Giant Infrared Space Observatory Considered by NASA
NASA is considering a new space-based telescope that would be the equivalent of a 40-metre (120 ft) observatory. The proposed Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) mission would consist of two infrared telescopes at opposite sides of a rail that could be positioned perfectly to combine their images into a single, giant telescope. SPIRIT is being considered as part of NASA’s Origins program, which is looking to answer fundamental questions about the beginning of the universe. If selected, it would launch in 2014.