ISO Mission Control 

J. Faelker, J. Casale M.

ESA/ESOC

Abstract:
ESA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) is the first cryogenically 
cooled astronomical observatory and as such presents specific control 
requirements for spacecraft subsystems and instruments. The 18 months 
cryogen limited lifetime (now predicted for 24 months) and an 
oversubscription for astronomical observations demands rapid but safe 
execution of satellite and instrument operations.

Telescope pointing requirements, higher than specified, instrument 
detectors whose performance is highly variable and susceptible to 
memory effects, short lifetime and satellite susceptibility to damage 
present conflicting requirements on the mission control system and 
complicate the data processing of the observations.

These are described and lessons drawn which will be useful for the 
design of future "extreme" missions.