Flying high aboard NASA’s ER-2, the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) uses over 224 sensors to identify, measure, and monitor natural features of the Earth's surface and atmosphere based on reflective light from the sun. The instrument was recently used for the Hyperspectral InfraRed Imager (HyspIRI) airborne preparatory mission, which focused on observing coral reef health and volcano emissions and eruptions around the Hawaiian Islands. Data from this mission will help dev

48K views · 2.8K reactions | Astronaut Terry Virts describes what it’s like to finish up a long-duration mission on the International Space Station and return to Earth after six months on orbit. Virts returned to Earth a year ago after commanding Expedition 43. | International Space Station | Facebook