HEX-P: The High-Energy X-ray Probe
Abstract
The High-Energy X-ray Probe (HEX-P) is a probe-class next-generation high-energy X-ray observatory mission concept that will vastly extend the reach of broadband X-ray observations. Observing over the 2-200 keV energy range, HEX-P has 40 times the sensitivity of any previous mission in the 10-80 keV band, and 10,000 times the sensitivity of any previous mission in the 80-200 keV band. A successor to the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telesceope Array (NuSTAR), a NASA Small Explorer launched in 2012, HEX-P addresses key NASA science objectives. HEX-P is also an important complement to ESA's Athena mission, which emphasizes high-resolution spectroscopy below 10 keV. Together, HEX-P and Athena would provide a powerful capability for addressing a diverse range of questions central to modern astrophysics, working independently or in coordinated observations as the science demands. HEX-P will provide fundamental new discoveries that range from probing the extreme environments around black holes and neutron stars, to mapping the growth of supermassive black holes and probing the effect they have on their environments. Based on NuSTAR heritage, HEX-P requires only modest technology development, and could easily be executed within the next decade.
- Publication:
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AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division
- Pub Date:
- March 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019HEAD...1710958M