Update January 30, 2026 - Aircraft Lease to Support NASA’s Spaceflight Imaging Activitiesview on SAM.gov

UPDATE JANUARY 30, 2026: NASA Langley Research Center greatly appreciates the input, advice, and recommendations submitted by industry regarding this potential acquisition. LaRC does not intend to issue a solicitation specifically for this requirement; however, will consider the input received in the future acquisition planning of aircraft resources and availability. This RFI is considered closed. I. INTRODUCTION: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) is hereby soliciting information from potential sources for the lease of two (2) aircraft that will be structurally modified, operated by NASA in support of the Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) team for airborne imaging missions in support of human spaceflight activities, and then returned to the contractor (lessor) upon completion of the performance period. Modifications to the leased aircraft will include, but not be limited to, custom built EO/IR sensor systems integrated within the modified aircraft. NASA's modification and use of the leased aircraft will include aircraft configurations & hardware previously approved for Gulfstream III, IV, and V aircraft currently owned and operated by NASA. The proposed aircraft modifications have received airworthiness certifications from the Western, Central, and Eastern Region Airworthiness Review Boards across the Agency. II. OVERVIEW & BACKGROUND: NASA's Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery (SCIFLI) project provides high-fidelity, multispectral and infrared imagery of aerospace vehicles during critical flight phases such as hypersonic reentry, atmospheric ascent, and parachute deployment. These observations are essential for validating aerothermal models, assessing thermal protection systems, and supporting mission assurance for both NASA and commercial spaceflight programs. To enable these capabilities, SCIFLI relies on airborne platforms that can position advanced imaging systems at precise vantage points under dynamic flight conditions. Aircraft support is critical to mission success, requiring high-altitude performance, payload integration flexibility, and global deployment readiness. NASA is seeking providers with the capability to support NASA's requirements. SCIFLI will deploy multiple platforms along the Artemis II Orion reentry trajectory with scientific camera systems to observe the Orion capsule during entry, descent, and landing in the Pacific Ocean. The total number of aircraft available within the Agency to support the mission is limited. Using a leased aircraft provides a path for enabling backup imaging platforms if NASA or Navy aircraft become unavailable due to maintenance or schedule issues. A dry lease option also has the potential to allow for more cost-effective flight support of future Artemis observations. NASA contemplates an exclusive dry lease of up to two (2) aircraft. The aircraft will be temporarily structurally modified and operated by the G…