Optimizing cryogen utilization on Spitzer Space Telescope

Charles R. Lawrence; Paul T. Finley

doi:10.1117/12.551949

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12 October 2004 Optimizing cryogen utilization on Spitzer Space Telescope

Charles R. Lawrence, Paul T. Finley

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Proceedings Volume 5487, Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Space Telescopes; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551949
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2004, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Abstract

The instruments of the Spitzer Space Telescope are cooled directly by liquid helium, while the optical system is cooled by helium vapor. The greater the power dissipation into the liquid helium, the more vapor is produced, and the colder the telescope. Observations at shorter wavelengths do not require telescope temperatures as low as those required at longer wavelengths. By varying the telescope temperature with observing wavelength, we are extending the mission lifetime by an estimated 9%.

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Charles R. Lawrence and Paul T. Finley "Optimizing cryogen utilization on Spitzer Space Telescope", Proc. SPIE 5487, Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Space Telescopes, (12 October 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.551949

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