The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) observes space through a door.

The Sofia airborne observatory flies at a higher altitude than any other aeroplane of its type.

Its full name Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, the Sofia is a joint project of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). It reaches a height of about 43,000 ft – at the edge of the earth's atmosphere.

The plane carries a 2.5 metre reflector telescope, which observes space through a door in the rear of the converted 747SP.

Joseph Johnson Armstrong Research pilot Manny Antimisiaris in the cockpit.

A mission flight typically lasts 10 hours. Data is collected for various science projects from around the world.

Pilot Manny Antimisiaris was in the cockpit when photojournalist Joseph Johnson took a flight in Sofia, which is based in Christchurch for two months.