images

ESA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO)

by

ESA/Novapix

Reference

e-sou13-05002

Date

2006-11-16

ESA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) spacecraft is readied for shipment after completion of integration and tests by Aerospatiale Satellites (now Alcatel Space), in its assembly plant near Cannes, on the French Riviera.ISO was launched on November 17, 1995, by an Ariane 4, and placed on a highly elliptical geosynchronous orbit. ISO was designed for an 18-month mission but its helium supply lasted 10 months longer allowing observations to continue through April 8, 1998.