The Spanish company LIDAX is actively participating in the development of the ARRAKIHS mission, an ambitious project by the European Space Agency (ESA) whose main objective is to study dark matter in the universe. This mission marks a milestone, as it is the first ESA Scientific Programme led by Spain through the company Satlantis.
ARRAKIHS is a key mission to unravel one of the greatest mysteries of the universe: dark matter. With the aim of expanding our knowledge of this invisible but fundamental component of the cosmos, the mission will carry out detailed observations from space, using high-precision instruments developed specifically for this purpose.
The universe is mostly made up of something we cannot see: dark matter. According to various cosmological observations, this invisible matter could be up to five times more abundant than ordinary matter. However, due to its characteristics, it cannot be detected directly with current instruments. What we can perceive are its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as galaxies and other celestial bodies.
LIDAX is participating in ARRAKIHS in the development of part of the mission’s main instrumentation. In particular, it is collaborating in the construction of the binocular telescope that will be integrated into the satellite, taking care of the development of the focal planes.
This is crucial, as they must guarantee the mechanical and, especially, thermal stability of the sensor. A constant and controlled temperature is a fundamental parameter for measurement accuracy and the quality of astronomical observation, preventing distortions or noise that would compromise the data.
In collaboration with the company Satlantis, LIDAX designs and manufactures this high-performance telescope, which will be the key instrument for collecting scientific data during the mission. This optical system will allow the observation of dwarf galaxies and other distant celestial objects, whose interaction with dark matter is fundamental to their study.
This contribution reinforces LIDAX’s position as a leading company in the development of precision space technology, specialising in complex optical instruments.
The ARRAKIHS mission is a new step in LIDAX’s commitment to space exploration, technological innovation and cutting-edge scientific research. This is not only a technical challenge, but also a source of pride: being part of a project that will help answer one of the great questions of modern astrophysics.
This mission is a clear example of the talent and technological capacity that exists in Spain, both in the scientific and industrial fields. From the leadership of the consortium to the participation of companies such as LIDAX, this project demonstrates the country’s potential to promote high-impact space missions.
The study of dark matter could transform our understanding of the universe. And thanks to LIDAX’s participation in ARRAKIHS, we are a little closer to unlocking the secrets of that invisible part of the cosmos which, although we cannot see it, dominates the structure of the universe.
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