VTXO

Virtual Telescope for X-ray Observations

PI: Dr. Steven Stochaj, Co-PI: Dr. Hyeongjun Park

The Virtual Telescope for X-ray Observations (VTXO) mission is part of a new class of space based telescopes which distribute the telescope components between multiple spacecraft flying in a formation which approximates a rigid telescope structure. VTXO utilizes a new Phase Fresnel Lens (PFL) which promises to provide around 50 milli-arcsecond angular resolution. This is significantly better than an order of magnitude increase compared to Chandra the current state of the art telescope. However, because the PFL being used on VTXO has a focal length on the order of 1 km, VTXO will cary the PFL on one spacecraft, and the X-ray detector on a second spacecraft flying in a rigid formation 1 km apart. VTXO is being developed as part of a collaboration between NMSU, and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

Science Overview

X-ray observations are a crucial part of astronomical observations, permitting imaging of some of the most energetic phenomena in the universe. The location of these environments are associated with massive compact objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and super novae. Furthermore, X-rays are often associated with stellar flares, both on the surface of the sun and other stars.

With its modest size lens, VTXO is limited to imaging relatively bright sources. Nonetheless given VTXO’s order of magnitude improvement in angular resolution compared to what has been achieved to date in X-ray measurements, numerous targets within VTXO’s capabilities have been identified which provide a substantial scientific return.

Spacecraft Architecture

VTXO consists of two spacecraft, the ESPA sized DSC (Detector SpaceCraft), and the 6U sized OSC (Optics SpaceCraft). The mission will be placed in a highly eccentric earth orbit, and will perform observations while the vehicle is near apogee where the propellent required to maintain the formation is minimized.