Lockheed Martin Space Systems has started testing NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) following integration of the Ball Aerospace-supplied scientific instruments with the Lockheed Martin-built spacecraft. Environmental and other tests are intended to prepare SIRTF for launch early next year. SIRTF, which is part of NASA's Great Observatories, is a cryogenically-cooled space observatory that will conduct infrared astronomy during a two-and-a-half year mission. SIRTF comprises a 0.85m (2.8ft) diameter telescope and three scientific instruments capable of performing imaging and spectroscopy in the 3-180µm wavelength regime. The craft will operate from a solar orbit, trailing the Earth in its orbit around the Sun rather than a conventional Earth orbit. This will provide an uninterrupted view of a large portion of the sky without the need for Earth avoidance manoeuvres.
Source: Flight International
