The gamma ray lens an ESA technology reference study
Publication date: 15 December 2005
Authors: Craig, B. et al.
Journal: Experimental Astronomy
Volume: 20
Issue: 1-3
Page: 279-288
Year: 2005
Copyright: Springer Science + Business Media B.V.
The Science Payload and Advanced Concepts Office (SCI-A) of the ESA Science Directorate conducts a number of Technology Reference Studies (TRS) on hypothetical scientific missions that are not part of the approved Science programme. Such TRS activities allow identifying, at an early stage, technology development needs as well as exploring future mission scenarios. As part of this effort, the Gamma Ray Lens (GRL) mission, a future generation gamma-ray observatory, has been the subject of a preliminary internal investigation. The present paper provides an overview of the science goals assumed for this study, the selection of the reference mission profile, together with a preliminary description of the spacecraft design. The reference payload is also described, as well as the list of technology development activities derived from the study.
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