Kurzbeschreibung
(Englisch)
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The Cosmic X-ray Background (CXB) represents a critical measure of the cumulative energy released through black hole accretion across the Universe, primarily from supermassive black holes. First detected by R. Giacconi and awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Physics, it remains fundamental to our
understanding of cosmic evolution. Accurate CXB measurement is crucial for improving synthesis models and understanding key aspects of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN), such as obscuration, X-ray reflection, and so on. However, current uncertainties (~15%) in the CXB normalisation hinder accurate
modelling, especially of the fraction of Compton-thick sources. The Cosmic X-ray Background Explorer (CXBe) [attachment 3], which has already undergone scientific and technical review by the China Manned Space Agency Expert Group for Space Astronomy and Astrophysics, has been endorsed for deployment on the Chinese Space Station (CSS). The CXBe mission aims to achieve an unprecedented 1% accuracy in CXB measurement, representing a significant improvement over existing data. With NASO, we propose a simultaneous development and qualification of a complete detector module of CXBe and in particular of its rotating obturator. This effort leverages the detectors, electronics, and technical expertise gained from POLAR-2, making the timing ideal for advancing the CXBe project, and the technical expertise gained at the University of Geneva building obturator and filter wheels for several space missions. The anticipated outcome will be a preliminarily defined CXBe project, which will lead to a continuation with PRODEX, alongside substantial contributions from Chinese partners to expedite the mission’s development and launch to the CSS within this decade. This NASO project will also deliver important technical advancements, including the development of a long-lifetime rotating mechanism and improved absolute calibration techniques in space, which will have broad implications for both space engineering and scientific research, enhancing the overall capacity for future space missions.
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Projektziele
(Englisch)
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In this NASO proposal, UniGE aims to build and qualify one detector module of CXBe, which will develop
- a preliminarily defined CXBe project;
- technical input for continuing with PRODEX for the development and launch of a full CXBe;
- core competencies in the space sector at the University of Geneva involved in high-energy astrophysics on scientific (see above) and technical levels at the level of Principal Investigator (PI) responsibilities;
- international collaboration in space science between Switzerland and China and in particular on the CSS, building upon an already fruitful collaboration. Additional partners may also join the project as the study of the Cosmic X-ray background has a long history in Europe, in particular in Germany and Italy;
- a successful partnership between the space industry and higher education research centres and the building-up of an innovative industrial competence in Switzerland in the field of space-qualified Motor Control Units and space mechanisms.
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