A new launch date of August 23, 2003 has been established for SIRTF. The previously scheduled July 2002 date became infeasible because of delays in flight software development. Other technical issues, including increased testing of the cryogenic telescope assembly and the spacecraft, also played a role in the decision to re-schedule the launch.
Dean's groups segment is called Multiband Imaging Photometer (MIPS).
He is currently the lead investigator for the In-Orbit-Checkout of a new camera aboard the recently launched SIRTF. This camera observes celestial objects in the far-infrared (heat energy). He is using the instrument and telescope to investigate the most distant objects in the universe to understand how the very first stars were formed. He is also using the facility to look for newly forming planets orbiting nearby stars — these dusty systems provide insight into how our own solar system formed. The first images should be released late this year (2003).
NOTE:
On August 23, 2003, I was able to watch the lift off of the Delta II rocket carrying the SERTF project. My son Dean had given me the trip for my 65th birthday. What an experience. We were on the beach (Atlantic) at Coco Beach, Florida. Our position was four miles from the launch pad. In fact out hotel room door faced the launch pad.
Dean and I had made model rockets in the past and the lift-off reminded me of those days. Of course it was more spectacular watching the real "big" thing. Prior to the launch rain squalls were in abundance. It was feared that the launch would be delayed again. But, Mother Nature decided to clear the sky a few minutes before launch. When the rocket ignited the sky lit up and then the sound arrived. Dean said it wasn't as loud as the Shuttle launch but still loud. I didn't care, it was great. The rocket trail went up through a cloud. This lit up the cloud like it was day time. Following the rocket, the best thing was seeing the boosters drop off. At first it was 6 of them then a few seconds latter 3. We were able to watch the last stage fire and see it's burnout. It was all great to share this with Dean and his colleagues. We went back to a colleague's hotel and watched the lift-off again on video. With the video we were able to see the lift-off from a camera mounted on the rocket. Again what a sight! The camera pointed to the aft end of the rocket. We were able to see the ignition, the lift-off, the rocket going through the clouds and the boosters droping off. This was about as close as you could get.to being a passenger on the rocket.
The launch was a complete success and the space craft is following the earth as they both orbit the sun. You can learn more about SIRTF by going to http://sirtf.caltech.edu/
Artist rendition of SIRTF in orbit
