The 2025 Aviation Weather Mission brings together Civil Air Patrol cadets (ages 11–20) and senior members across the country to contribute meaningful aviation weather data as part of a national collaboration with NASA Earth Science. Participants record real-time airport conditions, GLOBE Cloud observations, and aircraft details, supporting satellite collocations provided by the NASA GLOBE Clouds team at NASA Langley Research Center. These observations help validate satellite data and provide insights into weather and climate patterns relevant to aviation safety.
Author: Cadet Captain Lily Schaefer, CAP Wisconsin Wing, Stevens Point Composite Squadron
“Layered in cold-weather gear, we stood on the ramp at Central Wisconsin Airport, scanning the sky with the GLOBE app ready. I waited to photograph our first aircraft. When one passed overhead, everything clicked—our training made sense. My teammates tracked the aircraft while I took photos. We used compasses and sextants to find exact positions and recorded data with care. Sometimes it was fast-paced, other times, silent and still. As a cadet Aerospace Education Officer, I truly value missions like this. It’s an amazing feeling to contribute to real science and support NASA as a Civil Air Patrol cadet.”
Author: CAP Utah Wing, St. George Composite Squadron
“With partly cloudy skies and clear visibility, the day began at the historic “Old Airport” in St. George, Utah, next to Dixie Technical College. After the morning safety briefing, cadets and senior members organized into teams to begin field activities. They spent time photographing aircraft and the sky while collecting atmospheric data. This was an excellent exercise that provided valuable experience in observation, documentation, and teamwork; participants enjoyed the hands-on learning and gained a deeper understanding of aviation and weather patterns. Maj Greg Johnson said “...the best thing is the interaction between the seniors and the cadets, all the way through.” Making this mission a perfect success!”
The Cadet Stores were also highlighted in the NASA Aeronautics Monthly STEM Newsletter Issue 48.
Stevens Point Composite Squadron Wisconsin (GLR-WI-183) Cadets tracking planes and gathering data.
