| Name: SHUBHANGI JAIN |
| Affiliation: Indian Institute of astrophyics |
| Conference ID: ASI2026_739 |
| Title: FISAT :Far-Uv Imaging Satellite (A 4U UV imaging telescope) |
| Abstract Type: Poster |
| Abstract Category: Facilities, Technologies and Data science |
| Author(s) and Co-Author(s) with Affiliation: SHUBHANGI JAIN(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Judhajeet Basu(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Praveen kumar(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Shubham Jankiram Ghatul(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Mahesh Babu S(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Rekhesh Mohan(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Jayant murthy(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Margarita Safonova(Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Bharat Chandra(Indian Institute of Astrophysics) |
| Abstract: Despite the importance of far-ultraviolet (FUV) observations, relatively few FUV imaging missions are planned in the near future. Large and sensitive UV telescopes are often oversubscribed and are generally unsuitable for observing brighter regions of the sky. To address this gap, we are developing a small Far-Ultraviolet Imaging telescope to enable science cases that are not feasible with larger, more sensitive facilities.
The Far-Ultraviolet Imaging Satellite (FISAT) is a compact FUV telescope designed for daily monitoring of transient phenomena. It features an 80 mm Ritchey–Chrétien (RC) optical design, operating in the 130–180 nm wavelength range with a 3° field of view, and can detect sources as faint as 19 AB magnitude in 1200 s exposures at a signal-to-noise ratio of 5. Its compact and lightweight design allows it to be flown on a CubeSat platform.
The planned 6–12 month survey will focus on detecting novae outbursts and other transient events. The Andromeda Galaxy (M31), with its high nova rate, is an ideal target for nova studies. Daily FUV monitoring of M31 will produce unprecedented light curves, providing key measurements of nova speed class, peak brightness, and short-lived UV flashes. Current UV surveys are limited in both depth and cadence; however, FISAT’s capabilities, combined with complementary optical observations, will enable the discovery of new novae and continuous monitoring of known systems. Daily exposures reaching 19 AB magnitude increase the probability of capturing brief UV flashes that are rarely observed.
Beyond novae, FISAT may detect other transients, including core-collapse supernovae, thermonuclear supernovae, and fast blue optical transients (FBOTs). The mission will also include a Galactic plane survey, broadening its observational scope beyond M31. The small payload size and simplified design significantly reduce development time and overall mission cost. FISAT will be hosted by InterCosmos on an upcoming mission in late 2026 planned.
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