Soft gamma-ray astronomy with the GRASS instrument: status and prospects

Paper number

IAC-24,A7,2,3,x88847

Author

Dr. Alexandra Parmentier, INAF-IAPS, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Patrizia Barria, INAF-IAPS, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Angela Bazzano, INAF-IAPS, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Alfredo Morbidini, INAF, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Lorenzo Natalucci, INAF, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Fabrizio Nuccilli, INAF, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. James Craig Rodi, INAF-IAPS, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Pietro Ubertini, INAF, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Nello Vertolli, INAF, Italy

Coauthor

Dr. Angela Volpe, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Ugo Zannoni, INAF, Italy

Year

2024

Abstract

Stratospheric ballooning represents a primary approach to the testing of space-borne devices at suborbital heights with a focus onto progress in design development and possible increase in TRL.\\
Designed as an advancement over legacy instrumentation that rely on PMT detection and discrete control/readout electronics, the Gamma-Ray Astronomical Small Sensor (GRASS) is a compact, low-weight and position-sensitive prototype for time-domain gamma detection in the 50 keV $-$ 10 MeV energy range, which exploits a scalable array of high-density, fast-kinetics scintillators in the garnet class (GAGG:Ce), as well as a newest-generation SiPM-based readout electronics. In line with the current rush for payload miniaturization, the GRASS module is conceived as the 
basic element of a larger-area detector suitable for all-sky gamma astronomy.\\
Two different configurations of the GRASS instrument have been flown between 2021 and 2022 in the framework of the European HEMERA Project (Horizon 2020). These ZPB flight campaigns have offered precious benchmark information for future satellite missions, such as the GRINTA hard X-ray mission already proposed to ESA in 2021 and possible other missions to be studied in the context of the US Small Explorer class.\\
The present IAC communication details the current status of the GRASS Project and its potential for scientific advancement.

Abstract document

IAC-24,A7,2,3,x88847.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

(absent)