Posted: Tue, Oct 14, 2003, 2:37 PM ET (1837 GMT)
NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) spacecraft is in good condition near the end of its in-space checkout period, NASA announced Monday. The telescope, launched August 25 into a heliocentric Earth-trailing orbit, has been successfully focused, project officials reported. The telescope has also cooled to its operating temperature of 5 kelvins (-268 degrees Celsius). The on-orbit checkout activities are scheduled to continue through late this month, after which a one-month scientific verification period will occur before the telescope enters regular service.

Related Links:

•  AP article
•  NASA/JPL press release