A look at the universe in gamma raysThe scientific background and objectives, proposed instruments, spacecraft constraints, operations plans and present status and schedule of the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), a shuttle-launched free-flyer satellite currently planned by NASA, are reviewed. Objectives for the satellite study of the highest energy electromagnetic radiation in the cosmos discussed include the investigation of the evolution of compact objects, nucleosynthesis, gamma-ray objects whose nature is not yet known, the gamma-ray properties of the Galaxy and other galaxies, cosmological effects and intense gamma-ray bursts. The five instruments considered in the definition study which span six decades in energy are presented and proposed experiments are outlined. Although a spacecraft has not yet been selected, several feasible alternatives have been identified, and a launch in the mid-1980s is planned.
Document ID
19800032255
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kniffen, D. A. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics, Greenbelt, Md., United States)