The SCIAMACHY instrument was proposed in 1988 by J. P. Burrows et al.. J. P. Burrows acts also as principal investigator of the GOME project.
After a feasibility study (phase A) in 1989-1990 led by Dornier and Fokker as prime contractors, SCIAMACHY was selected for flight by the European Space Agency (ESA) as an "Announcement of Opportunity" instrument.
Subsequently a definition study (phase B) was carried out between 1991 and mid 1992.
Meanwhile, the manufacturing phase (phase C/D) has been completed. SCIAMACHY has been delivered to ESA and is mounted on ENVISAT. Detailed information on the current instrument status may be obtained from the corresponding SCIAMACHY Status page at ESA/ESTEC.