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

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

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

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

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

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

The infrared telescope as seen in-flight

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

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