The Spanish Space Agency (AEE) has officially introduced the ARRAKIHS mission during an event at its newly inaugurated auditorium, named “Emilio Herrera.” This venue is specifically designed for public outreach and discussions related to space.
The presentation was led by Juan Carlos Cortés, the director of the AEE, who emphasized the dual significance of the occasion. He highlighted ARRAKIHS as a “pioneering mission that showcases Spain”s scientific and industrial leadership” within the framework of the European Space Agency (ESA). Additionally, he noted the appropriateness of unveiling such a crucial project at the launch of a space knowledge dissemination center.
The keynote address was delivered by Rafael Guzman, a principal investigator from CSIC, who shared insights about the mission”s objectives, development, and technology with both in-person and online attendees. The ARRAKIHS mission is particularly important for the Spanish space and science sectors, marking the first project of the ESA”s Scientific Program to be led by Spain.
The mission aims to explore the nature of dark matter by observing galaxy halos that resemble the Milky Way, achieving a depth of 30 mag/arcsec2, which provides significant detail.
This initiative exemplifies the capabilities of the Spanish scientific and technological consortium, spearheaded by the Institute of Physics of Cantabria (IFCA, CSIC-UC), with vital contributions from institutions such as the Institut d”Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), Institute of Space Sciences (ICE), Institute of High Energy Physics, Center for Astrophysics of Aragon (CEFCA), and the Center for Astrobiology (CAB), CSIC-INTA.
Additionally, over 150 collaborators from scientific centers in countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, Taiwan, and Thailand are involved in this project.
The instrument”s development is being led by the Spanish company SATLANTIS, in collaboration with other firms. The inaugural event at the “Emilio Herrera” auditorium, which also featured contributions from Isabel Pérez Grande, the director of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the agency, was well-attended and reinforces the AEE”s role as a central hub for space activities in Spain, fostering collaboration on both national and international projects.
