NASA awarded the contract for the development of the aircraft, operation of the observatory and management of the American part of the project to the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in 1996.
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After successful integration tests were made to check the system, the components were shipped to Waco, Texas on board an Airbus Beluga aircraft.
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On April 30, 1997, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) purchased the aircraft for use as an airborne observatory.
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