Space

DATE=08/25/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SPACE TELESCOPE LAUNCH (S-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-306801

BYLINE=DAVID McALARY

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: FOR MORE DETAIL ON THE MISSION, SEE BACKGROUND REPORT 5-54190, "NEW SPACE TELESCOPE," ISSUED TUES., AUG. 19 ///

INTRO: The U-S space agency, NASA, has launched another space telescope to view parts of the universe previously out of view. David McAlary reports that it will look at old, cold and dirty objects.

TEXT: The Space Infrared Telescope has begun a two-and-a-half year mission to examine celestial objects invisible to the orbiting Hubble and Chandra telescopes.

The new telescope has infrared detectors of unprecedented sensitivity, to look for the oldest, most-distant objects in the cosmos and at cold bodies -- all of which are seen best in wavelengths just below visible light.

Project Manager David Gallagher says the space observatory can also see things shrouded in dust, which does not block infrared radiation.

/// GALLAGHER ACTUALITY ///

We're really looking for that which is unseen. It's a little bit like peering into a dark room and turning on the lights, in essence, in the infrared.

/// END ACTUALITY ///

NASA says the telescope's ability to detect low-temperature objects will help astronomers find planetary systems being formed. (SIGNED)

NEB/DEM/ WD