• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2021

In this paper, we present observations of the Space Radiation Detectors (SRDs) onboard the Next Generation Small Satellite-1 (NEXTSat-1) satellite. The SRDs, which are a part of the Instruments for the study of Stable/Storm-time Space (ISSS), consist of the Medium-Energy Particle Detector (MEPD) and the High-Energy Particle Detector (HEPD). The MEPD can detect electrons, ions, and neutrals with energies ranging from 20 to 400 keV, and the HEPD can detect electrons over an energy range from 0.35 to 2 MeV. In this paper, we report an event where particle flux enhancements due to substorm injections are clearly identified in the MEPD A observations at energies of tens of keV. Additionally, we report a specific example observation of the electron distributions over a wide energy range in which we identify electron spatial distributions with energies of tens to hundreds of keV from the MEPD and with energy ranging up to a few MeV from the HEPD in the slot region and outer radiation belts. In addition, for an ~1.5-year period, we confirm that the HEPD successfully observed the well-known outer radiation belt electron flux distributions and their variations in time and L shell in a way consistent with the geomagnetic disturbance levels. Last, we find that the inner edge of the outer radiation belt is mostly coincident with the plasmapause locations in L, somewhat more consistent at subrelativistic energies than at relativistic energies. Based on these example events, we conclude that the SRD observations are of reliable quality, so they are useful for understanding the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere, including substorms and radiation belt variations.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.277-283
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• 2014

Next Generation Small Satellite-1 (NEXTSat-1) is scheduled to launch in 2017 and Instruments for the Study of Space Storm (ISSS) is planned to be onboard the NEXTSat-1. High Energy Particle Detector (HEPD) is one of the equipment comprising ISSS and the main objective of HEPD is to measure the high energy particles streaming into the Earth radiation belt during the event of a space storm, especially, electrons and protons, to obtain the flux information of those particles. For the design of HEPD, the Geometrical Factor was calculated to be 0.05 to be consistent with the targets of measurement and the structure of telescope with field of view of $33.4^{\circ}$ was designed using this factor. In order to decide the thickness of the detector sensor and the classification of the detection channels, a simulation was performed using GEANT4. Based on the simulation results, two silicon detectors with 1 mm thickness were selected and the aluminum foil of 0.05 mm is placed right in front of the silicon detectors to shield low energy particles. The detection channels are divided into an electron channel and two proton channels based on the measured LET of the particle. If the measured LET is less than 0.8 MeV, the particle belongs to the electron channel, otherwise it belongs to proton channels. HEPD is installed in the direction of $0^{\circ}$, $45^{\circ}$, $90^{\circ}$ against the along-track of a satellite to enable the efficient measurement of high energy particles. HEPD detects electrons with the energy of 0.1 MeV to several MeV and protons with the energy of more than a few MeV. Thus, the study on the dynamic mechanism of these particles in the Earth radiation belt will be performed.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.40.1-40.1
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• 2017

The NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) is the near-infrared spectro-photometric instrument optimized to the Next Generation of small satellite series (NEXTSat). To achieve the major scientific objectives for the study of the cosmic star formation in local and distant universe, the spectro-photometric survey covering more than 100 square degree will be performed. The main observational targets will be nearby galaxies, galaxy clusters, star-forming regions and low background regions. The off-axis optics was developed to cover a wide field of view ($2deg.{\times}2deg.$) as well as the wide wavelength range from 0.95 to $2.5{\mu}m$, which were revised based upon the recent test and evaluation of the NISS instrument. The mechanical structure were tested under the launching condition as well as the space environment. The signal processing from infrared sensor and the communication with the satellite were evaluated after the integration into the satellite. The flight model of the NSS was assembled and integrated into the satellite. To verify operations of the satellite in space, the space environment tests such as the vibration, shock and thermal-vacuum test were performed. The accurate calibration data were obtained in our test facilities. Here, we report the test results of the flight model of the NISS.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.82.2-82.2
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• 2013

The NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) onboard NEXTSat-1 is being developed by KASI. The NISS will perform the imaging low-resolution spectroscopic observation in the near-infrared range for nearby galaxies, low background regions, starforming regions and so on. The off-axis reflecting telescope with a wide field of view (2 deg. ${\times}$ 2 deg.) will be operated in the wavelength range from 0.95 to $3.8{\mu}m$. In order to reduce thermal noise, a telescope and a HgCdTe infrared sensor will be cooled down to 200K and 80K, respectively. To evade a stray light outside a field of view and use limited space efficiently, the NISS adopted the off-axis reflective optical system. The primary and secondary mirrors, optomechanical part and mechanical structure were designed to use the same material. It will lessen the degradation of optical performance due to a thermal variation. The purpose of NISS is the observation of cosmic near-infrared background in the wide wavelength range as well as the detection of near-infrared spectral lines in nearby galaxies, cluster of galaxies and star forming regions. It will give us less biased information on the star formation history. In addition, we will demonstrate the space technologies related to the development of the Korea's leading near-infrared instrument for the future large infrared telescope, SPICA.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.64.3-65
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• 2016

The NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) is the near-infrared instrument optimized to the Next Generation of small satellite series (NEXTSat). The capability of both imaging and low spectral resolution spectroscopy in the near-infrared range is a unique function of the NISS. The major scientific mission is to study the cosmic star formation history in local and distant universe. For those purposes, the main observational targets are nearby galaxies, galaxy clusters, star-forming regions and low background regions. The off-axis optical design is optimized to have a wide field of view ($2deg.{\times}2deg.$) as well as the wide wavelength range from 0.95 to $3.8{\mu}m$. Two linear variable filters are used to realize the imaging spectroscopy with the spectral resolution of ~20. The mechanical structure is considered to endure the launching condition as well as the space environment. The compact dewar is confirmed to operate the infrared detector as well as filters at 80K stage. The electronics is tested to obtain and process the signal from infrared sensor and to communicate with the satellite. After the test and calibration of the engineering qualification model (EQM), the flight model of the NSS is assembled and integrated into the satellite. To verify operations of the satellite in space, the space environment tests such as the vibration, shock and thermal-vacuum test were performed. Here, we report the test results of the flight model of the NISS.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.45.3-45.3
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• 2019

Since the high throughput for diffuse objects and the wide-area survey even with a small telescope can be achieved in space, infrared (IR) obervations have been tried through small missions in Korea. Based upon the previous technical development for infrared spectro-photometric instrument, NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) onboard NEXTSat-1, we participated in the all-sky infrared spectro-photometric survey mission, SPHEREx. The SPEHREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) was selected as the NASA MIDEX (Medium-class Explorer) mission (PI Institute: Caltech) in this February. As an international partner, KASI will take part in the hardware development, the operation and the science for the SPHEREx. The SPHEREx will perform the first all-sky infrared spectro-photometric survey to probe the origin of our Universe, to explore the origin and evolution of galaxies, and to explore whether planets around other stars could harbor life. For the purpose of the all-sky survey, the SPHEREx is designed to have a wide FoV of 3.5 × 11.3 deg. as well as wide spectral range from 0.75 to 5.0㎛. Here, we report the status of the SPHEREx project and the progress in the Korean participation.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.343-349
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• 2012

The solar proton telescope (SPT) is considered as one of the scientific instruments to be installed in instruments for the study of space storm (ISSS) which is determined for next generation small satellite-1 (NEXTSat-1). The SPT is the instrument that acquires the information on energetic particles, especially the energy and flux of proton, according to the solar activity in the space radiation environment. We performed the simulation to determine the specification of the SPT using geometry and tracking 4 (GEANT4). The simulation was performed in the range of 0.6-1,000 MeV considering that the proton, which is to be detected, corresponds to the high energy region according to the solar activity in the space radiation environment. By using aluminum as a blocking material and adjusting the energy detection range, we determined total 7 channels (0.6~5, 5~10, 10~20, 20~35, 35~52, 52~72, and >72 MeV) for the energy range of SPT. In the SPT, the proton energy was distinguished using linear energy transfer to compare with or discriminate from relativistic electron for the channels P1-P3 which are the range of less than 20 MeV, and above those channels, the energy was determined on the basis of whether silicon semiconductor detector (SSD) signal can pass or not. To determine the optimal channel, we performed the conceptual design of payload which uses the SSD. The designed SPT will improve the understanding on the capture and decline of solar energetic particles at the radiation belt by measuring the energetic proton.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.47.1-47.1
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• 2018

The NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) onboard NEXTSat-1 have successfully developed by KASI. The capability of both imaging and spectroscopy is a unique function of the NISS. At first, it have realized the low-resolution spectroscopy (R~20) with a wide field of view of $2{\times}2deg$. in a wide near-infrared range from 0.95 to $2.5{\mu}m$. The major scientific mission is to study the cosmic star formation history in local and distant universe. It will also demonstrate the space technologies related to the infrared spectro-photometry in space. Now, the NISS is ready to launch in late 2018. After the launch, the NISS will be operated during 2 years. As an extension of the NISS, the SPEHREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) is the NASA MIDEX (Medium-class Explorer) mission proposed together with KASI (PI Institute: Caltech). It will perform the first all-sky infrared spectro-photometric survey to probe the origin of our Universe, to explore the origin and evolution of galaxies, and to explore whether planets around other stars could harbor life. Compared to the NISS, the SPHEREx is designed to have much more wide FoV of $3.5{\times}11.3deg$. as well as wide spectral range from 0.75 to $5.0{\mu}m$. After passing the first selection process, the SPHEREx is under the Phase-A study. The final selection will be made in the end of 2018. Here, we report the status of the NISS and SPHEREx missions.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.87.3-88
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• 2017

한국천문연구원은 차세대소형위성 1호의 근적외선 영상분광기 NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) 탑재체를 개발하여 2017년 6월 30일에 최종 비행모델을 납품하였고, 이 발표는 탑재체 NISS 구조체의 비행모델 개발 결과를 보고한다. NISS는 0.9 - 2.5um (R~20) 근적외선 파장에서 관측을 해야 하기 때문에, 구조체의 배경잡음을 없애기 위해서 200K까지 passive cooling으로 냉각되며, H2RG 검출기는 소형 냉동기에 의해 약 88K에서 운영된다. NISS 구조체의 passive cooling을 효율적으로 수행하기 위해서 방열판, Kevlar 지지대, MLI, 표면제어용 필름 등을 조립하였고, 실제 지상 시험을 통해서 그 성능을 확인하였다. NISS 구조체는 최종 시스템 조립 과정에서 전자부 하네스 조립을 함께 수행했으며, 온도 모니터링 센서를 부착하고 소형 냉동기 피드백 온도를 반복 시험을 통해서 결정하였다. NISS 구조체는 미러 및 렌즈를 지지하는 광기계부를 함께 포함하기 때문에 발사 및 우주환경에서 광학 성능을 유지하기 위한 설계를 거쳐서 제작 되었으며, 최종 시스템 검교정 시험, 진동 및 열진공 시험을 통해서 그 성능을 확인하였다. NISS를 탑재한 차세대소형위성 1호는 2018년 상반기에 미국의 Falcon 9 발사체에 실려서 발사될 예정이다.

• The Bulletin of The Korean Astronomical Society
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.57.2-57.2
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• 2019

The NISS (Near-infrared Imaging Spectrometer for Star formation history) onboard NEXTSat-1 was successfully launched on last December and is now under the operation phase. The capability of both imaging and spectroscopy is a unique function of the NISS. It has realized the imaging spectroscopy (R~20) with a wide field of view of $2{\times}2deg$. in a wide near-infrared range from 0.95 to $2.5{\mu}m$. The major scientific mission is to study the cosmic star formation history in the local and distant universe. It also demonstrated the space technologies related to the infrared spectro-photometry in space. The NISS is performing the imaging spectroscopic survey for local star-forming galaxies, clusters of galaxies, star-forming regions, ecliptic deep fields and so on. As an extension of the NISS, the SPEHREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer) was selected as the NASA MIDEX (Medium-class Explorer) mission (PI Institute: Caltech). As an international partner, KASI will participate in the development and the science for SPHEREx. It will perform the first all-sky infrared spectro-photometric survey to probe the origin of our Universe, to explore the origin and evolution of galaxies, and to explore whether planets around other stars could harbor life. Compared to the NISS, the SPHEREx is designed to have a much wider FoV of $3.5{\times}11.3deg$. as well as wider spectral range from 0.75 to $5.0{\mu}m$. Here, we introduce the status of the two space missions.