A total solar eclipse isn't just a spectacular sight to witness for those lucky enough to lie in the path of totality (or travel to it, as many dedicated skywatchers do). As such, NASA plans to take full advantage of the opportunity for the upcoming total solar eclipse happening on Aug 12. The space agency's WB-57 high-altitude research jet will chase the moon's shadow across the globe, which will extend the agency's ability to capture data from the eclipse. NASA's WB-57 jet. The same cameras will fly on a NASA WB-57 jet again during the Aug. 12 eclipse.