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Infrared Astronomical Satellite spacecraft

IRAS was the first space telescope to survey the sky in infrared light. The NASA-Netherlands-United Kingdom observatory mapped nearly the entire sky and revealed a rich population of dusty stars, galaxies, planetary-system debris, and other infrared sources.

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Identity

Aliases
Infrared Astronomical SatelliteIRAS spacecraft1983-004A
Family Name
IRAS
Full Name
Infrared Astronomical Satellite spacecraft
Roles
orbiterobservatoryresearch
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
IRAS was the first space telescope to survey the sky in infrared light. The NASA-Netherlands-United Kingdom observatory mapped nearly the entire sky and revealed a rich population of dusty stars, galaxies, planetary-system debris, and other infrared sources.
First Flight Year
1,983
Last Flight Year
1,983
Operator
Programs
-
Spacecraft Specs
Reusability
expendable

Links

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
August 1, 2026 at 08:38:06 UTC
Updated Time
August 13, 2026 at 23:25:02 UTC