> SOFIA’s publication rate is now starting to creep up, and last year it was 33 papers. The ultimate goal is 75 to 100 papers per year, says James Jackson, associate director for research at the Universities Space Research Association, the Maryland-based group that manages SOFIA. “More than 150 was a stretch goal,” he says.

I don't think a number is the right target here. Discoveries or theories might be a better goal, not just the number of papers published

> The coronavirus pandemic is likely to keep it grounded for some time and threatens a planned deployment to New Zealand later this year.

How long can this modified 747SP fly? I wonder how they were going to fly it to New Zealand and if there were any refuel stops. Would be a nice treat to catch that at your local airport.