ESA Science & Technology - The ISO Mission - A Scientific Overview

Publication date: 01 November 1995

Authors: Kessler, M.F., et al.

Journal: ESA Bulletin
Volume: 84
Year: 1995

Copyright: ESA

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) satellite will be the world's first true astronomical observatory in space operating at infrared wavelengths. Astronomers will be able to choose specific targets in the sky and point ISO towards them for up to ten hours at a time to make observations with versatile instruments of unprecedented sensitivity. During its lifetime of 18 months, ISO will be used to observe all classes of astronomical objects ranging from planets and comets in our own solar system, right out to the most distant galaxies.