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A high energy Space Station (HESS) array for studying extremely energetic cosmic raysThe scientific aims and design concept of a High-Energy Space Station (HESS) cosmic-ray detector array are discussed. The current state of knowledge on cosmic-ray acceleration and high-energy interactions is briefly reviewed, and the need for observations yielding elemental composition and spectra in the 10-10,000-TeV/nucleon range is demonstrated. It is predicted that 2 yr of observations with a space-borne detector of geometry factor 30 sq m sr would provide adequate data to determine the acceleration mechanism (by comparing the energy level at which the spectra of He nuclei and protons break). A modular HESS array comprising W/scintillator/PM-tube calorimeter modules and Cerenkov charge-sensitive detector modules and weighing about 30 tonnes is described. The array could be assembled on orbit after transport in the Space Shuttle cargo bay, and data could be taken as soon as one or two layers of modules had been attached to the mounting-frame/support-electronics unit.
Document ID
19860062141
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ormes, J. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Streitmatter, R. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Subject Category
Spacecraft Instrumentation
Accession Number
86A46879
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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