AbstractSwift is a first-of-its-kind multiwavelength transient observatory for γ-ray burst astronomy. It has the optimum capabilities for the next breakthroughs in determining the origin of γ-ray bursts and their afterglows, as well as for using bursts to probe the early Universe. Swift will also monitor the soft gamma repeaters and perform the first sensitive hard X-ray survey of the sky. The mission is being developed by an international collaboration and consists of three instruments, the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), the X-ray Telescope (XRT), and the Ultraviolet and Optical Telescope (UVOT). The BAT, a wide-field γ-ray detector, will detect >100 γ-ray bursts per year with a sensitivity 5× that of BATSE. The sensitive narrow-field XRT and UVOT will be autonomously slewed to the burst location within 20–70 s to determine 0.3–5.0″ positions and perform optical, UV, and X-ray spectrophotometry. Strong education/public outreach and follow-up programs will help to engage the public and the astronomical community. Swift launch is planned for late 2004.


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    Title :

    The Swift GRB MIDEX mission


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 34 , 12 ; 2734-2738


    Publication date :

    2003-01-16


    Size :

    5 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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    Hurley, Kevin | Online Contents | 2004


    The Swift GRB MIDEX Mission

    Hurley, K. / Swift MIDEX team / International Council of Scientific Unions | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2004


    Astrophysics MIDEX Missions in the US

    Nousek, J. A. / The Committee on Space Research | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002


    Astrophysics MIDEX missions in the US

    Nousek, J.A. | Elsevier | 2002


    Astrophysics MIDEX missions in the US

    Nousek, J.A. | Online Contents | 2003