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Catalog Data

Manufacturer:
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory  Search this
Materials:
Mixed metals
Electronics
Dimensions:
3-D: 45.7 x 30.5 x 61cm (18 x 12 x 24 in.)
Type:
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Country of Origin:
United States of America
Summary:
Engineering model for the high-resolution imager (HRI) flown on the ROSAT (Roentgen Satellite) spacecraft, one of two detectors on the spacecraft. This imager consists of a pair of stacked microchannel plates backed by a grid of crossed wires. This HRI was developed for NASA by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. It comprises an improved version of an imager used on the earlier Einstein Observatory. ROSAT, named after the discoverer of X-rays, Wilhem Roentgen, was an international mission aimed at exploring the high-energy universe. It was developed in a cooperative effort between Germany, the United States and Great Britain. The satellite, which was designed and operated by Germany, was placed in orbit board a Delta II launch vehicle in June 1990 and collected data until February 1999. During that time it obtained an all sky survey in the X-ray region as well as detailed observations of many galaxies.
The orbiting x-ray telescope ROSAT used sets of wide metallic cylinders to "scoop up" incoming x-rays and focus them onto a detector like this one. The x-rays ricocheted down the cylinders and into a bundle of microscopic metallic straws in the HRI. The x-rays knocked electrons off the sides of the straws, which channeled the electrons onto a fine wire mesh screen. The resulting electrical impulses were used to create an image showing the intensity and distribution of the x-ray energy.
Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, courtesy of NASA
Credit Line:
Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard University.
Inventory Number:
A20020293000
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv98e4e1170-bb26-4624-ac48-f6907997a252
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A20020293000