History of Space-Based Infrared Astronomy and the Air Force Infrared Celestial Backgrounds Program

Abstract

A retrospective is provided on space-based astronomy missions and the prominent role the US Defense Department (DoD), particularly the Air Force, played in early days of infrared astronomy and the technology development that was transitioned to the infrared astronomical community. The geophysics programs at the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories (AFCRL) and successor organizations (AFGL) at Hanscom Air Force Base are described in order to provide a context for the DoD infrared astronomy program. AFCRL and AFGL conducted the early mid-infrared probe-rocket based surveys as well as supporting related experiments under university contracts. The succession of subsequent orbital experiments is also described.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 18, 2008
Accession Number
ADA513643

Entities

People

  • S. D. Price

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Birds
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Detection
  • Geography
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Measurement
  • Medical Personnel
  • Optics
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Quantum Yields
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Telemetry Equipment
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.
  • Spectroscopy.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • Space