[Previous] | [Session 12] | [Next]
D. A. Schwartz (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics), Gen-X Team
The ambitious goals of 100 m2 collecting area and 0.1 arcsec angular resolution require innovative extensions from the predecessor Chandra and Con-X missions. We will utilize much thinner, and therefore flimsier, Wolter I mirrors to make the launch of such area practical. This implies that substantial alignment of modules, and figuring of the reflecting surfaces, must be done post-launch. Aligning and figuring will involve observation of celestial X-ray sources, and sophisticated on-board algorithms either to control robotic operations or to provide data for astronaut-assisted adjustments. A very stable space environment, such as the Sun-Earth L2 point, will be required for science observations. Different focal plane instruments will be necessary to cover the full energy range, with the best possible energy resolution, spatial resolution, and high throughput. The trade studies we are considering to implement such concepts will be defined, and approaches to realizing solutions will be presented in the subsequent talks.
This research has been supported in part by the NASA Space Sciences Vision Missions program.
The author(s) of this abstract have provided an email address for comments about the abstract: das@head.cfa.harvard.edu
[Previous] | [Session 12] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.