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ESA Bulletin Number 95

Looking Back at ISO Operations

M.F. Kessler, J. Clavel & J. Faelker

The Infrared Space Observatory (ISO), the world’s first true orbiting infrared observatory, was switched off in May 1998, long after the expiry date foreseen in the specifications for the mission. Instead of the required 18 months, the highly-successful in-orbit operations of this excellent satellite continued for more than 28 months leading to an extensive database of observations which will be providing astronomical surprises for years to come. This article looks back at the way operations were conducted.