Development of a micro-satellite TSUBAME for X-ray polarimetry of GRBs

Abstract

Hard X-ray polarization is believed to be one of the most promising methods to investigate the physical processes just around the central engines by constraining the magnetic environment. For this purpose we are now developing a compact and highly sensitive hard X-ray polarimeter aboard a university class micro-satellite TSUBAME. We are now developing the flight model of the satellite aiming for the launch in late 2012 from Russia. © 2012 International Astronomical Union.