Abstract

European and American astronomers received a beautiful new telescope when the International Ultraviolet Explorer was launched earlier this year in a collaboration between NASA, ESA and SRC. IUE is the first space telescope to be operated like a telescope on the ground, by "visiting" astronomers together with observatory statt members. Dr. Andre Heck, together with the VILSPA Observatory statt based at the ESA Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station, ESTEC and the UK IUE Project, informs us about the satellite and the fantastic observations that have been made with it. Ouring one session, simultaneous observations were made with the tuE and with three ESO telescopes at La Silla.