The future of space infrared astronomy

Conclusion I can remember vividly when Tim Hawarden first came into my office about 7 years ago and talked very excitedly about passively-cooled space infrared telescopes. He was sufficiently persuasive that we even managed to get the idea into the various forward-look exercises in which the SERC indulges every year. The idea has evolved considerably since then and the climax of that activity was when Tim presented the case for POIROT to the European Space Agency a couple of years ago. The project did very well indeed as it passed through the peer-review committees and was unlucky just to miss being selected for further study.Since then, the momentum has continued largely through the enthusiasm of Tim and of Harley Thronson's advocacy in the USA. It is my view that the time has come when the agencies have to take these proposals very seriously indeed as the way forward for space infrared astronomy. Our goal over the next two days is to expose all the issues which have to be addressed to convert the concept into a realistic space mission.