SOFIA airborne observatory
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy, or SOFIA made its first checkout flight recently.
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared
Astronomy, or SOFIA made its first checkout flight recently. The
flight marked a new day in transitioning work with the aircraft from significant
modification to the start of flight tests, completion of subsystems integration
and, eventually, to the task of exploring the
heavens.
The SOFIA still has a way to go before routinely engaging in science flights. Progress is measurable, however, and it’s expected that flight tests to validate the structural modifications to the aircraft will begin this fall, said Bob Meyer, SOFIA program manager.
The SOFIA still has a way to go before routinely engaging in science flights. Progress is measurable, however, and it’s expected that flight tests to validate the structural modifications to the aircraft will begin this fall, said Bob Meyer, SOFIA program manager.
45,000 lb. infrared telescope
Read the whole article. Check out one of the videos. I just got round to watching a subscribed iTunes download from NASA about this, yesterday afternoon - it’s fascinating research and serious engineering and redesign to make it work.
Posted: Wed - July 4, 2007 at 06:33 AM