Gamma Ray Observatory Mission Characterization

Gamma Ray Observatory Mission Characterization - Abstract

The Compton Gamma Ray Observatory
A Subsystem Report and Mission Progress Report

Carrie D. Olsen

ASE 396 - Space Systems Design

November 18, 1994

Introduction

In order to study our universe scientists rely on instruments that sense and measure the electromagnetic emissions of the matter in the universe. And, in order to fully understand the nature of the universe, its makeup, origin and future, it must be studied in all wavelengths. Toward that end, NASA has devised a plan for four Earth-orbiting "Great Observatories". While the Hubble Space Telescope, which carries out investigations in the frequency regions from near ultraviolet to near infrared (visible light), is the best known by the public, another huge observatory is currently in orbit. This satellite is the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory. GRO, as it is most commonly known, was delivered to orbit by the Space Shuttle Atlantis on April 7, 1991. GRO has been operational and gathering science data on highly energetic gamma ray emissions since May 16, 1991.

The GRO was designed to conduct a comprehensive study of celestial gamma rays. Previous gamma ray observations have been limited to balloons and to small satellites as almost no celestial gamma rays penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. In order to get better information on gamma rays much more massive detectors operating for much longer intervals were needed. The 16,000 kg GRO with its four specially designed instruments fill this need, observing gamma rays with energies from 0.1 to 30,000 mega-electron volts (MeV). These instruments produce much better angular resolution and an order of magnitude better sensitivity than any previous instruments.

To date, GRO has been in operation for 3.5 years and continues to function well. The mission duration is expected to be 6 to 10 years. The GRO has already supplied scientists with a wealth of scientific data and as it's mission continues more theories will be inspired, proven and disproved.

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