SOFIA as a Dual-Use Airborne Platform for Infrared Astronomy and Earth Science Missions

摘要

This paper presents the idea of using the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) as a dual-use platform to perform both Infrared Astronomy and Earth Science Missions. When completed and commissioned, SOFIA will be a highly modified Boeing 747SP that provides a unique science research-oriented platform with an operational lifetime of 20 years. Since SOFIA will typically fly in the stratosphere it is possible, for example, to conduct atmospheric research and study changes in the Earth's atmosphere over an extended period at this altitude. It is conceivable that institutional partnerships can provide the necessary support for piggyback Earth Science missions on SOFIA. The SOFIA platform can be modified slightly to add sensors and instrumentation without adversely affecting its primary objective of conducting infrared astronomy missions. This paper outlines the available onboard mission resources which includes a description of the Mission Support Systems, the Telescope System, and the Layout of Personnel Accommodations (LOPA). SOFIA is based on the highly successful Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) model that flew airborne infrared astronomy missions from the Ames Research Center for over 20 years. For completeness, a top-level overview of the mission requirements is provided along with an overview of the Program Management and current project status.