The X-IFU focal plane assembly development model integration and first test results

Space Telescopes and Instrumentation: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray

Abstract

This paper describes the fabrication- and integration process of the X ray Integral Field Unit Focal Plane Assembly (X-IFU FPA) Development Model (DM) as part of the ongoing FPA development program for the Athena X-ray observatory. The build of this FPA-DM is a first demonstration for the X-IFU focal plane, which contains all these elements while the design is aimed for space application rather than for laboratory environment. In this paper we present the FPA-DM integration process including relevant tests on sub-system level. In addition the latest status of the warm- and cryogenic FPA-DM test program is presented. This test program, which is planned to start in 2020, includes thermal-, mechanical- and functional and performance tests. A comparison between the available test results and the thermal- and mechanical- models is made.

Authors 1

1. Henk J. van Weers corresponding Aachen SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

   Space Research Organisation Netherlands · NWO-I

   Affiliation as printed

   SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research, NWO-I (Netherlands)