A Review of Science Ground Operations for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

IF 1.5 Q3 ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS

Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation Pub Date : 2018-12-01 DOI:10.1142/S2251171718400020

Z. Ali, P. Alvarez, A. Cheng, K. Hanna, M. Kandlagunta, J. Lott, G. Perryman, L. Tanaka, C. Kaminski, M. Woodworth, J. Wong, N. McKown

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引用次数: 3

Abstract

The NASA Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a 2.5[Formula: see text]m telescope in a modified Boeing 747SP aircraft that is flown at high altitude to do unique astronomy in the infrared. SOFIA is a singular integration of aircraft operations, telescope design, and science instrumentation that delivers observational opportunities outside the capability of any other facility. The science ground operations are the transition and integration point of the science, aircraft, and telescope. We present the ground operations themselves and the tools used to prepare for mission success. Specifically, we will discuss operations from science instrument delivery to aircraft operation and mission readiness. We will also provide a discussion of instrument life cycle including maintenance and repair, both before and after acceptance by the observatory as well as retirement. Included in that will be a description of the facilities and their development, an overview of the SOFIA telescope assembly simulator, our deployment capabilities, as well as an outlook to the future of novel science instrument support for SOFIA.

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平流层红外天文观测站（SOFIA）科学地面运行综述

美国宇航局平流层红外天文观测站(SOFIA)是一个2.5米的望远镜，安装在一架改装过的波音747SP飞机上，在高空飞行，进行独特的红外天文观测。SOFIA是飞机操作、望远镜设计和科学仪器的单一集成，提供任何其他设施能力之外的观测机会。科学地面作业是科学、飞行器和望远镜的过渡和融合点。我们介绍了地面行动本身和用于准备任务成功的工具。具体来说，我们将讨论从科学仪器交付到飞机操作和任务准备的操作。我们亦会讨论仪器的生命周期，包括仪器被天文台接收前后的保养和维修，以及仪器的退役。其中包括对设施及其发展的描述，对SOFIA望远镜组装模拟器的概述，我们的部署能力，以及对SOFIA未来新型科学仪器支持的展望。

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来源期刊

Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation ASTRONOMY & ASTROPHYSICS-

CiteScore

2.30

自引率

7.70%

发文量

期刊介绍： The Journal of Astronomical Instrumentation (JAI) publishes papers describing instruments and components being proposed, developed, under construction and in use. JAI also publishes papers that describe facility operations, lessons learned in design, construction, and operation, algorithms and their implementations, and techniques, including calibration, that are fundamental elements of instrumentation. The journal focuses on astronomical instrumentation topics in all wavebands (Radio to Gamma-Ray) and includes the disciplines of Heliophysics, Space Weather, Lunar and Planetary Science, Exoplanet Exploration, and Astroparticle Observation (cosmic rays, cosmic neutrinos, etc.). Concepts, designs, components, algorithms, integrated systems, operations, data archiving techniques and lessons learned applicable but not limited to the following platforms are pertinent to this journal. Example topics are listed below each platform, and it is recognized that many of these topics are relevant to multiple platforms. Relevant platforms include: Ground-based observatories[...] Stratospheric aircraft[...] Balloons and suborbital rockets[...] Space-based observatories and systems[...] Landers and rovers, and other planetary-based instrument concepts[...]