What does "GRBAlpha" mean?
Table of Contents
GRBAlpha is a small satellite, known as a CubeSat, launched in March 2021. It is designed to detect powerful bursts of gamma rays from space, called gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Positioned in a low Earth orbit about 550 kilometers above the Earth, GRBAlpha is the smallest space observatory for studying these high-energy events.
Purpose
The main goal of GRBAlpha is to collect data on gamma-ray bursts and other high-energy events in the universe. By doing this, GRBAlpha helps scientists learn more about these phenomena and prepares the way for a larger network of satellites that could improve our ability to locate and study them.
Technology
The satellite uses a special type of sensor called a scintillator, which can measure gamma rays in a certain energy range. It consists of a small, thin crystal that detects the gamma rays and sends the data to be analyzed. The setup is protected by layers of materials to shield it from sunlight and other radiation.
Achievements
As of July 2024, GRBAlpha has detected 140 high-energy transients, including about 100 gamma-ray bursts. Some of these events were very bright and were confirmed by larger missions. The satellite has also helped improve our understanding of how its sensors wear out in space and how to manage its operation effectively.
Community Involvement
The project encourages collaboration and invites more people to join in by expanding the network for receiving data related to GRBAlpha and similar experiments.