The WB-57 is a high-altitude research aircraft that is owned and operated by the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). The WB-57 has a maximum flight duration of 7 hours, has a maximum altitude of 60,000 ft, and can carry payloads up to 8,800 lbs. The WB-57 has been utilized in several atmospheric and Earth science research missions as well as for testing new airborne and spaceborne instruments.

The WB-57 is a mid-wing, long-range aircraft capable of operation for extended periods of time from sea level to altitudes in excess of 60,000 feet. Three fully operational WB-57 aircraft are based near JSC at Ellington Field. The aircraft have been flying research missions since the early 1970's.

The Airborne Science Program has provided partial funding to support the annual fixed costs of operating the WB-57F aircraft.