36.295 US KRUCKER/UNIV OF CA @ BERKELEY
Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager (FOXSI)

  • Mission
  • Vehicle
  • Launch
  • Photos

36.295 US Terrier-Black Brant was launched from White Sands Missile Range, NM on December 11, 2014. The FOXSI instruments test the fabrication and function of focusing optics for solar high energy x-ray observations in the 4-15 keV energy range. FOXSI observed the non-flaring “quiet” Sun and searched for non-thermal x-rays in these regions. These seven detectors are a pathfinder for future observatories investigating particle acceleration on the Sun.

The Principal Investigator was Dr. Sam Krucker/University of California-Berkeley.

Links:

http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/nasa-funded-foxsi-to-observe-x-rays-from-sun/

Drawing of a Terrier-Black Brant sounding rocket

The Black Brant 9 is a two stage sounding rocket with a Terrier first stage and Black Brant second stage. The Black Brant 9 can reach altitudes of about 600 km. Payloads weighing from 400 to 1200 pounds can be flown.

Additional sounding rocket vehicles

Google Earth Map showing White Sands Missile Range.

The FOXSI mission was launched from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico on December 11, 2014.

No photos available.