Abstract
The Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) mission will enable the study of the fine photon ring structure, aiming to reveal the clear universal signatures of multiple photon orbits and true tests of general relativity, while also giving astronomers access to a much greater population of black hole shadows. Spacecraft orbits can sample interferometric Fourier spacings that are inaccessible from the ground, providing unparalleled angular resolution for the most detailed spatial studies of accretion and photon orbits and better time resolution. The BHEX mission concept provides space Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) at submillimeter wavelengths measurements to study black holes in coordination with the Event Horizon Telescope and other radio telescopes. This report presents the BHEX engineering goals, objectives and TRL analysis for a selection of the BHEX subsystems. This work aims to lay some of the groundwork for a near-term Explorers class mission proposal.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024 |
Subtitle of host publication | Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave |
Editors | Laura E. Coyle, Shuji Matsuura, Marshall D. Perrin |
Publisher | SPIE |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781510675070 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2024 |
Event | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave - Yokohama, Japan Duration: 16 Jun 2024 → 22 Jun 2024 |
Publication series
Name | Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering |
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Volume | 13092 |
ISSN (Print) | 0277-786X |
ISSN (Electronic) | 1996-756X |
Conference
Conference | Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave |
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Country/Territory | Japan |
City | Yokohama |
Period | 16/06/24 → 22/06/24 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 SPIE.
Keywords
- BHEX
- Black Hole
- Explorers Program
- Mission Concept
- Radio Emissions
- The Black Hole Explorer
- TRL
- VLBI
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Computer Science Applications
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering