Astrophysics Research and Analysis
BlackCAT CubeSat: A Soft X-ray Sky Monitor, Transient Finder, and Burst Detector for High-Energy and Multimessenger Astrophysics
Project Description
We propose a CubeSat with a wide field of view soft X-ray imager for high-energy and multi-messenger astrophysics. The BlackCAT CubeSat would use an X-ray Hybrid CMOS Detector (HCD) and a coded aperture mask to rapidly image a large region of the soft X-ray sky in the 0.2-20 keV band. The instrument would be the first of its kind utilizing an HCD and providing alerts and source localizations in the scientifically critical soft X-ray regime. It would detect and enable studies of gravitational wave X-ray counterparts, Gamma Ray Bursts (particularly at cosmological redshifts), and other X-ray transients and high emission states. The mission would thus function as a multi-wavelength and multi-messenger complement to several major present and future facilities including LIGO, VIRGO, IceCube, KM3NET, LSST, LOFAR, SKA, and CTA.
More »
Anticipated Benefits
The Astrophysics Research and Analysis program (APRA) supports suborbital and suborbital-class investigations, development of detectors and supporting technology, laboratory astrophysics, and limited ground based observing. Basic research proposals in these areas are solicited for investigations that are relevant to NASA's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including the entire range of photons, gravitational waves, and particle astrophysics. The emphasis of this solicitation is on technologies and investigations that advance NASA astrophysics missions and goals.
More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) | Lead Organization | Academia | University Park, Pennsylvania |
| Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) | Supporting Organization | FFRDC/UARC | Los Alamos, New Mexico |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
New Mexico
-
Pennsylvania
Suggest an Edit
Recommend changes and additions to this project record.