A balloon-borne millimeter-wave telescope for cosmic microwave background anisotropy measurements

D. J. Fixsen, E. S. Cheng, D. A. Cottingham, W. C. Folz, C. A. Inman, M. S. Kowitt, S. S. Meyer, L. A. Page, J. L. Puchalla, J. E. Ruhl, R. F. Sllverberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report on the characteristics and design details of the Medium Scale Anisotropy Measurement telescope, a millimeter-wave, balloon-borne experiment that measures anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background radiation on 0°5 angular scales. The gondola is capable of maintaining orientation to 2' rms and determining absolute pointing to 2!5 accuracy during a one-night flight. Emphasis is placed on the optical and pointing performance as well as the weight and power budgets. We also discuss the total balloon/gondola mechanical system. The pendulation from this system is a ubiquitous perturbation on the pointing system. A detailed understanding in these areas is needed for developing the next generation of balloon-borne instruments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)63-77
Number of pages15
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume470
Issue number1 PART I
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Keywords

  • Balloons
  • Cosmic microwave background
  • Instrumentation: Miscellaneous telescopes

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