Astro-E Ushers in Golden Era of X-ray Astronomy
Images, Video and Facts to Support the NASA Press Release
An artists concenception of Astro-E in orbit, observing distant X-ray sources.
Credit: ISAS
Astro-E undergoing vibration testing at ISAS.
Credit: ISAS
Animation of the Astro-E satellite orbiting above the earth.
Credit: NASA/GSFC
[download Quicktime MOV file]
broadcast quality available from Goddard: 301-286-0039
This photograph shows the inner section of the X-ray Spectrometer (XRS). From the bottom, there is the cylindrical capsule containing paramagnetic crystals. Above this are connecting rods to transfer heat. Above this is the box-like structure that holds the microcalorimeter detector. Outer wires carry signals from the detector. The capsule containing the paramagnetic crystals are submerged in a tank of liquid helium at 1.2 degrees Kelvin (about -458 Fahrenheit). The helium tank and superconducting magnet are not shown.
Credit: XRS team, NASA
This photograph shows the outer section of the X-ray Spectrometer (XRS), specifically the dewar of solid neon at 17 degrees Kelvin (about -429 Fahrenheit). The frame surrounding the dewar holds the mirror assembly for the telescope.
Credit: XRS team, NASA/ISAS
A schematic diagram of Astro-E; individual instrument diagrams available.
Credit: XRS team, NASA/ISAS
Some useful links:
- The Astro-E fact sheet -- one page, front/back
- an image gallery -- from the installation process; higher-resolution images are available upon request.
- an index of movies -- from the Astro-E installation process
- The Astro-E Learning Center -- for budding scientists
- The Astro-E / XRS web site at Goddard -- slightly more scientific than the Learning Center, but more thorough
- The Astro-E GOF page -- for guest observers and other scientists
