SOFIA Returns from New Zealand Deployment

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has returned to its usual base of operations after a month of science observations in the Southern Hemisphere. The observatory was temporarily based out of Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand.

SOFIA arrived Thursday, Aug. 11 at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center's Building 703 in Palmdale, California, and plans to resume science flights Monday, Aug. 22.

SOFIA had been scheduled to remain longer in New Zealand before severe weather caused damage to the aircraft, requiring the mission to adjust its science observation plans and cancel the remainder of the deployment. During its time in the Southern Hemisphere, SOFIA observed and studied a wide range of celestial objects and phenomena, like cosmic magnetic fields, the structure of the Milky Way, and the origin of cosmic rays.

An inspection and assessment of the aircraft determined SOFIA may safely return to science flights for the remainder of the mission, following minor repairs and a safety checkout flight conducted in New Zealand. The mission will conclude no later than Sept. 30.