MAP Technical Information

MAP makes differential measurements of the sky using pseudo-correlation radiometers coupled to back-to-back 1.4 x 1.6 m primary Gregorian reflectors. The drivers of the MAP design are the requirement for a map with uncorrelated pixel noise and the overall avoidance of potential systematic errors. Five frequency bands from 22 GHz to 90 GHz will allow emission from the Galaxy to be modeled and removed. The sensitivity of the final frequency-combined cosmic microwave background map will be 20 microKelvin per 0.3 degree square pixel.

The science goals of MAP broadly dictate that the relative CMB temperature be measured accurately over the full sky with high angular resolution and sensitivity. The MAP design is based on weighing scientific objectives against the real world factors of systematic error control, risk, cost, and technical feasibility. The overriding priority in the design was the need to control systematic errors in the final maps while maintaining a system that could realistically be built, tested, and operated on schedule under a very firm budget.

The goal of MAP is to measure the relative CMB temperature over the full sky with an angular resolution of at least 0.3 degrees, a sensitivity of 20 uK per 0.3 degree square pixel, and with systematic effects limited to 5 uK per pixel. Details about each major aspect of the mission design are given below.