HERO (High Energy Ray Observatory) optimization and current status

TL;DR

HERO is a space-based experiment designed to measure cosmic ray spectra and composition with high precision, aiming to understand the origin of the cosmic ray knee through a multi-year mission starting around 2029.

Contribution

This paper details the design, optimization, and current status of HERO, a novel space experiment for direct cosmic ray measurements with unprecedented energy resolution.

Findings

Effective geometrical factor varies from 12 to 60 m²sr.

Energy resolution better than 30% for cosmic ray nuclei.

Potential to measure spectra up to 3 PeV and study spectral fine structures.

Abstract

The High-Energy Ray Observatory (HERO) is a space experiment based on a heavy ionization calorimeter for direct study of cosmic rays. The effective geometrical factor of the apparatus varies from 12 to 60 m$^2$sr for protons depending on the weight of the calorimeter from 10 to 70 tons. During the exposure for $\sim$5 years this mission will make it possible to measure energy spectra of all abundant cosmic ray nuclei in the knee region ($\sim$3 PeV) with individual resolution of charges with energy resolution better than 30\% and provide useful information to solve the puzzle of the cosmic ray knee origin. HERO mission will make it also possible to measure energy spectra of cosmic rays nuclei for energies 1-1000 TeV with very high precision and energy resolution (up to 3\% for calorimeter 70 tons) and study the fine structure of the spectra. The planned experiment launch is no earlier than 2029.