Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) Project Collection, 1986-2023

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Summary

Creators:
Ames Research Center
Abstract:
This collection documents the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) project, which was managed by Ames Research Center (ARC) and Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). The collection provides insight into all aspects of the project, including management, design, engineering, operations, safety and mission assurance, staffing, and outreach. Materials in the collection include reports, briefings, justifications, plans, budgets, correspondence, minutes, technical documentation and data, drawings, newsletters, press releases, photographic materials, ephemera, and memorabilia. The bulk of this collection is in digital formats.
Extent:
8,154 digital objects (19.44 gigabytes). The bulk of the files are PDF and XLSX. 212 digitized files (7.13 gigabytes), PDF. 11.75 cubic feet (16.5 linear feet). 10 record cartons, 4 Hollinger letter boxes, 3 oversized files.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection comprises digital records selected from SOFIA project database libraries (Series I) as well as physical materials from Ames and Armstrong (Series II-V). Series I documents work in the areas of program and project management, project science and research, mission operations, some ground systems, science instrument development, safety and mission assurance, systems engineering and integration, as well as aircraft structures, telescope assembly, cavity door system, mission controls and communications system, instrumentation, and mission systems. The SOFIA Lexicon, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and Document File Numbering Schema files in Subseries 5 provide overviews of the work performed on this project, terminology, acronyms, abbreviations, and definitions of terms used, and outline the types of records produced. Series II provides additional documentation for project, science, and systems engineering management efforts as well as reference documentation from SOFIA's precursor, the Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). Series III contains extensive documentation developed for SOFIA's public engagement, educational, and outreach efforts, as well as compilations of communications and publicity received. Photographic materials in Series IV capture informal activities and events and provide technical documentation of aircraft structures and engineering work. This series also contains a set of files related to development and use of a project photograph database. Series V contains keepsakes and ephemeral materials, commemorative items, and oversized materials such as a small set of engineering drawings selected for their artistic value.

This collection does not contain a full drawing set for the aircraft or for the telescope, which was designed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Acquisition information:
Transferred by Naseem Rangwala, Jeffrey A. Nelms, and Douglas A. Caldwell in 2024 (Accessions ARC-TR-2024-012, ARC-TR-2024-013, ARC-TR-2024-014, ARC-TR-2024-019, and 021-2024).
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by original order, format, function, and date. Series I is in the original order. There was no order to the remaining series, so an arrangement was imposed.

The papers are arranged into five series:

  • Series I. Project Archive Database
    1. Program and Project Management
    2. Science Ground Systems, Instruments, and Mission Operations
    3. Engineering Data and Documents
    4. Flight Operations and Aircraft Maintenance, Safety and Mission Assurance, Airworthiness Certification
    5. Data Center Files
  • Series II. Project Documentation.
    1. Project Management Files
    2. Reference Documentation (KAO)
  • Series III. Outreach Materials
  • Series IV. Photographic Materials
  • Series V. Ephemera, Memorabilia, and Oversized Materials
Accruals:

Additional accessions of documentation, artwork, and other materials from the project will be added to this collection.

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Access and use

Location of this collection:
NASA Ames Research Center Archives
Mail Stop 207-1 (Bldg. N207, Rm. 112C)
Moffett Field, CA 94035-0001, US
Contact:
(650) 604-1032
ARC-DL-archives@mail.nasa.gov
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