Gamma-ray burst investigation via polarimetry and spectroscopy (GRIPS)

The primary scientific goal of the GRIPS mission is to revolutionize our understanding of the early universe using γ -ray bursts. We propose a new generation gamma-ray observatory capable of unprecedented spectroscopy over a wide range of γ -ray energies (200 keV–50 MeV) and of polarimetry (200–1000 keV). The γ -ray sensitivity to nuclear absorption features enables the measurement of column densities as high as 10 28 cm − 2 . Secondary goals achievable by this mission include direct measurements of all types of supernova interiors through γ -rays from radioactive decays, nuclear astrophysics with massive stars and novae, and studies of particle acceleration near compact stars, interstellar shocks, and clusters of galaxies.