NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to be retired

[Grey Havoc]

It's time to say goodbye to NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. Here's why.

It's one of NASA's Great Observatories.

www.space.com

Gallery: The infrared universe seen by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope

See images from NASA's infrared Spitzer Space Telescope.

www.space.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

From last year:

 

[Grey Havoc]

The Space Review: Panchromatic astronomy on a budget

 

[Flyaway]

Spitzer Space Telescope shuts down after 16 years of watching the skies

After studying the cosmos for 16 years, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope will shut down Thursday after mission officials send the observatory its final command.

www.latimes.com

 

[FighterJock]

Any idea as to what will replace the Spitzer infrared space telescope?

 

[Flyaway]

NASA press release:

NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope Ends Mission of Astronomical Discovery - NASA

After more than 16 years studying the universe in infrared light, revealing new wonders in our solar system, our galaxy, and beyond, NASA’s Spitzer Space

www.nasa.gov

 

[Flyaway]

Any idea as to what will replace the Spitzer infrared space telescope?

This paragraph from the above NASA press release answers your question.

In 2016, following a review of operating astrophysics missions, NASA made a decision to close out the Spitzer mission in 2018 in anticipation of the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, which also will observe the universe in infrared light. When Webb's launch was postponed, Spitzer was granted an extension to continue operations until this year. This gave Spitzer additional time to continue producing transformative science, including insights that will pave the way for Webb, which is scheduled to launch in 2021.

 

[Sferrin]

Makes you wonder why they'd retire it if it's still working fine.

 

[Hobbes]

Makes you wonder why they'd retire it if it's still working fine.

"In 2016, following a review of operating astrophysics missions, NASA made a decision to close out the Spitzer mission in 2018 in anticipation of the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, which also will observe the universe in infrared light. When Webb's launch was postponed, Spitzer was granted an extension to continue operations until this year. This gave Spitzer additional time to continue producing transformative science"

Looks like the reason was funding and/or personnel (people moving from Spitzer to Webb).

 

[Sferrin]

So budget? Bummer. While not as capable as the JWST I'm sure it would still be useful.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Especially as it seems like the JWST is likely to be delayed yet again...

 

[FighterJock]

So Spitzer was sacrificed to help fund the JWST. Madness.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Indeed sir, indeed.

 

[MihoshiK]

So Spitzer was sacrificed to help fund the JWST. Madness.

...Errr... We have different definitions of insanity, I guess. Shutting something down to enable it's seriously more capable replacement to move closer to being launched does not seems to be madness to me.

It's not like NASA is going to put the money saved into novelty toilet seats after all, and the JWST really needs to get into space already.

 

[FighterJock]

So Spitzer was sacrificed to help fund the JWST. Madness.

...Errr... We have different definitions of insanity, I guess. Shutting something down to enable it's seriously more capable replacement to move closer to being launched does not seems to be madness to me.

It's not like NASA is going to put the money saved into novelty toilet seats after all, and the JWST really needs to get into space already.

Let's hope that the delay for the JWST is not that long. And that the science that we will get from JWST supersedes anything that Spitzer was capable of.