cosine continues to progress in the preparation phase of Silicon Pore Optics mirror modules. Hundreds of these cutting-edge X-ray modules will be assembled to form the X-ray lens for the European Space Agency’s NewAthena observatory, planned to launch in 2037. For the first time a mirror module underwent a thermal test campaign combined with X-ray measurements: this took place at the BEaTriX beamline, operated by the Brera Observatory – INAF – Italy.
Thermal vacuum testing is one of the steps in environmental testing. It is meant to show that our mirror modules are ready for the harsh conditions they will experience during the launch and operation phases of the mission. In September and October 2024, tests were performed at the BEaTriX beamline in Italy. Over two months, thermal testing was performed on mirror module unit 58 to evaluate whether its performance is affected by changes in temperature. The module underwent five temperature cycles between 0°C and 40°C, as required by ESA, simulating the environmental conditions it will experience between launch and commissioning.
Initial results indicate the mirror module can undergo such temperature changes, commented cosine’s Dr Giuseppe Vacanti: “This was the first time we performed a thermal test combined with X-ray measurements, and the performance of the mirror module was not affected. The unique advantage of the BEaTriX beamline is its ability to measure the optics with a parallel beam and at a rate compatible with the SPO production, while the temperature can be varied around the operation value. This allows us to track the impact of temperature fluctuations on the mirror module’s performance live. In earlier tests we had been able to measure the performance of the module only after the thermal tests. The measurements taken at BEaTriX will be used on inform the opto-mechanical models of the optics.”
The use of the BEaTriX facilities for these tests was supported by the EU-funded AHEAD Trans-National Access program.
These environmental tests are part of cosine’s ongoing preparation phase for the production of the Silicon Pore Optics mirror modules for NewAthena. Additional tests, such as shock and vibration testing, are conducted in house at cosine’s headquarters in Sassenheim.
Read more about Silicon Pore Optics on our website.
About cosine and the High Energy Optics business unit
cosine is a leading worldwide company in the development of space instrumentation, such as Silicon Pore Optics for astronomy and remote sensing solutions with onboard analytics for Earth Observation and planetary science. cosine combines physics and technology to bring out-of-the-box solutions to its clients. cosine has been developing and delivering innovative measurement systems for space and industrial applications since 1998. The company operates 1,300 m2 of cleanrooms and high-tech assembly facilities to build and test the systems we produce for customers at our headquarters in Sassenheim, The Netherlands.
cosine’s High Energy Optics business unit is a world leader in the development and delivery of X-ray and gamma-ray optics and systems, including X-ray diffraction and imaging spectroscopy. We combine and apply knowledge about semiconductor processes, silicon, glass micro-pore optics technology, and mass production to develop and produce lightweight, high-resolution high-energy optics. With our expertise in X-ray and gamma-ray technologies, we can address your imaging, focusing, modeling, and analysis challenges.
