![Japan's First Infrared Astronomy Satellite Akari (ASTRO-F)](../img/header01-e.gif) |
![Achievements of Infrared Astronomical Satellites](img/title-e.gif)
![](img/arow.gif) |
![1983](img/1983.gif) |
|
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![IRAS Photo](img/iras_main_photo.jpg) |
![IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite)](img/iras_title.gif) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
The world's first infrared astronomical satellite
Collaboration between the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom
Telescope Aperture |
: |
60 cm |
Satellite Gross Weight |
: |
1073 kg |
Mission Lifespan |
: |
10 months |
|
|
![](../img/shim.gif)
![Major Achievements](img/seika-e.gif)
![](../img/shim.gif)
![](img/dot.gif)
![The world's first space maps, charted via mid- and far-infrared observation (All-Sky Survey)](img/iras_sub_title-e.gif)
![](img/iras_sub-photo1.jpg) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![](img/iras_sub-photo2.jpg) |
Discovery of many new celestial bodies, such as dust clouds, which are believed to be evidence of the formation of planets surrounding bright galaxies and stars, as seem by far-infrared light. |
|
![](img/arow.gif) |
![1995](img/1995.gif) |
|
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![IRTS Photo](img/irts_main_photo.jpg) |
![IRTS (Infrared Telescope in Space)](img/irts_title.gif) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
Japan's first infrared space telescope
The telescope was carried on the multipurpose observation satellite SFU, with other instruments.
Telescope Aperture |
: |
15 cm |
Telescope Weight |
: |
200 kg (the gross weight of the SFU satellite was 3850 kg) |
Mission Lifespan |
: |
approx. 1 month |
|
|
![](../img/shim.gif)
![Major Achievements](img/seika-e.gif)
![](../img/shim.gif)
![](img/dot.gif)
![Finding the first light in the universe](img/irts_sub_title1-e.gif) |
|
![Discovery of organic compounds in space](img/irts_sub_title2-e.gif) |
![](img/irts_sub_photo1-e.gif) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![](img/irts_sub_photo2.jpg) |
By precisely measuring the background radiation in the universe, which appears to be pitch-black, IRTS observed extremely distant galaxies, and detected what scientists believe is the light of the first star formed in the universe. |
|
IRTS detected organic compounds existing broadly in the universe. These molecules, consisting only of carbon and hydrogen, turned out to be PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), a type of benzene related to biological processes. |
|
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![ISO Photo](img/iso_main_photo.jpg) |
![ISO (Infrared Space Observatory)](img/iso_title.gif) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
Infrared space observatory, for detailed study of individual celestial bodies and specific regions of the universe
Project by the European Space Agency (ESA)
Telescope Aperture |
: |
60 cm |
Satellite Gross Weight |
: |
2400 kg |
Mission Lifespan |
: |
2.5 years |
|
|
![](../img/shim.gif)
![Major Achievements](img/seika-e.gif)
![](../img/shim.gif)
![](img/dot.gif)
![](img/iso_sub_photo.gif) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
Crystals similar to those found on Earth were found in cosmic dust. This discovery has lead to a new, deeper study looking at the evolution of minerals (solid materials) in space. |
|
![](img/arow.gif) |
![2003](img/2003.gif) |
|
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![SST Photo](img/sst_main_photo.jpg) |
![SST (Spitzer Space Telescope)](img/sst_title.gif) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
Spitzer was launched as part of NASA's Great Observatories program, which includes the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission continues to this day.
Telescope Aperture |
: |
85 cm |
Satellite Gross Weight |
: |
923 kg |
Mission Lifespan |
: |
2.5 to 5 years (scheduled) |
|
|
![](../img/shim.gif)
![Major Achievements](img/seika-e.gif)
![](../img/shim.gif)
![](img/dot.gif)
![Study of star formation](img/sst_sub_title1-e.gif) |
|
![Direct observation of extrasolar planets](img/sst_sub_title2-e.gif) |
![](img/sst_sub_photo1.jpg) |
![](../img/shim.gif) |
![](img/sst_sub_photo2-e.jpg) |
These are images of a galaxy forming several billion light years away. This kind of observation allows detailed study of star formation, galaxy evolution and planetary formation. |
|
Spitzer succeeded in observing extrasolar planets directly. |
|
|
|