We present the sensitivity calculation results for observing the Cosmic Infrared Background (CIRB) by the Multi-purpose IR Imaging System (MIRIS), which will be launched in 2010 as a main payload of the Science and Technology Satellite 3 (STSAT-3). MIRIS will observe in I ( 0.9∼1.2um) and H (1.2∼2.0um) band with a 4×4 degree field of view to obtain the large scale structure ( ∼3 degree) of the CIRB. With the given specifications of the MIRIS, our sensitivity calculation results show that the MIRIS has a detection limit of ∼9nWm−2sr−1 (I band) and ∼6nWm−2sr−1 (H band), which is appropriate to observe the large scale structure of CIRB.
ASTRO-F is the first Japanese dedicated infrared astronomical satellite which will be launched in 2005FY and is now in the final stage of the development. ASTRO-F is a 70 cm aperture cryogenically cooled telescope and designed for the infrared survey with much higher sensitivity and angular resolution than IRAS. We present the current status of the mission, focal plane instruments, and the observation plan now being discussed.
SPICA (Space Infrared Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics) is an infrared astronomical satellite with a 3.5 m cooled telescope which is very powerful in mid- and far- infrared observations and makes complementary role to JWST and Herschel. SPICA will be launched at ambient temperature without any cryogen into the Sun-Earth L2 orbit and cooled down in space to 4.5 K with use of efficient radiative cooling and mechanical coolers. The present status of SPICA and the developments of the satellite system are reported.