Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy: Part I. The facility

Alois A. Himmes; A. Reinhold Ewald

doi:10.1117/12.19175

1 July 1990 Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy: Part I. The facility

Alois A. Himmes, A. Reinhold Ewald

Proceedings Volume 1236, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes IV; (1990) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19175
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation for the 21st Century, 1990, Tucson, AZ, United States

Abstract

The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) currently under development will mount a 2.5-m aperture IR telescope on an airborne (B 747 SP) platform for observations, at altitudes in excess of 12.5 km, in the sub-mm to visible spectral range. The first part of this work discusses the design tradeoffs which arose during the predevelopment phase in such considerations as primary mirror size and overall configuration. The second part gives attention to the incorporation of such advanced technology features as the thin Zerodur meniscus mirror concept used for the six-mirror compound telescope configuration, and the CFRP materials of the support structure.

Citation Download Citation

Alois A. Himmes and A. Reinhold Ewald "Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy: Part I. The facility", Proc. SPIE 1236, Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes IV, (1 July 1990); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.19175

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