Stellar And Galactic Environment survey (SAGE)

Abstract

International audienceThis paper describes a proposed high resolution soft X-ray and Extreme Ultraviolet spectroscopy mission to carry out a survey of Stellar and Galactic Environments (SAGE). The payload is based on novel diffraction grating technology which has already been proven in a sub-orbital space mission and which is ready to fly on a satellite platform with minimal development. We discuss the goals of a SAGE base-line mission and demonstrate the scientific importance of high resolution spectroscopy in the Extreme Ultraviolet for the study of stars and the local interstellar medium

The status and future of EUV astronomy

“…A recent example was the development of the SAGE concept in response to the recent ESA medium mission opportunities. This utilises eight telescopes of 3 m focal length, giving improved spectral resolution over J-PEX (see Barstow et al 2009). Figure 13 shows the effective areas of each telescope as a function of wavelength for a nominal payload that can study stellar coronae, white dwarfs and the local interstellar medium compared to EUVE and the Chandra LETG.…”