SOFIA versus Hubble

The Hubble Space Telescope and the SOFIA telescope have several similarities, along with some stark differences. They are both long-term projects that are intended to have a life of at least 15 to 20 years – though Hubble has now passed its 30th anniversary of observing the universe. In the case of the Hubble Space Telescope, it operates around 550 kilometres above Earth and is equipped to record optical and ultraviolet light. SOFIA, flying at an altitude of 12 kilometres, concentrates on detecting infrared light and is able to study planetary details and the formation of galaxies. The beauty of SOFIA is that new instruments and set-ups can be easily fitted and tested, whereas Hubble needed a Space Shuttle mission specifically for repairs. Notably, SOFIA costs a tenth of Hubble.