ER2

ER-2 is a high‑altitude research aircraft operated by NASA for Earth science missions. It is a derivative of the Lockheed U‑2 reconnaissance aircraft, adapted for long-duration flights and the mounting of diverse scientific payloads to study the Earth system from near-space altitudes. The designation reflects its role in Earth resources and environmental observation.

Development and design emphasis: The ER‑2 was developed to provide a stable, long-endurance platform capable of carrying remote sensing and atmospheric instruments above most weather and cloud layers. The airframe retains the general configuration of the U‑2, including a single high‑aspect, long wingspan and a single turbojet engine, but incorporates modifications to support scientific payloads, mission flexibility, and operations dedicated to research campaigns. The aircraft is typically flown by a two‑person crew consisting of a pilot and a mission specialist who operates the sensors and data collection equipment.

Capabilities and payloads: ER‑2 missions gather data across a broad range of disciplines, including land surface and vegetation monitoring, ocean color, atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, clouds, and climate variables. Payloads may include imaging spectrometers, lidar, radar, radiometers, and other remote sensing instruments, as well as conventional meteorological and atmospheric sensors. Flights are conducted at high altitudes, often in the range of 60,000 to 70,000 feet, enabling near‑sky‑space observations with relatively stable platforms. Operations are conducted from NASA centers with mission support from multiple research laboratories.

Significance: As a dedicated Earth science platform, the ER‑2 complements satellite missions by providing flexible, high‑resolution airborne data and the ability to test new instruments under operational conditions. It has supported a wide array of climate, biosphere, and atmospheric campaigns over several decades.