[Previous] | [Session 88] | [Next]
K. Weaver, N. White (NASA/GSFC), H. Tananbaum (Harvard CfA/SAO), A. Valinia, F. Marshall (NASA/GSFC), J. Bookbinder (Harvard CfA/SAO), C. Stahle, J. Grady (NASA/GSFC), R. Rasche, L. P. Van Speybroeck (Harvard CfA/SAO), R. Kelley (NASA/GSFC), S. Kahn (Columbia U.), F. Harrison (CalTech), S. Castles (NASA/GSFC)
The Constellation X-ray mission is a key element in NASA's Structure and Evolution of the Universe (SEU) theme. It consists of a high throughput X-ray astronomy facility, emphasizing observations at high spectral resolution (E/DeltaE ~ 300-3000) while covering a broad energy bandpass (0.25-40 keV). Constellation-X will utilize revolutionary technology to provide a factor of nearly 100 increase in sensitivity compared to current X-ray spectroscopy missions. In so doing, Constellation-X will obtain high quality spectra for all classes of X-ray sources over a wide range of luminosity and redshift, thus addressing fundamental questions of extreme gravity and the evolution of the Universe. Accomplishing these science objectives requires new approaches for the development and operation of the mission. We present the current status of key technologies, including the latest milestones in X-ray calorimeter development and state-of-the-art X-ray mirrors.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: kweaver@cleo.gsfc.nasa.gov