Cooled infrared telescope development

Because infrared astronomy will be significantly advanced by use of cooled telescopes in space, a study has been made of the design characteristics of a 1-m-aperture, cryogenically-cooled telescope for Spacelab. Feasibility of the concept has been assessed from the standpoint of the technology required for its fabrication and operation. The telescope's compatibility with the physical and operational characteristics of Spacelab and Shuttle has also been evaluated. The result is a satisfactory preliminary definition of payload and mission characteristics.