The Mini Astrophysical MeV Background Observatory (MAMBO) CubeSat mission

Peter F. Bloser; W. Thomas Vestrand; Markus P. Hehlen; Lucas P. Parker; Andrew S. Hoover

doi:10.1117/12.2576143

13 December 2020 The Mini Astrophysical MeV Background Observatory (MAMBO) CubeSat mission

Peter F. Bloser, W. Thomas Vestrand, Markus P. Hehlen, Lucas P. Parker, Andrew S. Hoover

Proceedings Volume 11444, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray; 114441Z (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2576143
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2020, Online Only

Abstract

The origin of the cosmic diffuse gamma-ray (CDG) background in the 0.3 – 30 MeV energy range is a mystery that has persisted for over 40 years. The Mini Astrophysical MeV Background Observatory (MAMBO) is a CubeSat mission concept motivated by the fact that, since the MeV CDG is relatively bright, only a small detector is required to make highquality measurements of it. Indeed, the sensitivity of space-based gamma-ray instruments to the CDG is limited not by size, but by the locally generated instrumental background produced by interactions of energetic particles in spacecraft materials. Comparatively tiny CubeSat platforms provide a uniquely quiet environment relative to previous gamma-ray science missions. The MAMBO mission will provide the best measurements ever made of the MeV CDG spectrum and angular distribution, utilizing two key innovations: 1) low instrumental background on a 12U CubeSat platform; and 2) an innovative shielded spectrometer design that simultaneously measures signal and background. We describe the MAMBO instrument and mission concept in detail, including simulations and laboratory measurements demonstrating the key measurement concept.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Peter F. Bloser, W. Thomas Vestrand, Markus P. Hehlen, Lucas P. Parker, and Andrew S. Hoover "The Mini Astrophysical MeV Background Observatory (MAMBO) CubeSat mission", Proc. SPIE 11444, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2020: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 114441Z (13 December 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2576143

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