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T0111-S

Rocket Flight of a Delta-Doped Charge Coupled Device (CCD) Focal Plane Array for Colorado High-Resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS)

PI: Paul Scowen, Arizona State University

This project lays out a path to take an already functional focal plan array (FPA) design and advance it to a state of flight readiness for inclusion in the CHESS suborbital rocket flight. The Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph (CHESS) is a sounding rocket based far ultraviolet (FUV) instrument that will demonstrate several new technologies that will enable future ultraviolet spectroscopic missions. The CHESS payload is prototyping technologies that will increase the capabilities in the far-UV wavelength regime at the same time performing worthwhile science.

Technology Areas (?)
  • TA08 Science Instruments, Observations and Sensor Systems
Problem Statement

Our group has been developing a focal plane array to be flight-tested aboard a rocket-borne spectrograph. The focal plan array design is an innovative approach that solves a series of problems developers are encountering with the use of large format detectors. We will integrate our laboratory prototype into an already-approved and funded rocket payload to raise the TRL of the next generation CCD technology.

Technology Maturation

The detector has been demonstrated to work in the laboratory environment and so can be assigned a TRL of 4, and the next step is to demonstrate the performance in a relevant environment and to raise the TRL to 6. This will be accomplished by developing a true prototype flight package that will be launched and serve as the primary science detector for a NASA-supported astrophysics mission.

Future Customers

NASA

Technology Details

  • Selection Date
    NRA-2-APP-E (Aug 2013)
  • Program Status
    Withdrawn
  • Current TRL (?)
    TRL 4
    Successful FOP Flights
  • 0 sRLV

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