In August 2026 a photograph was released showing NASA's Boeing 777 with a new coat of paint. The image captures the aircraft's first public appearance after the repaint.
NASA acquired the 777 to replace the retired DC-8 and to extend its airborne research capabilities. The DC-8 had been a key platform for scientific missions until its retirement in 2024.
Operations of the newly painted 777 are slated to begin in 2027 from the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. This location will serve as the base for the aircraft's future flights.
The new livery represents a visible step in NASA's fleet modernization effort and highlights the agency's commitment to advancing airborne research.