CATCH: Chasing All Transients Constellation Hunters Space Mission

TL;DR

CATCH is an innovative space mission concept involving a constellation of micro-satellites equipped with X-ray optics, designed to perform simultaneous, multi-dimensional follow-up observations of transient astronomical events in the dynamic universe.

Contribution

This paper introduces the design of CATCH, a novel constellation of micro-satellites with versatile X-ray observation capabilities for comprehensive transient follow-up.

Findings

Design of 126 micro-satellites with diverse observation capabilities

Flexible observation modes including monitoring and scanning

Potential to significantly enhance transient astronomy studies

Abstract

In time-domain astronomy, a substantial number of transients will be discovered by multi-wavelength and multi-messenger observatories, posing a great challenge for follow-up capabilities. We have thus proposed an intelligent X-ray constellation, the Chasing All Transients Constellation Hunters (CATCH) space mission. Consisting of 126 micro-satellites in three types, CATCH will have the capability to perform follow-up observations for a large number of different types of transients simultaneously. Each satellite in the constellation will carry lightweight X-ray optics and use a deployable mast to increase the focal length. The combination of different optics and detector systems enables different types of satellites to have multiform observation capabilities, including timing, spectroscopy, imaging, and polarization. Controlled by the intelligent system, different satellites can cooperate to perform uninterrupted monitoring, all-sky follow-up observations, and scanning observations with a flexible field of view (FOV) and multi-dimensional observations. Therefore, CATCH will be a powerful mission to study the dynamic universe. Here, we present the current design of the spacecraft, optics, detector system, constellation configuration and observing modes, as well as the development plan.