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CCLRC RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY Astromony RAL supports astronomers using instruments in space and on the ground, with a wide range of expertise, in design, building, testing and calibration. Our scientists also participate in astronomical research using data from these and other instruments to further our understanding of galaxies and the formation of stars and planets. ALMA DARWIN The UK is participating in the construction of the Atacama Large Millimetre Array in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile at an altitude over 5000 m. The ALMA Observatory will have 64 twelve-metre diameter telescopes working together as an interferometric imaging array equivalent to a single telescope 15 km in diameter. The array will provide an unprecedented sensitivity and spatial resolution at millimetre and sub-millimetre wavelengths. It will be used to detect and study the earliest and most distant galaxies and will also probe dustobscured regions of which are the birthplace of stars and planets. The project is an international collaboration between North America and Europe, and more recently Japan. The UK A CAD image of part of ALMA technical contribution is managed by the ALMA UK Project Office located at RAL. RAL is also contributing key areas of technology during the array construction phase, including the detector system cryogenics, photonic phase reference mixers, and calibration load development. Contact: Brian Ellison Tel: 01235 446719 Email: b.ellison@r.ac.uk Darwin is a constellation of six spacecraft each with a large infrared telescope which will be like a single telescope with a diameter of 400 m. Darwin will be used to search for Earth-like planets and for signs of life on them. RAL is taking part in ESA’s scientific and technical studies. Contact: Sarah Dunkin Tel: 01235 446861 Email: s.k.dunkin@rl.ac.uk, www.darwin.rl.ac.uk/ JWST MIRI The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is planned to succeed the Hubble Space Telescope. The Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on JWST will provide unique capabilities to study the dust-enshrouded regions of the universe. RAL is responsible for several key areas, including assembly and verification, project science, thermal systems engineering and contamination control. Contact: Sam Elder Tel: 01235 445761 Email: s.c.elder@rl.ac.uk SUBARU FMOS The Fibre-Multi-Object Spectrograph (FMOS) is a collaboration to design and construct a fibre-fed infrared spectrograph system for the Subaru 8 m telescope on Mauna Kea in Hawaii. RAL has overall responsibility for the optical and thermal design of the spectrograph, and for the fabrication of the camera/detector system. Contact: Ian Tosh Tel: 01235 445450 Email: i.a.j.tosh@rl.ac.uk www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/FMOS An artist’s impression of the three LISA spacecraft in space LISA AND LISA PATHFINDER The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna measures gravitational waves from violent events such as the merging of black holes. The unique technology is to be tested on LISA Pathfinder, due for launch in 2008. RAL is involved in the gravitational wave sensor, including components for the high precision interferometers which measure the position of gravitational reference masses, and protecting the masses from damage during launch. RAL technology also prevents the spacecraft from becoming electrically charged when it operates its electric field powered micro-thrusters. Contact: Barry Kent Tel: 01235 446364 Email: b.j.kent@rl.ac.uk www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/fundphys/lisa/ 10
RAL SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MIRI structural model under test at RAL The VISTA camera for the telescope at the European Southern Observatory in Chile weighs over two tonnes HERSCHEL SPIRE The Spectral and Photometric Imaging REceiver (SPIRE) will fly on ESA’s Herschel mission in 2007. The instrument, operating between 200 and 700 microns, will search for galaxies, which are ‘young’ in cosmological terms. The instrument is being built by a consortium of European and American groups, led by Cardiff University. RAL is responsible for the instrument conceptual design, project management, in-flight operations and instrument calibration. Contact: Bruce Swinyard Tel: 01235 446271 Email: b.m.swinyard@rl.ac.uk www.sstd.rl.ac.uk/SPIRE/ PLANCK Planck is an ESA mission to map the structure of the Cosmic Microwave Background radiation. The detail and sensitivity of the measurements will help determine fundamental parameters relating to the origin and evolution of the universe. For frequencies higher than 100 GHz, a bolometer receiver system is used, operating at cryogenic temperatures. RAL has provided thermal analysis for the design of the system, as well as the cooling stage that reduces the temperature from 20 K to 4 K, using a Joule-Thomson system. Contact: Roger Emery Tel: 01235 446711 Email: r.j.emery@rl.ac.uk VISTA The Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy is a 4 m diameter wide-field survey telescope dedicated to conducting detailed imaging surveys of the sky. It will be located at the European Southern Observatory’s Cerro Paranal Observatory in Chile. RAL is leading a consortium with UKATC and Durham University which is building a camera with sixteen 2000 x 2000 pixel infrared detectors. Contact: Kim Ward Tel: 01235 445327 Email: a.k.ward@rl.ac.uk 11
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