The neutron star interior composition explorer (NICER): mission definition

• DOI: 10.1117/12.2056811
• Publication Date: 2014-08-21T21:59:39Z
• Authors: Z. Arzoumanian; K. C. Gendreau; C. L. Baker; T. Cazeau; P. Hestnes; J. W. Kellogg; S. J. Kenyon; R. P. Kozon; K.-C. Liu; S. S. Manthripragada; C. B. Markwardt; A. L. Mitchell; J. W. Mitchell; C. A. Monroe; T. Okajima; S. E. Pollard; D. F. Powers; B. J. Savadkin; L. B. Winternitz; P. T. Chen; M. R. Wright; R. Foster; G. Prigozhin; R. Remillard; J. Doty
• Keywords: Payload (computing); Beacon

Over a 10-month period during 2013 and early 2014, development of the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) mission [1] proceeded through Phase B, Mission Definition. An external attached payload on International Space Station (ISS), NICER is scheduled to launch in 2016 for an 18-month baseline mission. Its prime scientific focus in-depth investigation neutron stars—objects that compress up two Solar masses into volume size city—accomplished observations 0.2–12 keV X-rays, electromagnetic band which stars radiate significant fractions their thermal, magnetic, rotational energy stores. Additionally, enables X-ray Timing Navigation Technology (SEXTANT) demonstration spacecraft navigation using pulsars as beacons. During substantive refinements were made mission-level requirements, concept operations, instrument design. Fabrication testing engineering-model components improved fidelity anticipated performance NICER's Instrument (XTI), well payload's pointing system, tracking science targets from ISS platform. We briefly summarize advances mission's formulation that, together with strong programmatic project management, culminated confirmation by NASA C, Design Development, March 2014.