Long life feasibility study for SIRTF

Abstract

The Phase A baseline for the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) consists of an 85-cm diameter Cassegrain telescope, cooled to temperatures in the range from 10 to 20 K to provide background limited imaging for up to six instruments contained within a multiple instrument chamber (MIC). Colder temperature zones are also provided. A cryogenics system for a 15-day mission lifetime was first considered. In another study, the feasibility was assessed to extend the lifetime of the baseline SIRTF concept to at least six months, taking into account a mission involving the use of a space platform or a free-flyer configuration. According to the considered requirements, the optics temperature is to be kept below 10 K for at least 30 days. The temperatures are not to exceed 20 K at the end of the six months mission. It is shown that by using solid hydrogen, long-life operation is feasible with present technology.