SOFIAProgram Overview

CSTAEddie Zavala

Deputy Program ManagerOctober 21, 2011

SS1Orion Image

What is a model?

• A model is a representation containing the essential structure of some object or event in the real world.

What are some types of models?

• Diagram: a description or analogy used to help visualize something (as an atom) that cannot be directly observed

• Physical: a model airplane or architect's model of a building

• Symbolic: as in a natural language, a computer program, or a set of mathematical equations.

What is SOFIA?

Background

• SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy– Airborne Observatory using an extensively modified Boeing

747SP Aircraft

• SOFIA established as a 80/20 partnership between US and Germany (NASA and DLR)– NASA receives 80% of available science time, DLR 20%

• Two projects, Science and Platform– Science Project at Ames Research Center– Platform Project at Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility

Under the skin...

Science Instrument

Main Cabin (Pressurized)

The Telescope Assembly (TA)

TA Cavity (unpressurized)

Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (educators)May 26 – July 15, 2011

Mary Blessing, Herndon, Va. Cris DeWolf, Remus, Mich. with Dana Backman (SETI)

Pamela Harman (SETI) with Margaret Piper, Frankfort, Ill. Kathleen Fredette, Palmdale, CA

Terry Herter (Cornell), Jim De Buizer (USRA) withTheresa Paulsen, Mellen, Wis. and Marita Beard, San Jose, Calif.

Cecilia Scorza (DSI) with Wolfgang Vieser, Munich, GermanyJörg Trebs, Berlin, Germany

Sample Flight Plan

How does SOFIA work?

How does SOFIA work?

• Airborne Observatory made of 3 critical parts

– Boeing 747 Aircraft that must fly at 41,000 ft (or higher) for a long time (10 – 12 hour missions)

– 17 Metric-ton Reflective Telescope that must be able to point precisely at targets in the universe

– Interchangeable Science Instruments that must be able to do infrared astronomy

Why SOFIA?

SOFIA Areas of Interest

Galaxies and the Galactic CenterThe Interstellar Medium of the Milky Way

The Formation of Stars and Planets Planetary Science

The Orion Constellation

Visible Light

The Orion Constellation

The same region in Infrared Light

Component 1: The airplane

How does an airplane fly?

Control Surfaces help an aircraft maneuver to keep stable flight

The Balancing Act of Flying

C.G.(Center of Gravity)

Balance = Equilibrium

Aircraft Flight Control System

• Pilot commands

• Flight Control Computer

• Control Surfaces

• Sensor Feedback

Volunteer Needed!!• Fly the airplane and keep equilibrium!!• In this Model…

– What represents the airplane?• Broom stick = Airplane

– What represents flight?• Balancing the broom stick = Flight

– What represents the Flight Control Computer?• Your Brain = Flight Control Computer

– What represents the control surface? • Hand movement = Control Surface

– What is the sensor in this model?• Eye = Sensor Feedback

Component 2: SOFIA telescope?

The SOFIA Telescope

Exposed to the Sky

Inside the Cabin

Science

Instruments

Telescope Cavity, with Door open

Pointing Stability Demonstrations

Ok…So how stable and balanced is the telescope…Really!!!

Component 3: Infrared Astronomy

Closing Remarks

• Science flights began in late 2010

• Excellent Program performance over the last year– Accomplished major milestones ahead of plan– Completing Open Door Envelope Expansion ahead of schedule allowed for

accelerating technical capabilities within cost and schedule• Some Level 1 requirements demonstrated during Early Science phase• Implementation of EPO / Airborne Astronomy Ambassador program• Science results and Observatory performance met or exceeded

expectations

• Exciting Early Science Phase – Scientist very happy!– Principle Investigator Science– Competed Science with Guest Observers / Guest Investigators from both U.S.

and Germany– Studying Galaxy, star, and solar system formation!

Questions?