An Overview of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy Since Full Operation Capability
Abstract
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a joint project between NASA and the German Aerospace Center DLR, provides access to observations of the infrared and sub-millimeter universe. As its development timeline is unique compared to all other NASA astrophysics missions, a milestone called the Full Operation Capability (FOC) was defined to identify the start of science operations. SOFIA reached this in February 2014. With a wide range of imagers, spectrometers and a new polarimeter, SOFIA provides unique scientific results that cannot be obtained with a ground-based facility and any spacecraft expected in the next decade. The airborne platform has continued to mature its mission systems as part of a planned spiral development approach, particularly with upgradable instrumentation that opens up new science directions for the Observatory. A third generation instrument is planned for commissioning in 2019. This paper summarizes the current state of the Observatory with emphasis on the science and instrumentation updates since FOC.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation
- Pub Date:
- 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1142/S2251171718400123
- Bibcode:
- 2018JAI.....740012E
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared astronomy;
- airborne astronomy;
- spectroscopy;
- NASA;
- DLR