The Integral Spacecraft - In the Proceedings of the 3rd INTEGRAL Workshop
Publication date: 14 October 2000
Authors: Carli, R. et al.
Journal: Astrophysical Letters and Communications
Volume: 39
Page: 317
Year: 2000
The INTErnational Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL) is being developed by ESA
as the second medium-size satellite of the long-term scientific plan Horizon 2000. It is an
observatory providing an excellent opportunity to the scientific community for detailed imaging and
high-resolution spectroscopy of Gamma-ray sources.
After completion of the design and development phase the Structural Thermal Model of the Integral
Spacecraft and its four scientific instruments is presently being tested. First tests took place in
spring 1998 at the ESTEC test facilities. Late summer 1998 the Engineering Model test campaign
will follow.
This paper summarises the key programmatic milestones of the project, highlights the final design
characteristics of the satellite, reports on the first test results, and describes the orbital scenario of the mission and the herewith-related requirements to the satellite.