Bernhard Schulz
DSI Uni-Stuttgart
The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has been collecting astronomical observational data in 783 scientific flights since 2010, ending flight operations in September 2022. The very short post operational phase of one year, allowed for very limited data reprocessing of only observing cycles 5 to 9. This presentation will discuss a proposal to DLR, to perform a more comprehensive reprocessing of all stored SOFIA data using upgraded data processing pipelines, with improved pointing reconstruction, derived from guide camera imagery and correction for atmospheric water vapor and instrumental effects. Along with the technical and operational engineering data, the science data is to be re-ordered by astronomical criteria, with the goal to be stored into a searchable, VO-compatible publicly accessible archive. This work would be performed over a 5 year period at the University of Stuttgart under the umbrella of a newly formed SOFIA Data Center, that would draw from the experienced work-force of the former DSI. The Center would work with the German and international astronomical community to promote the exploitation and publication of rare Mid- and Far-Infrared data and establish a powerful scientific resource for the time after the mission, to bridge the gap until the next space- or stratospheric infrared observatory becomes available.
