Why do infrared satellites have to be cooled?
2007-12-04 14:32:44 · 4 answers · asked by Star_Gazer 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Warm elements like lenses and detector itself emit infrared radiation and mask the signal as "noise".
2007-12-04 14:36:20 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The satellites have to be cooled because infrared is a ray but it also heats up any in its path. If a satellite gets in its way it will heat up the satellite. Therefore they have to be cooled or the satellites would just burn up.
2007-12-04 14:37:33 · answer #2 · answered by Gilly G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because their own internal heat emits infrared and that will affect the data they are gathering.
If is it an imaging satellite (like a camera or telescope) it would be like having a tiny lightbulb inside the camera: all photos would be foggy.
So, by cooling them down, we reduce the infrared emitted by the satellite (analogy, we dim the tiny light bulb inside the camera).
2007-12-04 14:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by Raymond 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because they are in space - and do not have an atmosphere
to mitigate the sun's heat by dispersing it
that's why the space shuttle's doors are open after it reaches orbit - to let the heat out
2007-12-04 14:36:44 · answer #4 · answered by tom4bucs 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋