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The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Universities Space Research Association (USRA) was awarded the prime contract by NASA in 1996 for development and operation of the observatory.
SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP airliner modified to carry a 2.5 meter diameter reflecting telescope for infrared astronomy observations at altitudes of about 41,000 feet (~12 km) in the stratosphere. Its flight capability will allow it to rise above almost all of the water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere (allowing observations at some infrared wavelengths which are blocked by the atmosphere before reaching ground-based facilities), as well as travel to almost any point on the earth's surface for observations. The telescope looks out of a large door in the side of the fuselage near the airplane's tail, and will initially carry nine instruments for infrared astronomy in wavelengths from 0.35–655 micrometres.
The primary science objectives of SOFIA are to study the composition of planetary atmospheres and surfaces; to investigate the structure, evolution and composition of comets; to determine the physics and chemistry of the interstellar medium; and to explore the formation of stars and other stellar objects.
Once ready for use, it is hoped that observing flights will be flown 3 or 4 nights a week for the next 20 years. SOFIA will be based at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California (near San Jose, CA).
Current Status
19 August 2006 SOFIA completed aircraft system tests including engine and taxi tests at Waco Airport. October 2006 SOFIA came out the hanger with a new paint job. The first flight is slated to be only a few months away.
The Telescope
The telescope has a diameter of 2.7 meter, however the effective aperture is only 2.5 meter. DLR is responsible for the entire telescope assembly, the manufacturing of the telescope was subcontracted to the Germany industry.
For each mission one changeable science instruments will be attached to the telescope. Two groups of general purpose instruments are available. In addition an investigator can also design and build a special purpose instrument.
The Aircraft
The SOFIA aircraft is a Boeing 747SP with a distinguished history. It was originally acquired by Pan American World Airways and was delivered in May 1977. The "SP" designates that this is a special short-body version of the 747, designed for longer flights than the basic model.
Pan Am named this aircraft - the Clipper Lindbergh - in honor of the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. The aircraft was personally christened by Lindbergh's widow, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and it was officially placed it into service on 6 May, 1977. This was the 50th anniversary of Lindbergh's historic first solo flight from New York to Paris in 1927.
United Airlines purchased this plane in February 1986 and removed it from active service after nine years in December 1995. NASA purchased it from United in 1997 for the SOFIA project. The aircraft is being heavily modified for its new role as a flying astronomical observatory by L-3 Communications Integrated Systems of Waco, Texas. To ensure proper modification, a dismantled section from another 747SP is being used as a full-size mock-up.
When it returns to service as SOFIA, the 747SP will be operated and maintained by Evergreen Airlines at NASA's Ames Research Center near San Jose, California.
Project Development
SOFIA completed its first ground-based "on-sky" test on 18–19 August 2004 by taking a picture of the star Polaris.
In February 2006 NASA placed the project "under review" and suspended funding. On the 15th of June 2006 SOFIA passed the review.
See also
Footnotes
- http://www.sofia.usra.edu/News/news_2006/08_19_06/index.html SOFIA Rolls Along the Taxiway Under Its Own Power
- http://www.sofia.usra.edu/News/news_2006/10_03_06/index.html SOFIA Comes Out Of The Hangar With Finished Paint Job
- http://www.sofia.usra.edu/Sofia/aircraft/sofia_ac.htm The SOFIA Boeing 747SP
- http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2006/jun/HQ_06240_SOFIA_update.html NASA Astronomical Observatory Passes Hurdle
External links
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