Boeing jumbo jet that's also a NASA space observatory is a sight to behold for aviation fans
Published on Jun 28, 2025 at 7:05 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jun 25, 2025 at 1:42 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A Boeing 747 jumbo jet turned NASA space observatory called SOFIA is a sight to behold when it’s in flight.
NASA has had multiple aircraft at its disposal over the years, most famously another 747 carrying the Space Shuttle from its landing site back to be prepared for another mission.
Another, however, is SOFIA, a 747-SP that was turned into a flying observatory by America’s space agency.
SOFIA flew with NASA for nearly 10 years, and it would always draw a crowd whenever it took to the skies.
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SOFIA flew with NASA for nearly ten years
SOFIA entered service with NASA in 2014, and it flew on with the company until 2022.
Its name stands for Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, and the plane had a large telescope inside.
This is a 2.7-meter (106-inch) reflecting telescope, one of the most advanced in the world.
The idea is that the aircraft would fly up to a height of 45,000ft.
That would put the Boeing 747 above 99 percent of the Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere.
Thanks to that, it could study the solar system and beyond, in more ways than a ground-based telescope.
NASA built the aircraft in collaboration with the German Space Agency at DLR.
As an SP version of the Boeing 747, SOFIA is shorter and slightly more compact than a standard jumbo jet.
NASA has published images of what SOFIA has captured, and they are some of the most amazing space photos you will ever see.
The infrared images reveal all sorts of things, such as carbon monoxide molecules.
The Boeing 747 was preserved in Arizona
The telescope was mounted towards the rear of the aircraft.
Images and videos of it sometimes show the aircraft with its telescope door open.
SOFIA first flew in 2010, although not for NASA, and it flew a remarkable 921 flights in total before it was retired.
Thankfully, after it was decommissioned, the aircraft had a happy retirement.
After its last flight on September 29th, 2022, the Boeing was retired to the Pima Air & Space Museum near Tucson, Arizona.
Its preservation serves as a reminder of the valuable research the aircraft has done for the United States.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
