Final mission design for IRAS

Abstract

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) was operated on orbit from 26 January to 22 November 1983 (GMT). Its primary purpose, successfully accomplished, was to conduct an all-sky survey in the infrared from 8 to 120 microns. The mission design for this project featured orbit selection; numerous exercises in the geometry of the sphere; computer simulation of mission, sky, and telescope; and an active interface with the IRAS Science Team. In addition to mission design, the subject of mission planning after launch is addressed. The paper makes extensive use of reference to other works on the topic and seeks to derive some general conclusions on the subject based upon the IRAS experience.