The Far InfraRed Spectroscopic EXplorer (FIRSPEX)

Conference item

The Far InfraRed Spectroscopic EXplorer (FIRSPEX) is a novel concept for an astronomy satellite mission that will revolutionise our understanding of the properties of the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and star formation through velocity resolved spectroscopic observations at multi-terahertz frequencies. FIRSPEX comprises a fully cryogenic (~4K) heterodyne payload and a ~1.2 m primary antenna to scan the sky in a number of discreet spectroscopic channels delivering 3- dimensional spectral information. The spectral range selected contains important molecular, atomic and ionic species; the majority of which cannot be observed from the ground. FIRSPEX is UK led with additional contributions from partners throughout Europe. FIRSPEX opens up a relatively unexplored parameter space that will produce an enormously significant scientific legacy by focusing on the properties of the multi-phase ISM, the assembly of molecular clouds in our Galaxy and the onset of star formation topics which are fundamental to our understanding of galaxy evolution.

Authors: Rigopoulou, D; Tan, B; Yassin, G

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Reviewed (other)
• Publisher: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
• Host title: 27th International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology, ISSTT 2016
• Journal: 27th International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology, ISSTT 2016
• Publication date: 2016-07-01
• Acceptance date: 2016-03-15
• DOI: 10.1117/12.2233593