Concepts for on-orbit servicing of SIRTFThe usable lifetime of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) has been assumed to be limited to about two years by the lifetime of the superfluid helium carried in the telescope dewar. Concepts are presented for extending the system life by replenishing the cryogen on orbit, and for replacing the focal plane instruments. The operational aspects and the modifications to the baseline SIRTF are examined. It appears to be feasible to perform these servicing operations based on either the Space Shuttle or on the Space Station.
Document ID
19870039381
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mord, A. J. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO, United States)
Urbach, A. R. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO, United States)
Poyer, M. E. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO, United States)
Andreozzi, L. C. (Ball Aerospace Systems Div. Boulder, CO, United States)
Snyder, H. A. (Ball Corp. Ball Aerospace Systems Div., Boulder, CO, United States)