SOFIA Flight Planning and Execution

Abstract

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is NASA’s airborne observatory. Observing with SOFIA has different challenges than observing from a ground based, or even space-based observatory. Although pointing SOFIA is similar to pointing an alt/az telescope, positioning the telescope requires not only the telescope assembly but also the aircraft. SOFIA’s telescope assembly can move in altitude nominally between 20∘ and 60∘. Since the telescope is pointed out the left side of a modified Boeing 747, the azimuth is determined by the aircraft heading. As a result, observing plans become the basis for a flight plan, and the science observation and aircraft operations are intrinsically linked. This paper will discuss flight planning and execution on this unique observatory.