SOFIA Program Overview CSTA Eddie Zavala Deputy Program Manager October 21, 2011
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Transcript of SOFIA Program Overview CSTA Eddie Zavala Deputy Program Manager October 21, 2011
SOFIAProgram Overview
CSTAEddie Zavala
Deputy Program ManagerOctober 21, 2011
SS1Orion Image
What is a model?
• A model is a representation containing the essential structure of some object or event in the real world.
What are some types of models?
• Diagram: a description or analogy used to help visualize something (as an atom) that cannot be directly observed
• Physical: a model airplane or architect's model of a building
• Symbolic: as in a natural language, a computer program, or a set of mathematical equations.
What is SOFIA?
Background
• SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy– Airborne Observatory using an extensively modified Boeing
747SP Aircraft
• SOFIA established as a 80/20 partnership between US and Germany (NASA and DLR)– NASA receives 80% of available science time, DLR 20%
• Two projects, Science and Platform– Science Project at Ames Research Center– Platform Project at Dryden Aircraft Operations Facility
Under the skin...
Science Instrument
Main Cabin (Pressurized)
The Telescope Assembly (TA)
TA Cavity (unpressurized)
Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors (educators)May 26 – July 15, 2011
Mary Blessing, Herndon, Va. Cris DeWolf, Remus, Mich. with Dana Backman (SETI)
Pamela Harman (SETI) with Margaret Piper, Frankfort, Ill. Kathleen Fredette, Palmdale, CA
Terry Herter (Cornell), Jim De Buizer (USRA) withTheresa Paulsen, Mellen, Wis. and Marita Beard, San Jose, Calif.
Cecilia Scorza (DSI) with Wolfgang Vieser, Munich, GermanyJörg Trebs, Berlin, Germany
Sample Flight Plan
How does SOFIA work?
How does SOFIA work?
• Airborne Observatory made of 3 critical parts
– Boeing 747 Aircraft that must fly at 41,000 ft (or higher) for a long time (10 – 12 hour missions)
– 17 Metric-ton Reflective Telescope that must be able to point precisely at targets in the universe
– Interchangeable Science Instruments that must be able to do infrared astronomy
Why SOFIA?
SOFIA Areas of Interest
Galaxies and the Galactic CenterThe Interstellar Medium of the Milky Way
The Formation of Stars and Planets Planetary Science
The Orion Constellation
Visible Light
The Orion Constellation
The same region in Infrared Light
Component 1: The airplane
How does an airplane fly?
Control Surfaces help an aircraft maneuver to keep stable flight
The Balancing Act of Flying
C.G.(Center of Gravity)
Balance = Equilibrium
Aircraft Flight Control System
• Pilot commands
• Flight Control Computer
• Control Surfaces
• Sensor Feedback
Volunteer Needed!!• Fly the airplane and keep equilibrium!!• In this Model…
– What represents the airplane?• Broom stick = Airplane
– What represents flight?• Balancing the broom stick = Flight
– What represents the Flight Control Computer?• Your Brain = Flight Control Computer
– What represents the control surface? • Hand movement = Control Surface
– What is the sensor in this model?• Eye = Sensor Feedback
Component 2: SOFIA telescope?
The SOFIA Telescope
Exposed to the Sky
Inside the Cabin
Science
Instruments
Telescope Cavity, with Door open
Pointing Stability Demonstrations
Ok…So how stable and balanced is the telescope…Really!!!
Component 3: Infrared Astronomy
Closing Remarks
• Science flights began in late 2010
• Excellent Program performance over the last year– Accomplished major milestones ahead of plan– Completing Open Door Envelope Expansion ahead of schedule allowed for
accelerating technical capabilities within cost and schedule• Some Level 1 requirements demonstrated during Early Science phase• Implementation of EPO / Airborne Astronomy Ambassador program• Science results and Observatory performance met or exceeded
expectations
• Exciting Early Science Phase – Scientist very happy!– Principle Investigator Science– Competed Science with Guest Observers / Guest Investigators from both U.S.
and Germany– Studying Galaxy, star, and solar system formation!
Questions?