Future studies of brown dwarfs from space Original Research Article

Current understanding of brown dwarfs is summarized and motivation for further studies is described. The potential of the space missions, IRIS and SIRTF, in brown dwarf detection is discussed in contrast to what can be done from the ground. Observations of brown dwarf companions and giant planets by space telescopes and interferometers are also considered. Space missions are capable of detecting many cool/cold brown dwarfs, while ground based searches are sensitive only to warm and cool brown dwarfs.