ISO
Infrared Space Observatory
The primary objectives of the Infrared Space Observatory are to provide
spectroscopic, photometric, imaging, and polarimetric observations of selected
celestial sources at infrared wavelengths from 2.3 um to 200 um with the
highest possible sensitivity and spatial resolution. The instruments are cooled
at -270°C in a cryostat which contained 2400 liters of superfluid helium
at liftoff.
The satellite was initially planned for 1993 but the mission was delayed for
two years while engineers worked on problems related to the temperature control
system. The two-year delay added 20 percent to the project's final cost of $850
million for the satellite and launch. US astronomers will be granted 20 percent
of the ISO's observation time in exchange for ground station support.
The first light image was taken on Nov 28.
Out
of service
|
8
Apr 1998
|
Cause
|
lack
of helium
|
Decay
|
|
The helium consumption was smaller than planned; this enabled the satellite to
operate during 28 months. The satellite was deorbited and shutoff on 16 May
1998.
http://isowww.estec.esa.nl/
sat-index articles
Prime
contractor
|
Aerospatiale
|
Platform
|
|
Mass
at launch
|
2498
kg
|
Payload
mass
|
1515
kg
|
Mass
in orbit
|
2418
kg
|
Dimension
|
3.56
x 2.77 x 5.31 m
|
Solar
array
|
|
Stabilization
|
3-axis
|
DC
power
|
|
Design
lifetime
|
1.5
years
|
Telemetry: 2266.5 MHz (4, 8, 16 & 32 kbps)
Command: 2087.069 MHz (2000 bps)
Diameter
|
0.6
m
|
Focal
length
|
9.0
m
|
Camera
|
ISOCAM
|
Temperature
control
|
3K
(-270°C)
|
Imaging photopolarimeter: ISOPHOT
Long Wavelength Spectrometer: LWS
Short Wavelength Spectrometer: SWS
ISOCAM
|
3-17
µm
|
ISOPHOT
|
3-200
µm
|
LWS
|
45-180
µm
|
SWS
|
3-45
µm
|
Pointing stability: 2.7 arcsecs