NASA starts testing of a new modified Boeing-747 which is intended for space observations during flights.
NASA developers have named the new project SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy). It is planned within the framework of the project, that the plane during the next three years will be supplied with various onboard technical equipment. NASA informed that they will test a spacecraft in the US Air Forces Edwards center in California.
According to NASA experts, technically SOFIA is a 2,5-meter infra-red telescope which is built - in a Boeing-747 plane. It was developed by a group of universities which are included into URSA association (Universities Space Research Association).
Scientists mark, that an infra-red telescope can not be used form the ground, as dense cloudiness and various polluting gases, light, and dust very much complicate its work. But having lifted a telescope on height of 15-16 kilometers, it is possible to increase many times efficiency of observations.
NASA informs that the plane - observatory completely in working condition will be ready only by 2010. Boeing’s service life, according to experts, will make 20 years.

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