Infrared Astronomical Satellite

On the last three decades, several space experiments with parts at very low temperatures have been flown. Among these, we mention IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) launched in 1983 (see Fig. 14.1), COBE (Cosmic Background Explorer) launched in 1989, ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) launched in 1995 and Astro-E (X-ray Observatory), launched in 2000 with instrumentation at 65 mK [35], Some cryogenic space missions are in the preparation or in final phase in Europe, USA and Japan. For example, ESA is going to fly Planck (for the mapping of the cosmic background radiation) and Herschel (called before FIRST Far Infrared and Submillimetre Telescope ) [36], These missions will carry experiments at 0.1 and 0.3 K respectively. 

IRAS Infrared Astronomical Satellite, an all-sky infrared survey telescope that obtained infrared photometry at 12, 25, 60, and 160 pm wavelengths. 

The last planet-like object to be explored is Pluto. Since its discovery in 1930 by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh (1906-97), Pluto has been considered one of the nine planets in the solar system. In August 2006, however, the International Astronomical Union established a new set of criteria for planets that Pluto did not meet. It is now considered a dwarf planet. In spite of its new designation, astronomers remain very interested in the chemical composition and physical characteristics of Pluto. Astronomers do have a fair amount of information about Pluto from ground-based observatories, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and the Infrared Astronomical Satellite. NASA s New Horizons space mission is expected to provide a great deal more detail about the strange and mysterious astronomical body. New Horizons was launched on January 19, 2006. It is expected to fly by Pluto and its satellite, Charon, in July 2015. 

Source Adapted from John S. Lewis. Physics and Chemistry of the Solar System, Revised Edition. San Diego Academic Press, 1997, Table VI11.4, page 361. This taxonomy was originally suggested by Edward Tedesco and his colleagues at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, based on data collected from the IRAS [Infrared Astronomical Satellite] Minor Planet Survey ("AThree-Parameter Asteroid Taxonomy," The Astronomical Journal 97, 580). 

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) mission. Astrophys. J. Lett. 278, L1-L6 (1984). doi 10.1086/184209... 

The Atlas and Catalogue of infrared sources in the Magellanic Clouds was prepared from data obtained with the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). IRAS was developed and operated by the Netherlands Agency for Aerospace Programs (NIVR), the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.K. Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC). 

IRAS 1989, Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) Catalogs and Atlases, Volume 1, Explanatory Supplement, eds. C.A. Beichman, G. Neugebauer, H.J. Habing, P.E. Clegg and T.J. Chester, NASA RP-1190, Washington, DC (USA)... 

In this paper we will describe the scientific objectives and conceptual design of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite a joint proposal for an all sky infrared survey between the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. This paper is based on the results of a series of studies that have been made recently. Initially the proposal for an infrared survey satellite was made to the Dutch government on the occasion of the launch of the ANS satellite in August 197. This proposal formed the basis of a study in the Netherlands during 1975 In the course of the study coordination with similar proposals in the United States resulted in the creation of a joint Netherlands-UK-US mission definition team. This joint team concluded its work in May 1976. 

INFRARED ASTRONOMICAL SATELLITE (IRAS) 3. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN... 

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