NASA jumbo jet plans to release origins of the universe

A NASA jumbo jet that will help scientists to unlock the origins of the universe with infrared observations arrived at a milestone on December 18,2009 when doors covering the plane’s telescope were completely opened in flight.

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, a customized 747 jet recognized as SOFIA, flew for nearly one hour and 19 minutes, which incorporated two minutes with the telescope’s doors entirely opened.

The main goal was to permit engineers to know how air flows in and around the telescope.

It was the first time that outside air has interrelated with the part of the plane that carries the 98-inch infrared telescope.

“Today we opened the telescope hollow space door, the first time we have completely bared the telescope and the largest cavity always flown while in flight,” said by Bob Meyer, SOFIA program manager at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in Edwards, California.

“This is an important step to certifying NASA’s next great observatory for future study of the universe,” he added.

In addition these test flights of the airplane, two flights to function and confirm the scientific capabilities of the telescope assembly are planned for spring 2010.

Telescope systems like the vibration isolation system, the inertial stabilization system and the pointing control system will be experienced during daytime flights.

These flights will arrange the telescope assembly for the first flight with the telescope in service.

That first flight will be the original opportunity that scientists have to use the telescope and start the process of counting its performance to prepare for SOFIA’s planned 20-year science program.