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Spektr-IR

The fourth and least mature proposed Spektr mission is Spektr-IR, which may not be flown until after the end of the decade. Seriously examined since 1986 (originally under the name Aelita), this infrared observatory would carry a 1-m diameter, cryogenically cooled telescope operating in the 0.15-2 mm band for studies of interstellar and intergalactic dust and molecular clouds as well as the general background environment. Liquid neon and super fluid helium may be used to lower the temperature of the telescope to 27 degrees K and of the photometer to 1.8 degrees K, respectively (References 308-309).

308. G. B. Sholomitskiy, "A Cooled Submillimeter Telescope", Soviet Astronautics, September-October 1986, pp. 867-873.

309. V. S. Avduyevskiy, et al, Zemiya I Vselennaya, July-August 1990, pp. 8-16.

Sources and Resources

• Adapted from: Europe and Asia in Space 1993-1994, Nicholas Johnson and David Rodvold [Kaman Sciences / Air Force Phillips Laboratory]

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