Abstract
ESA's Infrared Space Observatory, ISO, was put into orbit by Ariane on 17 November 1995 and it has since entered the routine operations phase, providing excellent results for the scientific community. ISO provides an unprecedented opportunity to make scientific observations of very weak infrared radiation sources. To make such measurements, the telescope and scientific instruments are kept at near absolute zero temperature by enclosing them in a helium-cooled cryostat, effectively a large thermos-flask with superfluid helium at 1.7 K. The development of the observatory proved to be a very challenging task as there was little experience available with the advanced technologies required for the mission, e.g. cryogenics, optics and attitude control. This paper describes the mission, the satellite, the development programme and the organisation of the project. Both the development problems encountered and the technology achievements of the programme are emphasized. The performance of the satellite in orbit is also reported. ISO is an excellent observatory for the scientific community. It is a unique facility and will be the only one in the world with such capabilities for at least the next decade.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
