A dropsonde chute is positioned in the aft portion of the DC-8 cabin.
A dropsonde chute is positioned in the aft portion of the DC-8 cabin. The chute allows scientists to launch dropsondes, small receivers that measure the atmospheric air temperature, humidity, windspeed/direction pressure and GPS location as the instrument falls through the sky. Measurements are transmitted to the aircraft from the time of release until impact with the ocean’s surface.
June 10, 2017
NASA Photo / Kate Squires