An astronomer from the University of Nottingham is part of the AXIS Probe mission that has been selected by NASA for a detailed mission concept study.
Dr Helen Russell from the School of Physics and Astronomy is co-investigator in the team led by Professor Chris Reynolds (University of Maryland) that will receive $5m funding to conduct development research into the proposed AXIS mission - Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite. This is one of two research projects selected by NASA and one of these missions will be selected for launch in 2032 and receive $1 billion of additional funding for development, construction and testing.
The resulting mission will become the first in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions within the agency's longstanding Explorers Program. The new mission class, Probe Explorers, will fill a gap between flagship and smaller-scale missions in NASA's exploration of the secrets of the universe.
AXIS is a high spatial resolution, high throughput X-ray telescope designed to probe the growth of black holes in the early Universe, the subsequent rise of stellar and black hole feedback and their impact on galaxy evolution, and the effects of stellar activity on planet formation. AXIS can rapidly respond to transient events, such as supernovae and gravitational wave alerts from colliding neutron stars. AXIS offers X-ray capabilities that are well-matched to JWST and future ground- and space-based observatories that will drive astronomical discoveries in the 2030s.
Dr Helen Russell leads the Galaxies science working group, which has been developing AXIS's science and observing program for stellar and black hole feedback in nearby galaxies, and metal-enrichment in the hot, diffuse Universe.
AXIS will reveal how black holes shut down star formation in galaxies, from nearby Milky-Way-sized systems to the richest galaxy clusters, and back to the peak of galaxy growth at cosmic noon. I'm so excited to work on this phenomenal telescope!
"NASA's Explorers Program brings out some of the most creative ideas for missions that help us reveal the unknown about our universe. Establishing this new line of missions – the largest our Astrophysics program has ever competed – has taken that creativity to new heights," said Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Both of the selected concepts could enable ground-breaking science responsive to the top astrophysics priorities of the decade, develop key technologies for future flagship missions, and offer opportunities for the entire community to use the new observatory, for the benefit of all."
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 2020 Decadal Survey, Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s, recommended NASA establish this new mission class, with the first mission observing either X-ray or far-infrared wavelengths of light. Mission costs for the new Probe Explorers are capped at $1 billion each, not including the cost of the rocket, launch services, or any contributions.
NASA evaluated Probe Explorers proposals based on their scientific merit in alignment with the Decadal Survey's recommendations, feasibility of development plans, and use of technologies that could support the development of future large missions.
