Aireraft Modification and Integration Enables SOFIA to Fly

摘要

NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, CA, has contracted L-3 Communications Integrated Systems to perform further developmental engineering on the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). L-3 will develop and test the SOFIA Airborne System, including modification, fabrication, installation, integration, and verification of various systems to meet mission requirements. L-3 also will complete the SOFIA subsystems, including the Mission Control and Communication System, and will provide flight test support for the telescope cavity door-open flight tests and early science flight programs. L-3 is conducting ground/flight test activities to deliver a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified aircraft system, and will provide sustaining engineering for the life of SOFIA.