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This paper presents the CIRCUS infrared camera and recent results in extragalactic astronomy obtained using this 32 x 32 array camera. Observations were carried on starburst galaxies, 3.3μm PAH emission line at large scale in NGC 891 and the twin quasar Q0957+561.

It is well known that the millimeter and submillimeter part of the spectrum contains key information concerning the birth and death of stars and the evolution of galaxies. These are among the most fundamental problems in astrophysics. In. this wavelength region, one can probe deep into the cocoons of gas and dust surrounding stars in the earliest as well as the last phases of their life, into the dusty tori surrounding active galactic nuclei, and into high redshift galaxies undergoing their first burst of star formation. The radio astronomical groups from the Institute of Applied Physics RAS and Institute of Radio Astronomy NASU collaborate for many years in this area. Here we review the main results of our recent studies and outline the perspectives of this research.

Following an overview of the role of space observations in contemporary astrophysics, the next generation of space-based observatories (the Space Telescope, the Gamma Ray Observatory and the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility) is described. Possible new directions which may be pursued in the 1990s are also discussed. These include the development of large flux collectors for use in astronomy in the ultraviolet, optical, infrared and millimeter wave portions of the spectrum and the development of space-based interferometers to carry out a variety of astrophysically important measurements. Many of these longer term programs will require substantial advances in optics, structures, and control technology.

All existing night-time astronomical telescopes, regardless of aperture, are blind to an important part of the universe - the region around bright objects. Technology now exist to build an unobscured 6.5 m aperture telescope which will attain coronagraphic sensitivity heretofore unachieved. A working group hosted by the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy has developed plans for a New Planetary Telescope which will permit astronomical observations which have never before ben possible. In its narrow-field mode the off-axis optical design, combined with adaptive optics, provides superb coronagraphic capabilities, and a very low thermal IR background. These make it ideal for studies of extra-solar planets and circumstellar discs, as well as for general IR astronomy. In its wide-field mode the NPT provides a 2 degree diameter field for surveys of Kuiper Belt Objects and Near-Earth Objects, surveys central to current intellectual interests in solar system astronomy.

A brief review of galactic center observations, from the radio to gamma rays, is presented. There is evidence for black holes in the central region of the Galaxy at all wavelengths, but the observations are not unambiguous and a single massive object at the dynamic center may not explain the data at all wavelengths. Requirements for future observations in each wavelength band are developed.

Recent results from XMM-Newton and Chandra show that sufficiently sensitive x_ray imaging and spectroscopic capabilities allow one to observe the evolution of active galaxies out to z ~ 6, the x-ray signature of luminous star forming galaxies at z~3, as well as the origin and evolution of cosmic structure. With the advent of new optical/UV/IR and radio capabilities in the next decade, it is appropriate to evaluate the future capabilities of planned x-ray missions (e.g., Constellation_X and Astro-E2) as well as other missions being developed (e.g., Gen-X, XEUS, and Astro-G) or under advance planning (MAXIM and EXIST). I will present a summary of the present status of the field and the capabilities of these missions for extragalactic x-ray astronomy.

The technical aspects of the X-ray Timing Explorer (XTE) mission are described with particular attention paid to the current scientific problems it will address. It features a low-background, continuous 2-200 keV response with large areas. Rapid response (in hours) to observing opportunities is obtained by virtue of a scanning all-sky monitor, rapid spacecraft maneuverability, and rapid response in the control center. XTE will carry out detailed, energy-resolved studies of phenomena close to neutron stars and black holes utilizing XTE's submillisecond timing, its high telemetry rates, and the high throughput of its data system.

We discuss the site conditions for astronomy at the South Pole and over the Antarctic plateau. We find that these conditions are the most favorable on Earth for sensitive observations at thermal IR and sub-millimeter wavelengths. We further discuss plans to develop IR facilities to exploit this potential.