Downsizing a great observatory: reinventing Spitzer in the warm mission

Lisa J. Storrie-Lombardi; Suzanne R. Dodd

doi:10.1117/12.857827

29 July 2010 Downsizing a great observatory: reinventing Spitzer in the warm mission

Lisa J. Storrie-Lombardi, Suzanne R. Dodd

Proceedings Volume 7737, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems III; 77370L (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857827
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The Spitzer Space Telescope transitioned from the cryogen mission to the IRAC warm mission during 2009. This transition involved changing several areas of operations in order to cut the mission annual operating costs to 1/3 of the cryogen mission amount. In spite of this substantial cut back, Spitzer continues to have one of the highest science return per dollar ratio of any of NASA's extended missions. This paper will describe the major operational changes made for the warm mission and how they affect the science return. The paper will give several measures showing that warm Spitzer continues as one of the most scientifically productive mission in NASA's portfolio. This work was performed at the California Institute of Technology under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Citation Download Citation

Lisa J. Storrie-Lombardi and Suzanne R. Dodd "Downsizing a great observatory: reinventing Spitzer in the warm mission", Proc. SPIE 7737, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems III, 77370L (29 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857827

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