Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
The Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) was a 80/20 joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to construct and maintain an airborne observatory. NASA awarded the contract for the development of the aircraft, operation of the observatory and management of the American part of the project to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in 1996. The DSI managed the German parts of the project which were primarily science-and telescope-related. SOFIA's telescope saw first light on May 26, 2010. SOFIA was the successor to the Kuiper Airborne Observatory. During 10-hour, overnight flights, it observed celestial magnetic fields, star-forming regions, comets, nebulae, and the Galactic Center.
SOFIA with the telescope door open in flight.
Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
The NASA logo reflected in SOFIAs 2.5-meter primary mirror.
SOFIA's telescope
The German Aerospace Center is the national center for aerospace, energy and transportation research of Germany, founded in 1969. It is headquartered in Cologne with 35 locations throughout Germany. The DLR is engaged in a wide range of research and development projects in national and international partnerships.
An aerial view of DLR's headquarters at Lind, Cologne in 2010
German Space Operations Center in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich
The DLR Institute of Flight Systems operates this helicopter as part of the Flying Helicopter Simulator (FHS).
Martian volcano Ceraunius Tholus in perspective by the HRSC aboard Mars Express