Summary
|
LOFT Large Observatory for X-ray Timing Measuring the motion of matter orbiting close to the event horizon of a black hole, and the state of matter in neutron stars. |
|
| Theme | How does matter behave under extreme conditions? |
| Primary Goal | To directly study strong-field gravity, black hole masses and spins, and the equation of state of ultra-dense matter via high-time-resolution X-ray observations of compact objects. |
| Targets | Galactic black holes, neutron star binaries, Active Galactic Nuclei, Supermassive black holes. |
| Wavelength | X-ray (2 - 50 keV) |
| Orbit | Equatorial 600-km low Earth orbit |
| Lifetime | 4 years |
| Type | M-class candidate mission |
Mission timeline
- 2024: Targeted launch date
- February 2014: PLATO was selected as M3 - the third medium-class mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision Programme
- 2013: Under assessment - decision from Science Programme Committee (SPC) expected by February 2014
- February 2013: Science payload consortium selected
- October 2011: Invitation to Tender issued to industry
- September 2011: Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) study performed
- February 2011: LOFT is one of four missions selected for further study
- 2010: Proposed as an M-Class mission in response to Call for Proposals
Last Update: 1 September 2019