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WELCOME to Space Systems Progams & Projects Office
We develop and operate NASA Science Mission Directorate programs and projects from the Astrophysics and Heliophysics Divisions which are assigned to Marshall Space Flight Center. These programs and projects continue to advance the cutting-edge frontiers of science. One of the many emphases is to explore the universe to understand its origin, structure, evolution, and destiny. |
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GENERAL INFO, NEWS AND DISCUSSIONS
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What is Chandra?
Launched in 1999, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is the most powerful X-ray observatory ever built. The overall objective of the Chandra Program is to make fundamental scientific discoveries and contribute to our understanding of the universe through rigorous analysis and distribution of unique scientific data. The scientific objectives include:
- Determine the nature of celestial objects from stars to quasars
- Understand the nature of physical processes which take place
in and between astronomical objects
- Understand the history and evolution of the universe
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What is Gravity Probe B?
Launched in 2004, Gravity Probe B is the relativity gyroscope experiment to test two extraordinary, unverified predictions of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity. |
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What is GLAST Burst Monitor (GBM)?
GLAST Burst Monitor (GBM) is an international science instrument payload being built in partnership with MPE (Germany). The primary objective for GBM is to enhance the science return of the GLAST Large Area Telescope (LAT), by detecting Gamma Ray Bursts over a large solid angle. Directions to the bursts will be determined, such that re-pointing of the main instrument (LAT) could occur. |
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What is Hinode (Solar-B)?
Launched in 2006, Hinode’s scientific objective is to provide an understanding of the sources of solar variability by measuring the sun’s magnetic field combined with data taken in the optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray spectrum. NASA provides portions of the three primary science instruments: Solar-Optical Telescope (SOT), X-Ray Telescope (XRT), and Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS). MSFC is also responsible for the overall management of the US provided elements for Solar-B. In addition to the hardware contribution, NASA is contributing a significant effort to the instrument operations and science data analysis. |
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What is Lab-on-a-Chip Applications Development (LOCAD)?
Lab-on-a-Chip technology is a promising analytical tool for providing solutions to some of NASA's most challenging exploration problems. Space travelers will require medical systems and environmental monitoring systems that are small, easy-to-use, portable, rugged, low cost, disposable, and that provide quick results. Lab-on-a-Chip technology allows certain types of chemical and biological processes that were previously conducted in large laboratories to be performed on microchips. |
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What is JWST Testing?
Cryogenic optical testing of up to six James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), primary mirror segments will be conducted in the MSFC X-ray Calibration Facility (XRCF). The XRCF is one of the few facilities in the world capable of testing optics of this size at temperatures as low as 25K, as required by JWST. JWST, a large, infrared-optimized space telescope, scheduled for launch in 2013. JWST will find the first galaxies that formed in the early Universe, connecting the Big Bang to our own Milky Way Galaxy. JWST will peer through dusty clouds to see stars forming planetary systems, connecting the Milky Way to our own Solar System. JWST's instruments will be designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with some capability in the visible range. |
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