  The Spectroscopy of Plasma Evolution from Astrophysical Radiation (or the
Far-ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph) instruments, flown aboard the STSAT-1
satellite mission, have provided the first large-area spectral mapping of the
cosmic far ultraviolet (FUV, lambda 900-1750 Ang) background. We observe
diffuse radiation from hot (10^4 to 10^6 K) and ionized plasmas, molecular
hydrogen, and dust scattered starlight. These data provide for the
unprecedented detection and discovery of spectral emission from a variety of
interstellar environments, including the general medium, molecular clouds,
supernova remnants, and super-bubbles. We describe the mission and its data,
present an overview of the diffuse FUV sky's appearance and spectrum, and
introduce the scientific findings detailed later in this volume.
