Mikko Pasanen

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About

Mikko Pasanen is a key figure in the development of next-generation X-ray space telescopes, specializing in the precision integration and alignment of Silicon Pore Optics (SPO). His primary research focuses on the engineering and assembly of high-energy astrophysics instrumentation, most notably for the European Space Agency’s ATHENA (Advanced Telescope for High-ENergy Astrophysics) mission. Pasanen’s major contributions include pioneering the integration facility and process for ATHENA’s Mirror Assembly Module (MAM), which requires the co-alignment of hundreds of SPO mirror modules onto a common support structure. His work, detailed in highly cited papers such as “Facility for alignment, assembly, and integration of the SPO mirror modules onto the ATHENA telescope” (2021, 8 citations) and “Integration facility for the ATHENA X-Ray Telescope” (2019, 4 citations), has established the critical methodology for achieving the sub-arcsecond precision needed for the mission’s success. By developing the full-size optical bench and integration process at Media Lario, Pasanen has directly enabled the practical realization of ATHENA’s revolutionary optics, positioning him as a leading engineer in the advancement of high-energy astrophysics technology.