Lyman: A new window on the universe - The phase A science report of the Australian Lyman Science Working Group

Abstract

The scientific objectives, technical feasibility, and engineering implementation of the Lyman high-orbit UV space observatory are discussed. The Lyman observatory is designed to study the waveband between 900 and 1250 A. The objectives of the mission include stellar research, the study of stellar evolution, planetary nebulae, the study of binaries, novas and supernovas, the interstellar medium, nucleosynthesis in the big bang model, galactic halos, starburst galaxies, active galaxies, and quasars. A technical description of the Lyman mission is given, including the service module subsystems, the payload module, the telescope, the focal plane assembly, spectrographs, detectors, and ground segment. The status of the project is evaluated and the development schedule is presented.