SRE-FA: Astrophysics and Fundamental Physics Missions
The Astrophysics and Fundamental Physics Missions Section (SRE-FA) is responsible for science missions in the fields of Astrophysics, Magnetospheric, Solar and Fundamental Physics which are under assessment as candidates for the Science Programme. SRE-FA also provides support to science missions in orbit or under development, and is responsible for planning longer term future mission developments in the science areas mentioned.
SRE-FA has a number of key tasks:
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Management of missions in assessment phase
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Conducting Technology Reference Studies and supporting the definition of the corresponding Technology Development Plans
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Development of specific payload related technologies and instruments required for future missions, in close co-operation with the Advanced Technologies Section SRE-FT
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Providing technical support for payloads (including reviews of ESA missions)
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Perform cost, risk and programmatic analysis for science payloads for missions in assessment or development phase
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Developing payload cost models for future science instruments Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 activities with SRE-FA
SRE-FA is responsible for the assessment studies of numerous Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 mission candidates, providing the associated study managers (see Missions in Assessment Phase - link on left-hand menu). These studies are:
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The International X-ray Observatory (IXO), formerly known as XEUS, an L-class candidate in cooperation with JAXA and NASA, representing the potential follow on mission to XMM-Newton.
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Euclid, a dark universe observatory proposed as M-class candidate.
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PLATO, Planetary Transit and Oscillations of Stars, M-class candidate.
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SPICA, Space IR Telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics, a JAXA led mission to which ESA would contribute within and M-class envelope.
Completed Technology Reference Studies with SRE-FA (preparation to Cosmic Vision 2015-2025 activities):
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Gamma Ray Lens
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Wide Field Imager
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Far IR Interferometer
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Cosmic Microwave Polarisation Mapper
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Fundamental Physics Explorer
Last Update: 26 Mar 2013
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