Citation:
Abstract:
We present a baseline science operations plan for the Black Hole Explorer (BHEX), a space mission concept aiming to confirm the existence of the predicted sharp “photon ring” resulting from strongly lensed photon trajectories around black holes, as predicted by general relativity, and to measure its size and shape to determine the black hole's spin. The BHEX radio antenna will co-observe with a ground-based very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) array, providing unprecedented high resolution with the extension to space that will enable photon ring detection and studies of active galactic nuclei. Here we outline the concept of operations for the hybrid observatory coordinating both a VLBI network and an optical downlink terminal network, the available observing modes, the proposal and observation planning process, and data delivery to achieve the BHEX mission goals and meet mission requirements.
