Toward a Sustainable Next Generation X-ray Observatory

摘要

Successfully developing and launching the next large X-ray observatory in a cost constrained environment will require a close partnership between scientists and engineers in academia, government and industry. We outline a set of design principles governing a sustainable development model that enables breakthrough scientific capability while maintaining credible commitment to tight cost constraints. We further aim for flexibility in a changing funding environment and responsiveness to new technology development. We bring in lessons learned from developing the Chandra X-ray observatory, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) and include results of recent architecture studies. From the perspective of the builders of CGRO, Chandra and other high energy observatories, we summarize our progress towards a robust yet flexible development model that provides the highest probability for the next X-ray observatory to move from detailed concept studies to in orbit science operation.