Multiwavelength Astronomy Multimedia


Title

NuSTAR instrumentation

Description

The artist’s conception illustrates the orientation of the detectors and optics on the satellite. The solar panel on the left provides power to the telescope. The yellow module on the far right contains the new technology optics which consists of two mirrors. These mirrors focus the hard X-rays and soft gamma rays onto the detectors at the other end of the deployable mast. The optics and the detectors must be separated by 10 meters (30 feet). The detectors and optics are launched close together because they just fit in the existing rockets used to launch satellites into space; the mast is extended after launch.

Subject

  • NuSTAR
  • Observatory (space-based)

Credits

NASA

Type

Artwork

Associated Lesson

Gamma Ray Tools

This material is based upon work supported by NASA under Grant Nos. NNX09AD33G and NNX10AE80G issued through the SMD ROSES 2009 Program.

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