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GEMS Mission: X-Ray Insights from Small Satellite

GEMS, a NASA Small Explorers mission set for launch in 2014, will utilize x-ray polarimetry to study black holes, magnetars, and cosmic ray acceleration in supernova remnants. This presentation from the Small Satellite Conference in 2009 highlights the spacecraft design, payload features, and mission operations planned for GEMS. Learn about the innovative technology and mission objectives that aim to answer fundamental questions in astrophysics.

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GEMS Mission: X-Ray Insights from Small Satellite

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  1. Big Astrophysics in A Small Package Erin Walter GEMS Spacecraft Lead/Orbital Small Satellite Conference - GEMS Presentation August 12, 2009

  2. GEMS Mission • The GEMS mission was selected by NASA as a Small Explorers (SMEX) mission in July 2009 and is scheduled for launch in 2014on a Pegasus-class launch vehicle • The GEMS mission will be the first mission to use x-ray polarimetry to characterize the geometry and behavior of x-ray sources, including supermassive black holes and magnetars. • Answers to important questions • How does the spin of a black hole warp space time? • What powers magnetars? • How are cosmic rays accelerated in supernova remnants? Small Satellite Conference - GEMS Presentation August 12, 2009

  3. X-Ray Polarization • Polarization measurements allow us to study: • Scattering • Magnetic fields • Strong gravity GEMS will use these processes to probe black holes, neutron stars and supernova remnants

  4. GEMS Mission Overview Small Satellite Conference - GEMS Presentation August 12, 2009

  5. Spacecraft Design Instrument Mount Points Omni Antenna (1 of 2) • Rotating Entire Vehicle at 0.1 RPM • Instrument interface: 3-point mount brackets on top deck • Spacecraft bus provides: • 16 Gbits of data storage • 106 W of power provided • 4 RS-422 data interfaces • ACS Control and Knowledge • Ample throughput with RAD 750 processor • Fuses and power switches (including for instrument cover and boom actuation) • Instrument is thermally isolated • Instrument has no FOV impingements • 2 Omni antennas mounted on instrument support structure for FOV optimization Pegasus- Class Launch Vehicle Small Satellite Conference - GEMS Presentation August 12, 2009

  6. Payload Design • 0.1 rpm Rotation reduces systematic errors • Three Telescopes • High signal to noise • Redundancy • Three Mirrors • Light weight aluminum foil optics • Proven heritage from ASCA and Suzaku • Technology pioneered at GSFC • 4.5m focal length from extendable optical bench • Three Time Projection Chambers Polarimeters • Photoelectric effect sensitive to polarization • Technology pioneered at GSFC • ATK Boom • Student collaboration Bragg Reflection Polarimeter Small Satellite Conference - GEMS Presentation August 12, 2009

  7. Mission Operations Small Satellite Conference - GEMS Presentation August 12, 2009

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