Stratospheric Spectropolarimeter Gamma-X (SSGX)

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Among the uncharted territories of astronomy lies the field of polarization measurements of x- and gamma-rays, emitted from spectacular phenomena such as gamma-ray bursts, pulsars, and active galactic nuclei. Our payload leverages a cutting-edge 4x4 pixel CdTe array specifically designed to quantify background radiation in the 20-1000 keV energy spectrum. SSGX boasts both the CACTμS detection unit (previously launched from Italy in 2002) and an innovative electronic data collection system crafted by ARC students. DAISI samples detector analog voltages, supplies necessary voltages, monitors system operation, regulates electronics temperature, responds to remote communication, and continuously records acquired data as well as system status to permanent storage facilities. Prior to integration, the SSGX is contained within a compact (31 x 26 x 30) cm3 volume, weighs 9.99 kg, utilizes a maximum current draw of 1.497 A, and communicates at an effective data rate of 70.4 bps. This relatively modest experiment plays a crucial role in developing reliable calibration data for future instrumentation. Furthermore, this project fosters international collaboration between ARC undergraduates and research partners in Portugal and Italy. Our objective is to obtain, for the first time, a precise measurement of all background components capable of degrading a gamma-ray polarimeter response in space.