Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)
Abstract
The joint U.S. and German SOFIA project to develop and operate a 2.5-meter infrared airborne telescope in a Boeing 747-SP is now in the final stages of development. First science flights will begin in 2008. The observatory is expected to operate for over 20 years. The sensitivity, characteristics, science instrument complement, and examples of 1-st light spectroscopic astrochemistry science are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Astrochemistry: Recent Successes and Current Challenges
- Pub Date:
- 2005
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2005IAUS..231..323B