# Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph

> NASA solar observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q588628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q588628)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interface_Region_Imaging_Spectrograph)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interface-region-imaging-spectrograph

## Summary
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a NASA solar observation satellite launched on June 28, 2013, designed to study the sun's interface region between the photosphere and corona. As part of the Small Explorer program (SMEX-12), this 200 kg space telescope provides detailed spectral images to help scientists understand solar atmosphere dynamics.

## Key Facts
- Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a NASA solar observation satellite launched on June 28, 2013
- It has a mass of 200 kilograms and is classified as both a space telescope and solar observatory
- The satellite is part of the Small Explorer program (SMEX-12 or Explorer 94)
- It was launched using a Pegasus rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base
- The mission is operated by Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory and Ames Research Center
- IRIS achieved first light on July 18, 2013
- It follows the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array in the Explorers Program sequence
- The satellite is succeeded by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite and the Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer
- Its official NASA websites are iris.gsfc.nasa.gov, nasa.gov/iris, and iris.lmsal.com/
- It has a COSPAR ID of 2013-033A and NSSDCA ID of 2013-033A

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph designed to study?
A: The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is designed to study the sun's interface region between the photosphere and corona, providing detailed spectral images to help scientists understand solar atmosphere dynamics.

### Q: When was the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph launched?
A: IRIS was launched on June 28, 2013 at 02:27:46 from Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Pegasus rocket.

### Q: What is the mass of the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph satellite?
A: The IRIS satellite has a mass of 200 kilograms.

### Q: Which organizations operate the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph mission?
A: The mission is operated by Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory and Ames Research Center.

### Q: How does Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph fit into NASA's Explorer Program?
A: IRIS is the 12th mission in the Small Explorer program (SMEX-12) and is also designated Explorer 94 in the broader Explorers Program. It follows the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array and is succeeded by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite.

## Why It Matters
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the sun's complex atmosphere and space weather phenomena. By studying the interface region between the sun's visible surface (photosphere) and its outer atmosphere (corona), IRIS addresses fundamental questions about how solar energy is transported and heats the million-degree corona. This region is particularly important because it's where much of the sun's dynamic activity originates, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections that can impact Earth's space environment and technological infrastructure. As part of NASA's cost-effective Small Explorer program, IRIS demonstrates how relatively small, focused missions can yield significant scientific advances in solar physics.

## Notable For
- First dedicated space telescope to study the sun's interface region between the photosphere and corona with high spectral resolution
- Part of NASA's Small Explorer program (SMEX-12), demonstrating the effectiveness of cost-constrained satellite missions for focused scientific objectives
- Achieved "first light" on July 18, 2013, just three weeks after its launch, demonstrating rapid operational capability
- Features specialized instrumentation combining spectroscopy with high-resolution imaging to analyze ultraviolet emissions from the solar atmosphere
- Operated through a partnership between NASA and Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, showcasing industry-academic collaboration in space missions

## Body
### Mission Overview
The Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) is a NASA solar observation satellite launched on June 28, 2013. As part of the Small Explorer program (designated SMEX-12 or Explorer 94), this 200 kilogram space telescope is dedicated to studying the sun's interface region between the photosphere and corona. The mission provides detailed spectral images to help scientists understand the complex dynamics of the solar atmosphere.

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 200 kilograms
- COSPAR ID: 2013-033A
- NSSDCA ID: 2013-033A
- Launch Date: June 28, 2013, at 02:27:46
- Launch Vehicle: Pegasus (F42 model)
- Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base
- Launch Platform: Stargazer (air-launched from L-1011 aircraft)

### Mission Management and Operations
- Operator: Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory, Ames Research Center
- Manufacturer: 
  - Lockheed Martin Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (general contractor for spacecraft bus and spectrometer)
  - Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (subcontractor for telescope)
- Launch Contractor: Orbital Sciences Corporation

### Program Context
- Instance of: Space telescope, Solar observatory
- Part of: Small Explorer program
- Follows: Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (Explorers Program #93, Small Explorer program #11)
- Followed by: 
  - Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (Explorers Program #95)
  - Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (Small Explorer program #13)

### Mission Timeline
- Launch: June 28, 2013
- First Light: July 18, 2013
- Ongoing mission with official websites at iris.gsfc.nasa.gov, nasa.gov/iris, and iris.lmsal.com/

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/telescope-door-on-iris-opens)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2013-033A)