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This is a part of the electronics box from the engineering model for the high-resolution imager (HRI) flown on the ROSAT (Roentgen Satellite) spacecraft. This imager consists of a pair of stacked microchannel plates backed by a grid of crossed wires. This HRI was developed for NASA by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. It provided improved sensitivity over an imager used on the earlier Einstein Observatory. ROSAT, named after the discoverer of X-rays, Wilhelm Roentgen, was an international mission aimed at exploring the high-energy universe. It was a cooperative effort between Germany, the United States and Great Britain.

The satellite, which was designed and operated by Germany, was placed in orbit board a Delta II launch vehicle in June 1990. It collected data until February 1999. During that time ROSAT obtained an all sky survey in the X-ray region as well as detailed observations of many galaxies.

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory transferred this object to the Museum in 2002.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type INSTRUMENTS-Scientific Manufacturer Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
 Dimensions 3-D (Electronic Assembly, High Resolution Imaging, ROSAT): 124.5 × 68.6 × 67.3cm, 67.1kg (4 ft. 1 in. × 2 ft. 3 in. × 2 ft. 2 1/2 in., 148lb.)
3-D (Aluminum Pallet Storage): 152.4 × 121.9 × 96.5cm, 108.9kg (5 ft. × 4 ft. × 3 ft. 2 in., 240lb.)
 Materials Non-Magnetic White Metals
Ferrous Alloys
Plastics
Rubber
Paints and Coatings
Glass
Adhesive
Possible Gold Plating
Paper
Ink
Synthetic Fiber Fabric
Natural Fiber Fabric
 Inventory Number A20020291000 Credit Line Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.