Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy ED10-0182-02 In stark contrast with the deep blue sky at high altitude, NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy 747SP checks out operation of its telescope cavity doors while a NASA F/A-18 mission support aircraft keeps pace alongside during a test flight in preparation for Early Science missions. When flight tests are completed, the SOFIA will be a fully capable observatory cleared for astronomical science missions at up to 45,000 feet altitude. July 13, 2010 (NASA photo / Jim Ross)
