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Next: Chronology of Events Up: ISO Info No. 8 Previous: Introduction

Overall Status

Martin Kessler



Since ISO 's successful launch by Ariane during the night of 16-17 November, the spacecraft has been commissioned and the detailed performance checks and core calibrations of the instruments are proceeding well. Work is on track to start routine operations on 4th February as planned pre-launch.

The first 21 days after launch were devoted to the so-called ``Satellite Commissioning Phase''. During this time, the operational orbit was attained, the spacecraft was shown to be in excellent condition with performances exceeding the specifications, first light for all instruments was achieved (e.g. see the CAM image of M51 on the back cover), engineering checks were successfully made of all the four scientific instruments and the integrated ground segment was validated.

The following 56 days (``Performance Verification Phase'') are dedicated to a detailed verification of the instruments' performances and establishment of their core calibrations. At just past the half-way point, the following general statements can be made:



Kieron Leech
ISO Science Team
Mon Feb 26 15:56:27 MET 1996