Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph
IRIS is a NASA Small Explorer solar observatory that combines ultraviolet imaging and spectroscopy to resolve the Sun's chromosphere and transition region. Its measurements trace how plasma, magnetic fields, and energy move through the lower solar atmosphere, addressing how the corona is heated and how the solar wind and eruptive activity are powered.
Follow this mission
Schedule, status, and mission updates. Time-based alerts will start when a time is available.
Identity
- Aliases
- IRISExplorer 942013-033A
- Name
- Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph
- Status
- active
Details
- Astronauts
- -
- Description
- IRIS is a NASA Small Explorer solar observatory that combines ultraviolet imaging and spectroscopy to resolve the Sun's chromosphere and transition region. Its measurements trace how plasma, magnetic fields, and energy move through the lower solar atmosphere, addressing how the corona is heated and how the solar wind and eruptive activity are powered.
- Destination
- Polar, Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit at approximately 620–670 km altitude (97.89° inclination; ~97-minute period) for ultraviolet imaging and spectroscopy of the Sun’s chromosphere and transition region
- Launch Site
- Outcome
- IRIS entered its planned Sun-synchronous low Earth orbit and began science observations in July 2013. It completed its two-year prime mission and continues extended operations, producing high-resolution spectra and images that reveal fine structure, rapid heating, and mass and energy transport in the Sun's interface region.
- Programs
- Start Date
- 2013-06-27
- Vehicle Families
Links
- Official Url
- https://science.nasa.gov/mission/iris/
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- July 18, 2026 at 18:11:10 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 22, 2026 at 07:54:59 UTC
- Image
- Download
Other
- Affiliations
- Search Name
- Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph IRIS Explorer 94 2013-033A
- Space Stations
- -
- Vehicles