SOFIA: flight planning and execution

K. Leppik

doi:10.1117/12.2237933

14 September 2016 SOFIA: flight planning and execution

K. Leppik

Proceedings Volume 9973, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XXIV; 99730N (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2237933
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2016, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a 2.5-m telescope mounted inside of a Boeing 747SP. Planning and executing astronomical observations from an aircraft moving at 500 miles per hour has its own unique challenges and advantages. Scheduling and optimizing an entire year of science observations is a balancing act with target availability, instrument availability, and operational constraints. A SOFIA flight is well choreographed, and successfully executing observations on SOFIA requires many systems and people to work together- from the telescope assembly compensating for the continual vibration and movement of the plane in order to accurately point the telescope, the expertise of the telescope operators to prepare the telescope for use by the instrument operators, aircraft operations ensuring that the aircraft is ready for flight, and the mission systems control computers keeping track of all the data. In this paper we will discuss what it takes to plan a SOFIA flight, and what we do once we’re in the air. We will share a typical science flight, as well as more challenging and unique observations that require SOFIA being in the right place at the right time.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

K. Leppik "SOFIA: flight planning and execution", Proc. SPIE 9973, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XXIV, 99730N (14 September 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2237933

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available