Infrared Astronomical Satellite.
Abstract
Design and mission characteristics of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) are reviewed with attention to the satellite/telescope configuration. The IRAS will be launched into a 900 km near-polar orbit (inclination 99 deg), with a cryogenically cooled 60 cm telescope capable of collecting 700 million bits of data per day. The telescope is expected to add from 6000 to one million new IR sources to the astronomical catalogs. Objects for study include stars, extended sources, asteroids, zodiacal light, artificial satellites, high energy protons, and dust.
- Publication:
-
Spaceflight
- Pub Date:
- May 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978SpFl...20..187M
- Keywords:
-
- Infrared Astronomy Satellite;
- Infrared Telescopes;
- Astronomical Netherlands Satellite;
- Geomagnetism;
- Instrument Orientation;
- Magnetic Anomalies;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Solar Flares;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles;
- Infrared Astronomy