NICMOS: the next U.S. infrared space mission

Rodger I. Thompson

doi:10.1117/12.176808

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1 June 1994 NICMOS: the next U.S. infrared space mission

Rodger I. Thompson

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Proceedings Volume 2198, Instrumentation in Astronomy VIII; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176808
Event: 1994 Symposium on Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation for the 21st Century, 1994, Kailua, Kona, HI, United States

Abstract

The near IR camera and multi-object spectrometer (NICMOS), is a new instrument for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). NICMOS provides opportunities for near IR astrophysical investigations with HST in the 0.8 - 2.5 micrometers spectral region. NICMOS contains three cameras at different spatial resolutions for imaging, grisms for multi-object spectroscopy, polarizers for polarimetry, and a coronagraphic spot and mask for coronagraphic imaging. A solid nitrogen dewar maintains the three 256 x 256 pixel HgCdTe detectors at their operating temperature of 58K for five years. NICMOS is the next US IR space mission, scheduled on STS Mission 91 in March 1997. It is anticipated that the European ISO mission will be launched and operational by that time and that joint observational programs with the two instruments will be possible.

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Rodger I. Thompson "NICMOS: the next U.S. infrared space mission", Proc. SPIE 2198, Instrumentation in Astronomy VIII, (1 June 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.176808

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