The NuSTAR X-ray space telescope has been successfully launched from a L011 aircraft carrying a Pegasus rocket built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It will explore the high energy X-ray spectrum, that is a part of the X-ray spectrum not covered by the Chandra X-ray telescope. The control station in Kenya is provided by the Italian Space Agency, while the scientific mission is managed by the University of California at Berkeley..
Tullio
It seems a very good project, with limited cost and commercial participants and a strong international cooperation, including Italy. The San Marco platform facing Malindi saw the beginning of X-ray astronomy with the launch of a Scout rocket bearing the Uhuru satellite. The scientific leader was Riccardo Giacconi.
Tullio
Successful Launch
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Yup, but let's not forget that a difficult part of the mission is still ahead: docking with ISS. Fingers crossed!
Cheers
HB
The NuSTAR X-ray space
)
The NuSTAR X-ray space telescope has been successfully launched from a L011 aircraft carrying a Pegasus rocket built by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It will explore the high energy X-ray spectrum, that is a part of the X-ray spectrum not covered by the Chandra X-ray telescope. The control station in Kenya is provided by the Italian Space Agency, while the scientific mission is managed by the University of California at Berkeley..
Tullio
The NuSTAR is fully extended
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The NuSTAR is fully extended and should start calibration runs in a few days.
Tullio
RE: The NuSTAR is fully
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NuStar now has had its "First Light", all seems to be well:
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/nustar/news/nustar20120628.html
Cheers
HB
It seems a very good project,
)
It seems a very good project, with limited cost and commercial participants and a strong international cooperation, including Italy. The San Marco platform facing Malindi saw the beginning of X-ray astronomy with the launch of a Scout rocket bearing the Uhuru satellite. The scientific leader was Riccardo Giacconi.
Tullio