Topic: Pictures: NASA Guts 747, Adds 17-Ton Telescope

[sam]

After 13 years of planning and building, NASA's latest high-flying telescope—seen above during an April test flight—opened its infrared eye for the first time last week from aboard a modified Boeing 747 jumbo jetliner.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/05/photogalleries/100602-sofia-science-space-telescope-observatory-pictures/?now=2010-06-02-00:01#sofia-flying-telescope-airplane-door-open_21174_600x450.jpg

[Clive]

They have been using modified 747's and 707's for decades to carry out infrared astronomy and they have achieved huge successes.  It only goes to show you don't need expensive rockets to carry out space research. 

[sam]

I do wonder how they block out the heat coming off those engines.

[Clive]

That's a very good point Sam.  They must generate an enormous amount of IR which should play havoc with the results.   

[Rik]

Not to mention the focus.