The Black Hole Explorer: Astrophysics Mission Concept Engineering Study Report

Eliad Peretz*, Peter Kurczynski, Michael D. Johnson, Janice Houston, Tirupati Kumara Sridharan, Jade Wang, Peter Galison, Ronald Gamble, Leonid Gurvits, More Authors

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

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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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024
Subtitle of host publicationOptical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
EditorsLaura E. Coyle, Shuji Matsuura, Marshall D. Perrin
PublisherSPIE
Number of pages32
ISBN (Electronic)9781510675070
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
EventSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave - Yokohama, Japan
Duration: 16 Jun 202422 Jun 2024

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13092
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceSpace Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityYokohama
Period16/06/2422/06/24

Keywords

  • BHEX
  • Black Hole
  • Explorers Program
  • Mission Concept
  • Radio Emissions
  • The Black Hole Explorer
  • TRL
  • VLBI

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