Development of SHARJAH-SAT-1: An improved X-ray Detector (iXRD) onboard a 3U CubeSat

SHARJAH-SAT-1 is currently being developed as a collaborative research project among the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Science, and Technology (SAASST), University of Sharjah (UoS), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), and Sabanci University (SU). A 3U CubeSat design has been adopted with a dual payload onboard: (i) an improved X-ray Detector (iXRD) and (ii) a system of two optical cameras. The main scientific targets of the mission are the bright X-ray sources in our Galaxy and the solar coronal holes. A complimentary payload, consisting of the two optical cameras will serve as low-resolution remote sensing application, but rather limited in capabilities. The main technological aim of this project is to develop a CubeSat, from A to Z, operational in the hard X-ray regime of the electromagnetic spectrum. The SHARJAH-SAT-1 would be the first CubeSat mission to be developed by the SAASST team and UoS students, with the aim of not only designing, fabricating, testing and launching the CubeSat itself, but also building the capacities and expertise necessary for future CubeSat missions as well. The primary science payload on board is the iXRD (developed by the Sabanci University) which will provide an improved version of XRD on board BeEagleSat. The leading technology behind iXRD is a CdZnTe-based crystal, operational in the hard X-rays regime, between 20 and 200 keV energy range. The target spectral resolution of the detector is 6 keV at 60 keV. Its main science goal of the mission is to observe the very bright galactic X-ray sources, transient and persistent. Black Hole candidates and pulsars can emit radiation up to a few 100 keVs making them potential targets. In addition, hard X-ray spectra from solar flare and coronal holes will be studied. Another target of opportunity is the transient bright events, such as gamma-ray burst (GRB) and magnetar bursts. Currently, shortly before the Critical Design Review (CDR) the anticipated launch is planned for early-to-mid 2021. The experience gained through the development of SHARJAH-SAT-1 will be transferred to future CubeSats programs.