Stratospheric Spectropolarimeter Gamma-X (SSGX)

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Among the frontiers of astronomy are the polarization measurements of x- and γ-rays, emitted from phenomena such as γ-ray bursts, pulsars, and active galactic nuclei. Our payload utilizes a 4x4 pixel CdTe array developed to characterize background radiation in the 20-1000 keV energy range. SSGX features both the CACTμS detection unit (previously launched from Italy in 2002) and an innovative electronic data collection system designed by ARC students. DAISI samples detector analog voltages, supplies required voltages, monitors system operation, regulates electronics temperature, responds to remote communication, and continuously records acquired data as well as system status to permanent storage. Preparing for integration, the SSGX is contained within a (31 x 26 x 30) cm3 volume, has a mass of 9.99 kg, utilizes a maximum current draw of 1.497 A, and communicates at an effective data rate of 70.4 bps. This relatively modest experiment is crucial for developing reliable calibration data for future instrumentation. Further, this project provisions international collaboration between ARC undergraduates and research partners in Portugal and Italy. Our goal is thus to obtain, for the first time, a fine measurement of all background components capable of deteriorating a γ-ray polarimeter response in space.