A low-cost innovative observatory for the reionization explorer mission (REX)

T. Casey; B. Pasquale; J. Rhoads; S. Malhotra

doi:10.1117/12.3020496

23 August 2024 A low-cost innovative observatory for the reionization explorer mission (REX)

T. Casey, B. Pasquale, J. Rhoads, S. Malhotra

Proceedings Volume 13092, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave; 130923P (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020496
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

We describe our technical approach to developing a space observatory to survey the large-scale distribution of neutral and ionized intergalactic gas during cosmological reionization (the landmark event of “Cosmic Dawn”) from 400 to 800 million years after the Big Bang. To look this far back in time at the large-scale distributions of ionized gases, we use wide-field, narrow-passband surveys for Lyman alpha light from individual galaxies red-shifted to the near-infrared. Wherever this light can be seen, it implies the presence of ionized gas. We are developing a large FOV (0.5-to-1.0-degree) instrument with plate scale on the order of 0.3”/pixel to obtain a comprehensive view of the reionization process over a representative volume of the early universe. To maximize science return, the Reionization Explorer (REX) will be placed in a high orbit. Through disciplined application of design-for-cost principles and a thorough searching for existing designs that can achieve our science objectives, we have developed what could be a game changing approach at advancing our understanding of the formation of the universe on a limited Small Explorer (SMEX) budget by leveraging existing telescope, instrument, and spacecraft designs.

Citation Download Citation

T. Casey, B. Pasquale, J. Rhoads, and S. Malhotra "A low-cost innovative observatory for the reionization explorer mission (REX)", Proc. SPIE 13092, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave, 130923P (23 August 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3020496

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