Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Eric E. Becklin

doi:10.1117/12.324472

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28 August 1998 Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

Eric E. Becklin

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Proceedings Volume 3356, Space Telescopes and Instruments V; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324472
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 1998, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

The joint US and German SOFIA project to develop and operate a 2.5 meter IR airborne telescope in a Boeing 747-SP is now in its second year. The Universities Space Research Association, teamed with Raytheon E-Systems and United Airlines, is developing and will operate SOFIA. The 2.5 meter telescope will be designed and built by a consortium of German companies led by MAN. Work on the aircraft and the primary mirror has started. First science flights will begin in 2001 with 20 percent of the observing time assigned to German investigators. The observatory is expected to operate for over 20 years. The sensitivity, characteristics and science instrument complement are discussed.

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Eric E. Becklin "Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)", Proc. SPIE 3356, Space Telescopes and Instruments V, (28 August 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.324472

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