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NASA's AstroPix gamma-ray sensor to fly on robotic arm demonstration mission in 2027

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New Gamma-Ray Sensor Set for 2027 Launch

NASA's AstroPix sensor aims to fill a critical gap in gamma-ray observation, targeting an energy range where current detectors are less sensitive.

A Technology Demonstration in Orbit

NASA's new gamma-ray sensor, AstroPix, will be part of the agency's upcoming Fly Foundational Robots mission, scheduled to launch in late 2027. This technology demonstration is designed to measure gamma rays between 20,000 and 700,000 electron volts. For perspective, visible light energy ranges between just 2 and 3 electron volts.

Filling a Critical Gap

Current NASA missions such as Fermi and Swift observe gamma rays, but their detectors are less sensitive in the 500,000 to 1 million electron volt range. This specific range includes:

  • Gamma-ray bursts
  • Emissions from active galaxies

Stacking multiple AstroPix detectors in future missions could significantly improve observations in this energy range.

What the Team Says

"Testing AstroPix in orbit is necessary before using the sensors in future science missions."

— Dan Violette, AstroPix team member and postdoctoral fellow at NASA Goddard

Technical Specifications

Each AstroPix chip contains four silicon pixel gamma-ray detectors, each with 1,225 pixels. The chips function similarly to cell phone camera sensors.

Mission Architecture

The payload, called A-STEP, will be hosted within the Fly Foundational Robots mission's Orbital Replacement Unit built by Rocket Lab Robotics. A robotic arm will reposition the unit during flight, while Astro Digital will provide the spacecraft.

Bo Naasz, senior technical lead at NASA, noted that the unit had "the volume, power, and data needed to support the AstroPix design." The mission's primary goal is to demonstrate robotic changeout of payloads in orbit.

Timeline and Funding

  • September 2024: AstroPix team plans to deliver hardware
  • Late 2027: Scheduled launch

The Orbital Replacement Unit will house the chips and associated electronics.

Supporting Partners

The Fly Foundational Robots mission is funded through NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. Additional support comes from:

  • Rocket Lab Robotics — supplying the robotic arm via a NASA SBIR Phase III award
  • Astro Digital — hosting the flight test through NASA's Flight Opportunities program
  • NASA's Astrophysics Division — supporting AstroPix development