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Infrared Astronomical Satellite /IRAS/ and Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility /SIRTF/ - Implications of scientific objectives on focal plane sensitivity requirementsThe full potential of infrared astronomy can be realized only through observations made with space-based telescopes cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The paper outlines the scientific mission, system description, and focal plane requirements for two cryogenic telescopes: the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). IRAS, a 60-cm superfluid-helium-cooled telescope system, will perform a one-year 8-120-micron IR sky survey; it will provide results of high reliability and sensitivity, produce the first complete survey data for the 30-120-micron region, and fill in missing portions (spectrally and spatially) of previous surveys short of 30 microns; its focal plane assembly is being designed to approach background-limited performance with an array of 62 discrete detectors. The SIRTF design will allow detailed follow-up studies in the 1-1000-micron range with a 116-160-cm observatory-class instrument. The Shuttle sortie capability introduces the unique SIRTF concept of an easily refurbishable or replaceable focal plane instrument complement in an orbiting cryogenic telescope.
Document ID
19790031973
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Mccreight, C. R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Walker, R. G.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Witteborn, F. C.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Astronomy
Meeting Information
Meeting: Utilization of infrared detectors; Seminar
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Start Date: January 16, 1978
End Date: January 18, 1978
Accession Number
79A15986
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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