First Operation of TES Microcalorimeters in Space with the Micro-X Sounding Rocket

TL;DR

The paper reports the first successful space operation of TES microcalorimeters using the Micro-X sounding rocket, demonstrating their performance in a space environment despite a pointing failure.

Contribution

It presents the first in-space operation of a Transition-Edge Sensor array with a multiplexed read-out system on a sounding rocket.

Findings

Calibration source data confirms detector performance in space

Successful operation of TES microcalorimeters in space environment

Potential for future space-based X-ray spectroscopy missions

Abstract

Micro-X is a sounding rocket-borne instrument that uses a microcalorimeter array to perform high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. This instrument flew for the first time on July 22nd, 2018 from the White Sands Missile Range, USA. This flight marks the first successful operation of a Transition-Edge Sensor array and its time division multiplexing read-out system in space. This launch was dedicated to the observation of the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A. A failure in the attitude control system prevented the rocket from pointing and led to no time on target. The on-board calibration source provided X-rays in flight, and it is used to compare detector performance during pre-flight integration, flight, and after the successful post-flight recovery. This calibration data demonstrates the capabilities of the detector in a space environment as well as its potential for future flights.