NURB (NASA's Unmanned Research Balloon)

NURB (NASA's Unmanned Research Balloon) is a high-altitude scientific platform used for atmospheric research. It consists of a large, unmanned balloon that can carry instruments and sensors to study weather, climate, and atmospheric processes at altitudes often exceeding 30 kilometers (about 20 miles). NURB enables scientists to collect valuable data on atmospheric composition, radiation, ozone levels, and other environmental factors without risking human life. Its design allows for extended, stable flights, providing a cost-effective and flexible way to understand the Earth's upper atmosphere and support climate and weather modeling efforts.