The alternative to observing high up on
mountains is to send infrared telescopes on balloons high
up into the atmosphere or, better yet, on rockets into space.
The European and American Space Agencies have launched several
infrared space missions in the past (see chart). There is
one infrared space observatory in orbit right now: NASA’s
Spitzer telescope produces spectacular images of a quality
that has never been possible before.
Two missions are currently working on their satellites:
Japan’s Astro-F and ESA’s Herschel. Canada contributes
equipment, software, and staff and science support to the
Herschel mission.
