# In 2022, NASA acquired 777 to succeed its retired DC-8 aircraft.

*aerospace · news · 2026-04-24 · Interesting Engineering*

## Key points

- NASA's Boeing 777 will replace the retired DC-8 as its largest airborne science laboratory.
- The 777 underwent heavy structural modifications, including new observation viewports and sensor portals.
- It can carry 75,000 pounds of equipment, host 100 researchers, and fly nonstop for 18 hours.
- Its first major mission is NURTURE in 2027, targeting winter storms and polar atmospheric phenomena.

**Companies:** L3Harris Technologies
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Interesting Engineering](https://interestingengineering.com/science/nasas-largest-research-aircraft-777)

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