WIRE
Wide-field Infrared Explorer
WIRE is a solid-hydrogen cooled imaging telescope designed for studying starburst
galaxy evolution. As the fifth mission in the Small Explorer (SMEX) program,
WIRE was launched on 4 March 1999 from Vandenberg Air Force Base via an Orbital
Sciences Pegasus XL.
Under contract to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, SDL designed, assembled and
tested the telescope, including the mirrors, filters and mechanical structure.
SDL worked with Boeing to define the FPA mount assemblies and integrated these
into the completed telescope.
SDL provided all management and instrument engineering for WIRE, including
management of Boeing North America for production of the focal plane arrays
and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space for production of the solid hydrogen
cryostat.
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