The Japanese Vision for the Black Hole Explorer Mission
arxiv(2024)
Abstract
The Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) is a next-generation space very long baseline
interferometry (VLBI) mission concept that will extend the ground-based
millimeter/submillimeter arrays into space. The mission, closely aligned with
the science priorities of the Japanese VLBI community, involves an active
engagement of this community in the development of the mission, resulting in
the formation of the Black Hole Explorer Japan Consortium. Here we present the
current Japanese vision for the mission, ranging from scientific objectives to
instrumentation. The Consortium anticipates a wide range of scientific
investigations, from diverse black hole physics and astrophysics studied
through the primary VLBI mode, to the molecular universe explored via a
potential single-dish observation mode in the previously unexplored 50-70 GHz
band that would make BHEX the highest-sensitivity explorer ever of molecular
oxygen. A potential major contribution for the onboard instrument involves
supplying essential elements for its high-sensitivity dual-band receiving
system, which includes a broadband 300 GHz SIS mixer and a space-certified
multi-stage 4.5K cryocooler akin to those used in the Hitomi and XRISM
satellites by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Additionally, the
Consortium explores enhancing and supporting BHEX operations through the use of
millimeter/submillimeter facilities developed by the National Astronomical
Observatory of Japan, coupled with a network of laser communication stations
operated by the National Institute of Information and Communication Technology.
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