Kuiper Airborne Observatory
The Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) was a national facility operated by NASA to support research in infrared astronomy. The observation platform was a highly modified Lockheed C-141A Starlifter jet transport aircraft (s/n: 6110, registration: N714NA, callsign: NASA 714) with a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km), capable of conducting research operations at altitudes of up to 48,000 feet (14 km).
| Kuiper Airborne Observatory | |
|---|---|
| The KAO in flight. | |
| Other name(s) | Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory |
| Type | Lockheed C-141A Starlifter |
| Manufacturer | NASA |
| Construction number | 6110 |
| Registration | N714NA |
| Serial | NASA 714 |
| Owners and operators | NASA |
| In service | 1974 – 1995 |
| Preserved at | Moffett Field |
| Role | Airborne observatory |
| Status | Retired |
| Developed from | Lockheed C-141 Starlifter |
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