IXPE

Not to be confused with XPoSat.

Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
IXPE satellite, on the top are its three identical X-ray optics elements, the sensors are on the bottom.
NamesExplorer 97
IXPE
SMEX-14
Mission typeX-ray astronomy satellite
OperatorNASA, ASI
COSPAR ID2021-121A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.49954
Websiteixpe.msfc.nasa.gov
asi.it/ixpe
Mission duration5 years (planned)
2 years, 11 months and 2 days (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftExplorer XCVII
Spacecraft typeImaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
BusBCP-100
ManufacturerBall Aerospace & Technologies
OHB Italia
Launch mass330 kg (730 lb)[1]
Payload mass170 kg (370 lb)
Dimensions1.1 m (3 ft 7 in) in diameter and 5.2 m (17 ft) tall, fully extended
Solar array: 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) fully deployed
Start of mission
Launch date9 December 2021, 06:00 UTC[3]
RocketFalcon 9, B1061.5
Launch siteKennedy Space Center, LC-39A
ContractorSpaceX
Entered service10 January 2022[2]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Perigee altitude540 km (340 mi)
Apogee altitude540 km (340 mi)
Inclination0.20°
Period90.00 minutes
Main telescope
TypeThree-mirror
Focal length4 m[4]
WavelengthsX-ray
Transponders
BandS-band[5]

IXPE mission logo
Explorers Program
← ICON (Explorer 96)
PUNCH and TRACERS →

Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, commonly known as IXPE or SMEX-14, is a space observatory with three identical telescopes designed to measure the polarization of cosmic X-rays of black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars.[6] The observatory, which was launched on 9 December 2021, is an international collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI). It is part of NASA's Explorers program, which designs low-cost spacecraft to study heliophysics and astrophysics.

The mission will study exotic astronomical objects and permit mapping of the magnetic fields of black holes, neutron stars, pulsars, supernova remnants, magnetars, quasars, and active galactic nuclei. The high-energy X-ray radiation from these objects' surrounding environment can be polarized – oscillating in a particular direction. Studying the polarization of X-rays reveals the physics of these objects and can provide insights into the high-temperature environments where they are created.[7]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference eoPortal was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "IXPE X-ray observatory completes commissioning, eyes Cassiopeia A for calibration". NASASpaceFlight.com. 10 January 2022. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference ixpe-home was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Weisskopf 2016 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "IXPE Fact Sheet" (PDF). NASA. 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 February 2018. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  6. ^ "NASA Selects Mission to Study Black Holes, Cosmic X-ray Mysteries". NASA. 3 January 2017. Archived from the original on 8 December 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  7. ^ "NASA selects X-ray astronomy mission". SpaceNews. 4 January 2017. Archived from the original on 30 April 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2021.