CREAM [NASA]
The CREAM (Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass), also known as ISS-CREAM, is a suite of particle detectors to measure TeV cosmic-ray elemental spectra from protons to iron nuclei over a wide energy range. The goal is to extend direct measurements of cosmic-ray composition to the highest energies practical, and thereby have enough overlap with ground based indirect measurements to answer questions on cosmic-ray origin, acceleration and propagation.
CREAM was originally a balloon borne exoeriment, which was flown successfully for about 161 days in six flights over Antarctica to measure elemental spectra of Z = 1–26 nuclei over the energy range 1010 to >1014 eV.
The CREAM instrument consists of a set of complementary and redundant particle detectors. An ionization calorimeter determines the energy of the cosmic ray particles, provide tracking, and event trigger. Silicon charge detectors provide precise charge measurements. Top/bottom counting detectors provide shower profiles for electron/hadron separation. The BSD (Boronated Scintillator Detector) provides additional electron/hadron discrimination using thermal neutrons produced by particles that interact within the calorimeter.
The objectives of CREAM are
It will also contribute indirectly to the dark matter search by measuring electrons in addition to nuclei at energies beyond where current direct measurements exist.
CREAM will be transported by the Dragon CRS-12 transporter to the ISS in August 2017. CREAM is installed on the JEF (JEM-EF) exposed facility of the Japanese JEM module to allow zenith viewing. The CREAM investigation is designed to operate on the JEM-EF for 3 years.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Cosmic radiation science |
Operator: | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center |
Contractors: | NASA Goddard Space Flight Center |
Equipment: | CREAM particle detectors |
Configuration: | Attached ISS payload |
Propulsion: | None |
Power: | Via ISS |
Lifetime: | 3 years |
Mass: | < 1300 kg |
Orbit: | 400 km × 400 km, 51.6° (typical) |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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CREAM | N/A | 14.08.2017 | CCK LC-39A | Falcon-9 v1.2 | with Dragon CRS-12, Kestrel Eye 2M, Dellingr, ASTERIA, OSIRIS-3U |
Pressurized elements:
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Logistics: |