Area Congress leaders
urge Clinton to locate research site instate
NASA/Ames could get flying
observatory
By Katherine Corcoran
San Jose Mercury News
8/9/96
On page 4B of today's SJMN (at least in the peninsula
edition) is an articleon the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy
(SOFIA). This programwill house a bigger (2.5 meter) version of the Kuiper
Observatory (whichI think was in a modified 707) in a modified 747 at altitudes
of 41,000to 45,000 feet.
The article describes efforts by Anna Eshoo
and other members of California'scongressional delegation to steer the program
to one of the two local competitors,both of which plan to headquarter the
observatory at NASA/Ames and MoffettFederal Airfield.
Two local
competitors (Lockheed-Martin and United Airlines) are trying towin this program
as are two other competitors (Raytheon, including its recentlyacquired
subsidiary E-Systems, and a team composed of Northrop Grumman andHughes
Aircraft).
The article raises the issue of NASA's research planes being
consolidatedat Dryden, but does not resolve the contradiction between the plans
of thecompetitors and NASA's potential consolidation at Dryden.
``It will help secure the future of NASA/Ames at MoffettField,''
Eshoo's aide said. ``There are a lot of questions about whetherresearch
aircraft will continue to be at Moffett Field . . . and whetherNASA/Ames can
survive as just an information and technology center.'
But
William Berry, Ames' director of space research, said the center's scientific
programs are safe, with or without SOFIA...
The article states that the
congressional delegation wrote a letter estimatingthe project would bring $800
million to the local economy over the next20 years.
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