HERSCHEL : A new window in the infrared universe

 

BOOSTEC has produced for the HERSCHEL mission the all in SiC observation telescope, which will be the largest telescope ever sent into space :

 

Cassegrain telescope

Operating temperature 70°K

Aperture 3500 mm

Focal length 28.5 m

Weight 300 kg

Optical quality (WFE) 6 microns RMS at 70°K

 

  

Delivered to EADS Astrium in may 2004

Successfully tested (vibrations) in june 2004

Ongoing polishing