The Diffuse Interstellar Cloud Experiment (DICE): integration and first-look data

Eric Schindhelm; Eric Burgh; Robert Kane; Brennan Gantner; Sarah LeVine; Matthew Beasley; James Green

doi:10.1117/12.857478

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29 July 2010 The Diffuse Interstellar Cloud Experiment (DICE): integration and first-look data

Eric Schindhelm, Eric Burgh, Robert Kane, Brennan Gantner, Sarah LeVine, Matthew Beasley, James Green

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Proceedings Volume 7732, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray; 773207 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857478
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We have assembled and launched the Diffuse Interstellar Cloud Experiment (DICE), an instrument capable of recording high resolution (λ/δλ = 30,000) spectra in the Far Ultraviolet (FUV). Absorption measurements toward nearby bright stars can provide new insight into the processes governing warm-hot gas in the Local Interstellar Medium. It flew on May 21^st, 2010. An anomaly in the Black Brant motor subjected the payload to abnormally high vibration. As a result, the optics were misaligned and no spectral data fell on the detector. Here we present the details of mechanical and electrical integration with NASA launch systems, as well as optical alignment of the telescope and spectrograph. In addition, we summarize the flight results.

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Eric Schindhelm, Eric Burgh, Robert Kane, Brennan Gantner, Sarah LeVine, Matthew Beasley, and James Green "The Diffuse Interstellar Cloud Experiment (DICE): integration and first-look data", Proc. SPIE 7732, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2010: Ultraviolet to Gamma Ray, 773207 (29 July 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.857478

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