In 2007, a Space Act Agreement between NASA Ames Research Center and H211, LLC began a relationship that ultimately led to the formation of the Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) Project. atmospheric measurement flights began in 2011 and AJAX is currently performing regular missions to measure ozone and greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) over California and Nevada.

The crew prepares for take off of an AJAX flight
from NASA Ames Research Center

Unlike most atmospheric airborne research missions, NASA's flexible relationship with the aircraft provider allows Ames Research Center to collect data on a regular basis over multiple seasons, which will complement surface and tower-based observations collected elsewhere in the region. It also allows AJAX to provide validation data for satellite sensors over months and years, to help assess the sensor health and calibration over its lifetime.

AJAX supports NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO-2) Science Team and is developing collaborations with the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The AJAX project provides hands-on training for Ames personnel in the areas of instrument development, systems engineering, science mission development, and project management.