Paper 13093-44
Paper 13093-44
Optics developments for NewATHENA
18 June 2024 • 14:00 - 14:20 Japan Standard Time | Room G414/415, North - 4F
Abstract
With the endorsement of the NewAthena (New Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics) mission by ESA’s Science Programme Committee in November 2023, the preparations for this next generation X-ray observatory have shifted to a higher gear. Competitive system studies and technology preparation activities are being implemented, aiming to demonstrate readiness for the mission adoption early 2027 and the subsequent mission implementation.
The Silicon Pore Optics (SPO) enables the NewAthena mission, delivering an unprecedented combination of good angular resolution, large effective area and low mass. The SPO technology builds significantly on spin-in from the semiconductor industry and is designed to allow a cost-effective flight optics implementation, compliant with the programmatic requirements of the mission.
This paper will provide an overview of the activities preparing the implementation of the NewATHENA optics.
Presenter
European Space Agency (Netherlands)
Marcos Bavdaz has an engineering degree in technical physics and a PhD in applied physics, both from the Technical University of Vienna. Currently, as Head of the Technologies Preparation Section at ESA/ESTEC, he is responsible for the technological preparation of the future ESA Science missions.
His 30+ year career at ESA has been focused on technology innovation. He was responsible for the detector unit of the LEGSPC flight instrument for the Rossi-Prize winning BeppoSAX Observatory.
His invention of the Silicon Pore Optics has become the centerpiece of the ATHENA. The European patent was awarded in 2004, followed by the USA patent in 2008.
He led the development of novel microchannel plate planetary optics from a concept phase in 1999 to a technology readiness level adequate for adoption by a flight project in 2007. Today this optics is flying towards the planet Mercury on the BepiColombo mission.
Marcos Bavdaz was appointed an ESA Senior Advisor in 2008.