SOFIA
Flying onboard a Boeing 747SP: Stargazing with SOFIA
NASA’s iconic Boeing 747SP made significant contributions to our study of the cosmos, but budgetary constraints have brought its mission to a premature end. In part two of this feature, Bernd Sturm recounts his recent experience stargazing with SOFIA.
NASA Boeing 747SP retires after stellar career
NASA’s Boeing 747SP, N747NA (c/n 21441), which was adapted to carry a large telescope and was referred to as the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), flew its last mission yesterday (September 29).
Why the SOFIA Boeing 747SP is so unique
NASA’s SOFIA airborne laboratory is set to retire more than a decade earlier than originally planned. In the first of a two-part feature, Bernd Sturm shines the spotlight on this unique aircraft and explores its unrivalled capabilities.
Cologne Bonn celebrates SOFIA success
The aircraft was able to carry out 15 research flights during its six-week stay at the German facility
Cologne Bonn to play host to NASA’s SOFIA as it begins science observations
Conducted over a six week period, researchers hope to find the answers to fundamental questions in astronomy