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CATCH: chasing all transients constellation hunters space mission.

Authors :
Li, Panping
Yin, Qian-Qing
Li, Zhengwei
Tao, Lian
Wen, Xiangyang
Zhang, Shuang-Nan
Qi, Liqiang
Zhang, Juan
Zhao, Donghua
Li, Dalin
Yu, Xizheng
Bu, Qingcui
Chen, Wen
Chen, Yupeng
Huang, Yiming
Huang, Yue
Jin, Ge
Li, Gang
Liu, Hongbang
Liu, Xiaojing
Source :
Experimental Astronomy; Apr2023, Vol. 55 Issue 2, p447-486, 40p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

In time-domain astronomy, a substantial number of transients will be discovered by multi-wavelength and multi-messenger observatories, posing a great challenge for follow-up capabilities. We have thus proposed an intelligent X-ray constellation, the Chasing All Transients Constellation Hunters (CATCH) space mission. Consisting of 126 micro-satellites in three types, CATCH will have the capability to perform follow-up observations for a large number of different types of transients simultaneously. Each satellite in the constellation will carry lightweight X-ray optics and use a deployable mast to increase the focal length. The combination of different optics and detector systems enables different types of satellites to have multiform observation capabilities, including timing, spectroscopy, imaging, and polarization. Controlled by the intelligent system, different satellites can cooperate to perform uninterrupted monitoring, all-sky follow-up observations, and scanning observations with a flexible field of view (FOV) and multi-dimensional observations. Therefore, CATCH will be a powerful mission to study the dynamic universe. Here, we present the current design of the spacecraft, optics, detector system, constellation configuration and observing modes, as well as the development plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09226435
Volume :
55
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Experimental Astronomy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
163023242
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10686-022-09879-0