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StarBurst

StarBurst is a SmallSat that will detect high-energy gamma rays from events such as the mergers of dense stellar remnants called neutron stars.

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StarBurst Observatory

Who

Meet the StarBurst Team

The StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneer is a wide-field gamma-ray observatory designed to detect the initial emission of short gamma-ray bursts (SGRBs), important electromagnetic (EM) indicators of neutron star (NS) mergers. With an effective area over five times that of the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor (GBM) and complete visibility of the unobscured sky, StarBurst will conduct sensitive observations. It will work alongside gravitational wave detectors to identify EM counterparts to NS mergers. Designed as a SmallSat, StarBurst is planned to launch into Low Earth Orbit as a secondary payload via the ESPA Grande interface, with a mission duration of one year starting in 2027.

Mission Type

Gamma-ray Astronomy

Partners

Space Flight Laboratory and Naval Research Lab

Launch

2027

Landing

1 to 3 years
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