Fact Sheet

ESA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) is an astronomical satellite that was operational between November 1995 and May 1998. It operated at wavelengths from 2.5 to 240 microns, in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because the atmosphere acts as an 'umbrella' for most infrared wavelengths -preventing them from reaching the ground- a space telescope is needed to detect this kind of radiation invisible to the human eye and to optical telescopes.

News

News

ESA celebrates 25th anniversary of the Infrared Space Observatory with new data archive interface
17 November 2020

Today, ESA is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Infrared Space Observatory, ISO, with a brand new interface to the mission's unique legacy archive.

Special Features

Special Features

Science@ESA: Episode 3: Exploring the infrared Universe
24 April 2009In this third episode of the Science@ESA vodcast series Rebecca Barnes investigates the infrared Universe, explores discoveries made by ground-breaking infrared space telescopes, and takes a look at Herschel - ESA's pioneering infrared space telescope.
19-Mar-2024 05:24 UT

ShortUrl Portlet

Shortcut URL

https://sci.esa.int/iso

Publications