Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This is a full-scale replica of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite, constructed by Ball Corporation's Aerospace Systems Division, the prime contractor for the telescope system and for many of the structural elements. Reconstruction began in mid-1986 using backup and leftover parts, with some new components, with assistance from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Perkin-Elmer and the Netherlands Aerospace Agency.

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite was a joint venture between NASA and its counterparts in the Netherlands and Great Britain. The satellite was launched on January 25, 1983 from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a Delta rocket. The payload was inserted into a near-circular orbit at about 900 km. IRAS produced infrared maps of the sky at 12, 25, 60 and 100 microns during 10 months of operation before its liquid helium was exhausted.

IRAS was donated to the Museum by the Ball Corporation in April 1987.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed Manufacturer Ball Aerospace Systems Division
 Dimensions Overall: 11 ft. 9 1/2 in. tall x 6 ft. 5 in. wide, 765 lb. (359.4 x 195.6cm, 347kg)
 Materials Mixed materials, aluminum, plastic, aluminum coated Mylar
 Inventory Number A19870107000 Credit Line Gift of Aerosystems Division, Ball Corporation Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.