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NASA launches INSPYRE mission to study wildfire storms

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. NASA researchers launched the INSPYRE mission to study wildfire-generated thunderstorms.
The 2026 Oregon wildfire season burned nearly 2.5 million acres, a state record.
NASA flew a Gulfstream V and an ER-2 over Akawa Butte and Widemouth 2 fires.
Gulfstream V sampled plume tops at 35,000 feet, showing storms reaching eight miles high.
Researchers recorded 13 pyroCbs in the U.S. in 2026 and estimate smoke may supply up to 25 % of stratospheric aerosols.

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Story summary

U.S. NASA researchers launched the INSPYRE mission to study wildfire-generated thunderstorms.
The 2026 Oregon wildfire season burned nearly 2.5 million acres, a state record.
NASA flew a Gulfstream V and an ER-2 over Akawa Butte and Widemouth 2 fires.
Gulfstream V sampled plume tops at 35,000 feet, showing storms reaching eight miles high.
Researchers recorded 13 pyroCbs in the U.S. in 2026 and estimate smoke may supply up to 25 % of stratospheric aerosols.