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Catalog Data

Manufacturer:
Ball Aerospace Systems Division  Search this
Materials:
Mixed materials, aluminum, plastic, aluminum coated Mylar
Dimensions:
Overall: 11 ft. 9 1/2 in. tall x 6 ft. 5 in. wide, 765 lb. (359.4 x 195.6cm, 347kg)
Type:
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Summary:
This is a full-scale replica of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite, constructed by Ball Corporation's Aerospace Systems Division, the prime contractor for the telescope system and for many of the structural elements. Reconstruction began in mid-1986 using backup and leftover parts, with some new components, with assistance from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Perkin-Elmer and the Netherlands Aerospace Agency.
The Infrared Astronomical Satellite was a joint venture between NASA and its counterparts in the Netherlands and Great Britain. The satellite was launched on January 25, 1983 from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a Delta rocket. The payload was inserted into a near-circular orbit at about 900 km. IRAS produced infrared maps of the sky at 12, 25, 60 and 100 microns during 10 months of operation before its liquid helium was exhausted.
IRAS was donated to the Museum by the Ball Corporation in April 1987.
Credit Line:
Gift of Aerosystems Division, Ball Corporation
Inventory Number:
A19870107000
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv98a9bad8a-c8bf-433b-8197-c5fb7032a30c
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A19870107000