NASA
Active
Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array
Launched: June 13, 2012
Overview
NuSTAR is the first focusing high-energy X-ray telescope in orbit. It operates in the hard X-ray range, providing unprecedented sensitivity and imaging capabilities that complement other X-ray observatories like Chandra and XMM-Newton.
Primary Objectives
- Study black holes and neutron stars
- Map supernova explosions
- Study relativistic jets
- Search for compact objects near the galactic center
Notable Discoveries
- First telescope to focus high-energy X-rays, producing unprecedented images
- Mapped radioactive material in supernova remnants, revealing how stars explode
- Measured the spin rates of black holes with unprecedented accuracy
- Discovered the brightest pulsar ever recorded
Technical Specifications
Size
10 m extended mast with 2 sets of optics modules
Weight
350 kg
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit, 600 km altitude
Mission Lifetime
10+ years (exceeded original plan)
