Far-Infrared Spectroscopic Explorer (FIRSPEX)

FIRSPEX is a candidate mission developed in response to a bi-lateral call issued by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). FIRSPEX is a small satellite (~1m telescope) operating from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) consisting of a number of heterodyne detection bands targeting key molecular and atomic transitions in the terahertz (THz) and Supra-Terahertz (>1 THz) frequency range.

The FIRSPEX bands are : [CII] 158 microns (1.9 THz), [NII] 205 microns (1.46 THz), [CI] 370 microns (0.89 THz), CO(6-5) 433 microns (0.69 THz)
The primary goal of FIRSPEX is to perform an `unbiased’ all sky spectroscopic survey in four far-infrared lines delivering the first 3D-maps (high spectral resolution) of the Galaxy. The spectroscopic surveys will build on the heritage of Herschel and complement the broad-band all-sky surveys carried out by the IRAS and AKARI observatories. In addition FIRSPEX will enable targeted observations of nearby galaxies allowing for an in-depth study of the ISM components. FIRSPEX will launch in 2021.

FIRSPEX webpage:
astroweb1.physics.ox.ac.uk/~dar/FIR/firspex4.html

Please support FIRSPEX by signing up using the form below.

Dimitra Rigopoulou & Jia-Sheng Huang
for the FIRSPEX Consortium

The list of supporters can be viewed at FIRSPEX supporters list