Cal X-1: an absolute in-orbit calibrator for current and future X-ray observatories
Keith Jahoda (1), Maxim Markevitch (1), Takashi Okajima (1), Joanne, Hill-Kittle (1), Neerav Shah (1), Denis Bergeron (2), Andrew Holland (3),, Paul Plucinsky (4), Dan Schwarz (4) ((1) NASA GSFC, (2) NIST, (3) Open, University, UK, (4) Harvard-Smithsonian CfA)
TL;DR
Cal X-1 is a proposed SmallSat mission with two CubeSats to establish X-ray standard candles, enabling precise calibration of current and future X-ray observatories through in-orbit measurements.
Contribution
It introduces a novel SmallSat formation flying concept to create an absolute X-ray calibrator for astronomical observatories.
Findings
Conceptual design of Cal X-1 mission
Potential for improved calibration accuracy
Feasibility of using CubeSats for X-ray calibration
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.
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Taxonomy
TopicsAstrophysical Phenomena and Observations · Calibration and Measurement Techniques · Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques