The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) - a project United has been involved in since 1996 - passes an important milestone when the telescope assembly for SOFIA arrives in Texas from Germany. SOFIA is a highly modified Boeing 747 SP that will carry an eight-foot-wide, 16-ton telescope to an altitude of 45,000 feet, allowing much more precise observations than any ground-based telescopes. United holds a 15-year, $87 million contract to modify and maintain the aircraft, which will have an eight-foot opening in its fuselage to hold the telescope. SOFIA is a joint project by NASA , the German Aerospace Center and a team of corporations, universities and scientific organizations. SOFIA's first mission is scheduled for sometime in 2004. For more information visit www.united-sofia.com or www.sofia.arc.nasa.gov.