Cal X-1: an absolute in-orbit calibrator for current and future X-ray observatories
arXiv:1907.12677
summary
Cal X-1 is a SmallSat mission concept that uses two formation‑flying CubeSats—one carrying an absolutely calibrated X‑ray source and the other a simple X‑ray telescope—to provide absolute calibration for current and future X‑ray observatories.
Abstract
We describe Cal X-1, a SmallSat mission concept to establish X-ray standard candles in the sky, which will enable absolute calibration of the current and future X-ray observatories. It consists of two CubeSats flying in formation, one containing an absolutely calibrated X-ray source and another, 1-2 km away, a simple X-ray telescope.
A project white paper for the NAS Astro2020 Decadal Survey. 11 pages
Topics & keywords
#x-ray calibration#cubesat#formation flying#standard candles#space instrumentationabsolute calibrationX-ray sourceCubeSatformation flyingX-ray telescopestandard candle