On-orbit Performance of the Spitzer Space Telescope: Science Meets Engineering

TL;DR

This paper reviews the on-orbit performance of the Spitzer Space Telescope over 16 years, highlighting engineering data relevant to future missions operating at L2, especially in radiative cooling techniques.

Contribution

It compiles unique engineering data from Spitzer's mission, emphasizing insights applicable to future infrared space telescopes at L2.

Findings

Spitzer demonstrated effective radiative cooling adopted by JWST and SPHEREx.

The mission operated successfully in an environment similar to L2.

Engineering data collected will aid future mission planning.

Abstract

The Spitzer Space Telescope operated for over 16 years in an Earth-trailing solar orbit, returning not only a wealth of scientific data but, as a by-product, spacecraft and instrument engineering data which will be of interest to future mission planners. These data will be particularly useful because Spitzer operated in an environment essentially identical to that at the L2 LaGrange point where many future astrophysics missions will operate. In particular, the radiative cooling demonstrated by Spitzer has been adopted by other infrared space missions, from JWST to SPHEREx. This paper aims to facilitate the utility of the Spitzer engineering data by collecting the more unique and potentially useful portions into a single, readily-accessible publication. We avoid discussion of less unique systems, such as the telecom, flight software, and electronics systems and do not address the innovations in mission and science operations which the Spitzer team initiated. These and other items of potential interest are addressed in references supplied in an appendix to this paper.