Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
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Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!duke!giles@ucf-cs.UUCP (Bruce Giles)
From: giles@ucf-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.space
Subject: Death of IRAS
Message-ID: <1069@ucf-cs.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 12-Nov-83 21:58:22 EST
Article-I.D.: ucf-cs.1069
Posted: Sat Nov 12 21:58:22 1983
Date-Received: Mon, 14-Nov-83 04:49:40 EST
References: <429@ihuxb.UUCP>
Organization: University of Central Florida
Lines: 18

Is there any way to "recycle" IRAS?  I seem to recall reading that
IRAS is in orbit 500 miles up, within range of the Shuttle.

Since we have been receiving such excellent data, it seems a shame
we will have to wait nearly a decade for the next satellite.
Especially since the satellite's death will be due to loss of LHe.

I know that NASA requires that a satellite be "alive" before it will
risk an orbiter to retrieve it.  How soon is it until IRAS loses power
and/or control in addition to LHe?  Does it have a docking pin?  Could
NASA add a trip to IRAS onto the end of an existing orbiter mission?

Should we be forming a "SAVE IRAS" mini-pac?


			    Bruce Giles
			    decvax!ucf-cs!giles (UUCP)
			    UCF, Dept of Math, Orlando Fl 32816 (Snail)