The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) made an impressive debut at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center on June 27. The modified 747 aircraft will host state-of-the-art astronomy activities for both scientists and teachers after a series of test flights.
Larry Schilling, Dryden Center Associate Director of Operations, served as Master of Ceremonies at the event. Keynote presentations were made by Kevin Peterson, Dryden Center Director, Dr. Pete Worden, Ames Center Director, Richard Howard of NASA Headquarters, Werner Klinkmann of the German Space Science and Erik Lindberg, grandson of Charles Lindbergh.
While the SOFIA aircraft will remain at NASA Dryden, the science related to SOFIA will be conducted at NASA Ames Research Center. The prime contractor for SOFIA is the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) whose efforts will be led by program manager John McClelland SETI will lead SOFIA’s educational activities under the leadership of Edna DeVore.
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