Develop and Operate of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (Sofia)
A single federal award, with both ends of the trail linked.
Award ARC00199612DNAS297001 is a contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to Universities Space Research Association, $215.9M obligated, FY1997 to FY2017, for Develop and Operate of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (Sofia). The work is performed in California. It is classified as NAICS 541710 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and PSC AR45 (R&D- Space: Operations, Tracking and Data Acquisition (Operational Systems Development)). Source
Description
The Purpose of This Contract Is to Develop and Operate of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (Sofia). Sofia Is the Largest Airborne Observatory in the World, Studying the Universe at Infrared Wavelengths, Capable of Making Observations That Are Impossible for Even the Largest and Highest Ground-Based Telescopes. During Its Planned 20 Year Lifetime, Sofia Also Will Inspire the Development of New Scientific Instrumentation and Foster the Education of Young Scientists and Engineers.