MSSL/UCL Astrophysics Consolidated Grant 2016-2019

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This consolidated grant application comprises a portfolio of related projects across the fields of astrophysics and instrumentation. The astrophysics projects are in three strands: high energy astrophysics; galaxy formation & evolution; and cosmology. These each have a direct and influential connection with the space facilities by which each field is or will be transformed. This is the particular advantage held by the Group, providing a noteworthy dimension to the work we propose. However our programme is by no means limited by MSSL hardware exploitation or even the exploitation of missions flying our hardware. Rather, every route available is considered, including ground-based facilities, when gathering the data necessary to understand the science questions that we address and that have been identified by STFC as being important. The Consolidated Grant also sets the foundation for the expoitation of future missions including JWST, Euclid, PLATO, Athena (and, potentially, LOFT), in which we have significant roles.Our instrumentation research is focused on the development of novel, miniaturised <0.1K coolers.We present twelve projects, aligned with these four fields of expertise. In order, these are three cases in high energy astrophysics/extreme gravity environments (Zane (2), Wu); four cases in galaxy formation and evolution (one of which links also to the high-energy astrophysics theme) (Page, Kawata, Cropper, Ferreras), three in cosmology (McEwen, Kitching (2)); and a technical case for the further development of a cryogenic cooler (Hepburn), which is an investment in a critical space technology for the future. This set of projects is chosen to take forward the core research activity of the Group. There is also an outreach request (Green) to ensure the outcomes of these projects are taken to the wider community.