SOFIA Quick Facts
Aircraft Model: Boeing 747SP (Special Performance)
Originally Built: 1977
First Science Flight: December 2010
Proposed Mission Lifetime: 20 years
Telescope Diameter: 2.7 meters (106 inches)
Wavelength Range: 0.3-1,000 microns
Instruments: Seven First-Generation Instruments include cameras, spectrometers and a high-speed photometer
Airspeed: Mach 0.85 (490 knots or 560 mph)
Observing Altitude: 37,000 – 45,000 ft (11,300 – 13,700 meters)
Average Science Flight Length: 10 hours (overnight)
Onboard Staff: Flight Crew: 3; Mission Crew: 2-6; Scientists & Educators: 5-15
