The Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite: Science objectives and instrument descriptionThe submillimeter wave astronomy satellite (SWAS) mission is dedicated to the investigation of star formation and interstellar chemistry. In order to perform the mission, SWAS will survey dense molecular clouds within the Milky Way Galaxy in either the ground state or a low-lying transition of five astrophysically-significant species: H2O, H2(18)O, O2, C I and (13)CO. The observation of these lines will: test theories that predict that these species are dominant coolants of molecular clouds during early stages of their collapse to form stars and planets, and supply information concerning the abundance of species central to the chemical models of dense interstellar gas. The SWAS will use two independent Schottky barrier diode mixers and a 53 x 68 sq cm, off-axis Cassegrain antenna.
Document ID
19980237622
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Melnick, G. J. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA United States)
Dalgarno, A. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA United States)
Erickson, N. R. (Massachusetts Univ. Amherst, MA United States)
Fazio, G. G. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Cambridge, MA United States)
Goldsmith, P. F. (Cornell Univ. Ithaca, NY United States)
Harwit, M. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Hollenbach, D. J. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Koch, D. G. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Neufeld, D. A. (Johns Hopkins Univ. Baltimore, MD United States)