Study of a mission concept, Light Element Mapper

Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)

Description

The intergalactic medium (IGM) is one of the last frontiers of astrophysics. It contains crucial clues to galaxy formation and evolution, but is very difficult to observe because of its extremely low density. We are considering a mission concept, the Light Element Mapper, to study the IGM in X-ray emission. LEM will combine a large-area silicon-shell mirror and a microcalorimeter array – two essential technologies developed at Goddard.

Benefits

We will create a preliminary mission design and determine whether it is feasible to build a mission to map the chemical elements in the intergalactic medium within the cost envelope.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Detectors and Focal Planes
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2019-10-01
End date	2020-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Emily L Wilson — emily.l.wilson@nasa.gov
Keith M Jahoda — keith.m.jahoda@nasa.gov
Maxim L Markevitch — maxim.markevitch@nasa.gov
Maurice A Leutenegger — maurice.a.leutenegger@nasa.gov
Richard L Kelley — richard.l.kelley@nasa.gov
Simon R Bandler — simon.r.bandler@nasa.gov
William W Zhang — william.w.zhang@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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