SOFIA’s final mission was due to be completed by September 30, 2022, but the aircraft ended its deployment to Christchurch, New Zealand, early and returned to the US after suffering minor damage in a weather-related incident

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

The telescope installed on SOFIA could be equipped with seven different instruments. The pressure bulkhead that separates the passenger cabin is visible in the background

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

The modified 747SP took to the air for the first time on April 27, 2007, kicking off a three-year flight test programme to assess the large cavity door assembly installed in the rear fuselage

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

On the main deck of the aircraft are working consoles, a conference table and comfortable, business class-style reclining seats

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

Modifications to the original airframe were extensive and included the installation of a large, retractable door that weighed more than 3,000lbs, was as wide as a typical double garage door and twice as high

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

The jet has made several notable contributions to astronomy, including finding water on the sunlit surface of the Moon

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

The infrared telescope as seen in-flight

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969

SOFIA shares the ramp with the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, a modified Lockheed NC-141A Starlifter

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969Lockheed C-141 Starlifter - СШАUSA - 1963

SOFIA is an 80/20 joint programme between NASA and Germany’s DLR. Both logos are proudly displayed on the aircraft’s tailfin

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747 - СШАUSA - 1969