The objectives of the BIRD mission can be divided into 2 general topics:
The overall scientific objectives of the BIRD mission are:
Besides the scientific objectives the mission has to meet also technological and scientific-methodical objectives. A group of technological objectives is related to the implementation, test and demonstration of a new class of infrared sensor systems in orbit suitable for small satellites. Especially the implementation of the cooled infrared arrays on a small satellite (less than 100 kg) is closely connected with a number of challenging technological tasks.
The technological objectives are:
Tab.: Mission objectives of BIRD