The DXL and STORM sounding rocket mission

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of the Di use X-ray emission from the Local Galaxy (DXL) sounding rocket experiment is todistinguish the soft X-ray emission due to the Local Hot Bubble (LHB) from that produced via Solar WindCharge eXchange (SWCX). Enhanced interplanetary helium density in the helium focusing cone provides aspatial variation to the SWCX that can be identi ed by scanning through the focusing cone using an X-rayinstrument with a large grasp. DXL consists of two large proportional counters refurbished from the Aerobeepayload used during the Wisconsin All Sky Survey. The counters utilize P-10 ll gas and are covered by a thinFormvar window (with Cyasorb UV-24 additive) supported on a nickel mesh. DXL's large grasp is 10 cm 2 sr forboth the 14 and 34 keV bands. DXL was successfully launched from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico onDecember 12, 2012 using a Terrier Mk70 Black Brant IX sounding rocket.The Sheath Transport Observer for the Redistribution of Mass (STORM) instrument is a prototype softX-ray camera also successfully own on the DXL sounding rocket. STORM uses newly developed slumpedmicropore (`lobster eye') optics to focus X-rays onto a position sensitive, chevron con guration, microchannelplate detector. The slumped micropore optics have a 75 cm curvature radius and a polyimide/aluminum lterbonded to its surface. STORM's large eld-of-view makes it ideal for imaging SWCX with exospheric hydrogenfor future missions. STORM represents the rst ight of lobster-eye optics in space.Keywords: solar wind charge exchange| local hot bubble | proportional counter | sounding rocket