The Spitzer Space Telescope

Michael W. Werner

doi:10.1117/1.OE.51.1.011008

3 February 2012 The Spitzer Space Telescope

Michael W. Werner

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 51, Issue 1, 011008 (February 2012). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.51.1.011008

Abstract

The Spitzer Space Telescope, which has operated very successfully since 2003 in its unique Earth-trailing solar orbit, is NASA's Great Observatory for infrared astronomy. We provide a quick overview of the optical characteristics of Spitzer and review the observatory design. The main emphasis is on two unique on-orbit activities used to optimize the scientific return from Spitzer: 1. an unusual approach to focusing the telescope that minimized the use of the cryogenic focus mechanism, and 2. a methodology for extending the cryogenic lifetime of Spitzer by actively controlling the telescope temperature.

Citation Download Citation

Michael W. Werner "The Spitzer Space Telescope," Optical Engineering 51(1), 011008 (3 February 2012). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.51.1.011008

Published: 3 February 2012

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