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NuSTAR Satellite Approved for Further Study by NASA
By Matthew Early Wright
The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) satellite may soon
give astrophysicists a new window on the universe. Designed to image
high-energy X-ray radiation, it will capture sharp images of black
holes, supernovae, and galactic nuclei. And if NASA gives the project
final flight approval early next year, it could be in orbit by the end
of the decade.
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The NuSTAR
satellite will image high-energy X-rays, giving scientists a new
perspective on black holes, supernovae and galactic nuclei. The
extendable mast, of which only a small fraction is shown here, will
extend to 10 meters once the satellite is launched.
(Image courtesy of Bill Craig) |
NuSTAR is capable of capturing X-rays in the range of 10-80 KeV, known
as the ‘hard’ X-ray band. This is a huge improvement over previous
missions, which have only been able to image lower energy, or ‘soft’
X-rays. Since these hard X-rays are better able to penetrate the layers
of gas and dust in our galaxy, NuSTAR will be able to make observations
that were previously beyond reach.
“With this mission, we’ll open the hard X-ray frontier and look at
things never seen before,” said project leader Fiona Harrison (Caltech).
The fact that hard X-rays can penetrate matter makes them incredibly
hard to focus for imaging purposes. NuSTAR will employ sophisticated
reflective surfaces and advanced detection equipment to corral these
high-energy rays. In doing so, it will address three main scientific
goals.
First, it will take a census of black holes. By looking for their X-ray
signatures, NuSTAR will count as many of these bizarre objects as
possible. It will also track their accretion rate—or how quickly matter
is drawn into them—by imaging the radiation they emit as they grow.
Second, NuSTAR will explore remnants of supernova explosions to study
the formation of heavy elements. It will look for titanium-44, which is
formed in the region where material either shoots out into space or
collapses into the super-dense core. By tracking the decay of this
isotope, NuSTAR should discover a lot about the evolution of elements in
the universe.
Third, it will investigate the astrophysical jets streaming from the
core of galactic nuclei. These strange features remain an enigma to
researchers. NuSTAR will make observations in tandem with the GLAST
satellite to give a first look at the high energy profile of these
cosmic particle accelerators.
“This mission takes advantage of new technology, allowing it to have
sensitivity hundreds of times better than previously deployed
instruments,” said Greg Madejski (ASG). “It will push the boundaries of
what we can see with mirror-based telescopes.”
A high-altitude balloon called the High Energy Focusing Telescope (HEFT)
is scheduled to be launched from New Mexico in April. It will carry hard
X-ray focusing equipment, similar to that designed for NuSTAR, to test
its functionality and readiness for space flight.
Bill Craig (KIPAC), NuSTAR Project Scientist, explained that while HEFT
is a useful tool for development and testing, it does have limitations.
“A balloon only allows a few hours of observation per flight,” he said.
“NuSTAR will operate above the atmosphere for three years, allowing a
tremendous advance in scientific capability.”
NuSTAR work at both SLAC and Stanford will be managed by KIPAC. “We at
KIPAC are thrilled about being part of NuSTAR,” said KIPAC Director
Roger Blandford. “It is our first new project to garner federal funding,
and demonstrates how SLAC and [Stanford main] campus can work so well
together.”
NuSTAR was selected from among 29 Small Explorer (SMEX) proposals
submitted to NASA in response to an Explorer Program Announcement of
Opportunity issued in early 2003. The SMEX program specifically seeks
out promising scientific missions that can be launched at low cost. If
final flight approval is granted early next year, NuSTAR will be
scheduled for launch in 2009.
The NuSTAR project brings together collaborators from Caltech, SLAC,
JPL, Columbia University, LLNL, UC Santa Cruz, Sonoma State University
and the Danish Space Research Institute. The researchers invite
participatory inquiries from members of the astrophysics community.
For more information, see: http://www.nustar.caltech.edu/.
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