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NASA's modified Boeing 747 SP SOFIA to be grounded for good
Even as NASA publishes images demonstrating progress in the commission of the James Webb Space Telescope, preparations are being made to ground the Boeing 747-based Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) for good. The end of operations was announced on April 28, confirming that there would be no more mission extensions for the modified Boeing 747 SP and its telescope. Operations will cease "no later than Sept 30, 2022" once the current mission extension comes to an… (www.theregister.com) Plus d'info...This telescope was a quick response asset that could be deployed anywhere in the world to observe unique cosmic events such as eclipses, transits, solar phenomena etc. it is penny wise and pound foolish for NASA to terminate the program. Nothing in the inventory can accomplish what SOFIA could do.
I agree.
I had an opportunity to tour SOFIA when it visited my college campus. They parked the plane on the tarmac of the adjacent airport. Students can take a shuttle from campus to visit the plane. I went on the plane and got to look at the observation equipment, its workstations, and stand on the flight deck. It's sad to see its life come to an end. One of my friends got to report on one of its mission for the college newspaper.
I share the same hope as fellow commenters. I hope the plane goes to a museum where its story can be shared with future generations.
I share the same hope as fellow commenters. I hope the plane goes to a museum where its story can be shared with future generations.
Hope it goes to a Museum.
I hope it goes to a museum that can display its history and results.