概述了IRAS升空以来在AGB星研究方面的进展和发现的问题，比较详 细地报告了60cm空间红外望远镜ISO携带的探测器及其性能，以及它的 成像和光谱观测对研究AGB星的演化的影响，尤其是对AGB星星周包 层的化学环境的研究的重要作用。
This paper reports the progress in ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) project and puts emphasis on its influence on the study of AGB stars. Because AGB stars lose mass in large scale and become mostly optically thick, infrared observations can be used to exhibit the gas/dust components of the circumstellar envelopes. Furthermore, the circumstellar envelope of AGB stars is a very important source for the evolution of interstellar medium, and a clear understanding of the AGB stars' circumstellar envelope will help investigate the evolution of cosmic abundances. ISO spent quite a lot of time on observations of AGB stars with various methods including imaging, spectroscopy, polarimetry and photometry with higher resolution, better sensitivity and wider wavelength coverage than those of the first infrared astronomical satellite IRAS. Though this space infrared observatory finished its mission just in May 1998, already some useful results have been published. Detached shell structure of AGB stars seen from ISO photo-imaging implies non-continuous mass loss process. Compared with previous observations obtained from IRAS and ground telescopes, ISO reveals more complete spectrum of some molecules such as HCN, CO and PAH. In addition, ISO discoveres many new lines, some of which have been identified, while many of which are yet to be identified. In particular, the dust features are abundant in the spectra of AGB stars. In the upcoming years, more laboratory work is needed and a good understanding of the mass loss and circumstellar components of AGB stars can be expected.