NASA Seeks Air Cargo Services for Airborne Science Mission in Panama

NASA needs specialized air cargo services to support its upcoming SABRE airborne science campaign. SABRE stands for Stratospheric Aerosols Processes, Budget and Radiative Effects. The mission, managed by the Ames Research Center’s Earth Science Project Office, requires the complex coordination of heavy scientific instrumentation and aircraft support equipment between the United States and Panama.

The SABRE campaign is designed to address pressing questions regarding how aerosols in the stratosphere affect the Earth's climate. Aerosols can have complex effects on radiative forcing—the balance of incoming solar radiation versus outgoing thermal radiation—by scattering sunlight or absorbing energy.

By flying the WB-57F, a specialized aircraft capable of reaching altitudes up to 60,000 feet, NASA researchers can directly sample the air in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. These measurements are essential for validating atmospheric models, which are used to predict the future impacts of climate change. The instruments transported on the requested charter flight are the "eyes" of the mission; without them, the WB-57F would be unable to provide the high-fidelity data required to meet the SABRE project’s climate research objectives.

To facilitate this study, NASA intends to deploy its high-altitude WB-57F research aircraft to Panama City, utilizing Tocumen International Airport as its operational base.

A Complex Logistical Undertaking

The scale of the SABRE deployment necessitates transporting massive amounts of specialized gear. NASA estimates a maximum payload of 45,000 kilograms, consisting of sensitive scientific instruments, aircraft spare parts, ground support equipment, and general campaign supplies. Because the mission involves high-altitude research platforms, the cargo manifest also includes hazardous materials, such as compressed gases, which are essential for calibrating scientific sensors at extreme altitudes.

To move this equipment, NASA requires a dedicated main-deck air cargo charter. The agency has specified that the chosen carrier must have a Boeing 767-300 BDSF or equivalent aircraft available. The aircraft must be capable of accommodating eleven ISU-90 containers on 463L pallet bases. These containers, standard in military and large-scale government logistics, are designed for rapid, secure loading through main-deck cargo doors.

According to a solicitation document released Tuesday, the charter flight must be meticulously synchronized with the WB-57F aircraft's deployment to ensure the scientific team has access to their equipment immediately upon arrival in Panama.

The Operational Timeline

NASA expects to award the cargo charter contract on or about Aug. 7. This leaves a 14-day window for the chosen contractor to finalize logistics, complete dangerous goods documentation, and coordinate export-control clearances.

The onload phase at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is scheduled for August 20 or 21. Following the outbound flight, the contractor will be responsible for a return movement from Panama City to Houston, currently estimated to occur approximately six weeks after the initial deployment. The entire period of performance is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 30.

While the contractor is responsible for the flight, fuel, maintenance, and airport fees, NASA remains tasked with the preparation of all cargo documentation, including Air Waybill data and Shipper’s Declarations for Dangerous Goods. Furthermore, the agency is responsible for the initial transport of the equipment to Houston, with the contractor’s responsibility beginning upon receipt at the terminal.