The Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) is a summer internship program for rising-senior undergraduates. With access to one or more NASA Airborne Science Program flying science laboratories, students acquire hands-on research experience in all aspects of a scientific campaign.

The NASA Airborne Science Program maintains a fleet of aircraft used for studying Earth system processes, calibration/validation of space-borne observations, and prototyping instruments for possible satellite missions. SARP participants assist in the operation of instruments onboard one of these aircraft to sample atmospheric gases and/or to image land and water surfaces in multiple spectral bands.

Research areas include atmospheric chemistry, air quality, forest ecology, and ocean biology. Along with airborne data collection, students will participate in taking measurements at field sites. The program culminates with students presenting results of their research conclusions.