OTD in Space – January 26: Launch of the International Ultraviolet Explorer 🚀

On January 26, 1978, the International Ultraviolet Explorer launched into orbit on a mission to study ultraviolet light emitted by stars and other bright objects in the universe. <br /><br />Because a lot of that UV light is absorbed by Earth's ozone layer, astronomers needed a space-based observatory to look at it. The IUE mission allowed astronomers to study hot, bright stars, active galactic nuclei, supernova explosions and more. The mission was a joint project between NASA and the European Space Agency, and it lasted more than 18 years before budget cuts led to its decommissioning. The derelict satellite is still in orbit around the Earth today.