SARP students launch ozonesondes in airborne field research

Forty-eight undergraduate students concluded NASA's Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) summer session on July 27, 2026, gaining hands-on experience in Earth system science through airborne field research. The eight-week program, which included atmospheric, oceanic, terrestrial ecology, and hydrology disciplines, culminated with students presenting their individual research projects.

A dozen students in the atmospheric group released ozonesondes—scientific balloons that measure ozone concentrations—from the Texas Gulf Coast, guided by instrument scientists, university professors, and graduate students. The students chemically treated instrument cells, managed balloon inflation, and monitored data as the balloons ascended. Five science aircraft supported the program: NASA's Gulfstream G-III, GV, and C-20A, Dynamic Aviation's B200, and a P-III from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

According to Yaitza Luna-Cruz, program manager for NASA's Early Career Research Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington, the program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore careers in Earth system science. Joelle Hopkins, SARP project manager at NASA Headquarters, highlighted the passion of the mentors and the program's role in building the next generation of scientists.

After the first two weeks in Houston, the cohort split, with half traveling to California and half to Virginia to continue their research. Students participated in all aspects of a scientific campaign, from data collection and analysis to attending lectures and joining research flights, cross-checking their measurements with NASA satellite missions when possible.

Marin Stevens, a chemistry student from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, described the experience as "way beyond what I would have expected" after releasing an ozonesonde. The program is designed as a steppingstone into field research or other STEM careers, enhancing classroom learning with practical field experience.

For more information, visit NASA's Airborne Science Program at https://airbornescience.nasa.gov/. The article was written by Erica McNamee at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and last updated on July 30, 2026.