# Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer

> NASA/ASI space observatory to study cosmic X-rays

**Wikidata**: [Q30750693](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q30750693)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IXPE)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/imaging-x-ray-polarimetry-explorer

## Summary
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA/ASI space observatory designed to study cosmic X-rays using X-ray polarimetry. Launched in December 2021, it is part of NASA's Explorers Program and the Small Explorer program, succeeding missions like the Ionospheric Connection Explorer and Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Space telescope
- **Owned/Operated by**: Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA)
- **Partners**: Italian Space Agency (ASI) and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN)
- **Launch Date**: December 9, 2021, at 06:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1061.5)
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Mass**: 325 kg
- **Dimensions**: 5.2 m (length), 2.7 m (width), 1.1 m (diameter)
- **Primary Mission**: X-ray polarimetry to study high-energy astrophysical phenomena
- **Aliases**: IXPE, Small Explorers 14 (SMEX-14), Explorer 97
- **Principal Investigators**: Martin Weisskopf (2017–2022), Philip Kaaret (2022–present)
- **Cost**: ~$214 million (2022 estimate, including development and operations)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer?
A: IXPE is designed to study the polarization of cosmic X-rays, which helps scientists understand the magnetic fields and extreme environments of celestial objects like black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars.

### Q: Who built the IXPE spacecraft?
A: The spacecraft was built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies as the prime contractor, with contributions from the Marshall Space Flight Center (telescope), Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (polarimeter), and OHB SE (components).

### Q: How does IXPE differ from other X-ray telescopes?
A: Unlike traditional X-ray telescopes, IXPE specializes in measuring the polarization of X-rays, providing unique insights into the magnetic fields and emission mechanisms of high-energy astrophysical sources.

### Q: What was the launch outcome of IXPE?
A: IXPE was successfully launched on December 9, 2021, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.

### Q: What are the key scientific instruments on IXPE?
A: IXPE carries a Wolter telescope of type I and three X-ray polarimeters, allowing it to measure the polarization of X-rays from cosmic sources.

## Why It Matters
IXPE is a groundbreaking mission that advances our understanding of high-energy astrophysics by studying the polarization of X-rays. Polarization reveals the magnetic fields and emission mechanisms of extreme cosmic objects, such as black holes and neutron stars. By measuring X-ray polarization, IXPE helps scientists unravel the physics of these phenomena, which are invisible to traditional telescopes. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and ASI, leveraging Italian expertise in X-ray polarimetry. IXPE’s findings could revolutionize our knowledge of the universe’s most energetic and mysterious objects.

## Notable For
- **First X-ray Polarimetry Mission**: IXPE is the first space observatory dedicated to measuring the polarization of cosmic X-rays, a technique that provides unique insights into magnetic fields and emission processes.
- **Collaborative Effort**: A joint mission between NASA and ASI, with contributions from INFN and international partners, showcasing global cooperation in space science.
- **Advanced Technology**: Equipped with a Wolter telescope and X-ray polarimeters, IXPE represents cutting-edge instrumentation for high-energy astrophysics.
- **Black Hole Research**: IXPE’s observations have helped determine the shape of black hole coronas, shedding light on the extreme environments near these cosmic phenomena.
- **Long-Duration Mission**: Designed for a two-year primary mission, IXPE continues to operate and gather data, extending its scientific impact.

## Body
### Mission Overview
IXPE is a space telescope launched in 2021 to study the polarization of cosmic X-rays. It is part of NASA’s Explorers Program and the Small Explorer program, following missions like the Ionospheric Connection Explorer and Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer. The mission is a collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI), with contributions from the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN).

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 325 kg
- **Dimensions**: 5.2 m (length), 2.7 m (width), 1.1 m (diameter)
- **Power**: Spacecraft solar array
- **Instruments**: Wolter telescope of type I and three X-ray polarimeters
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: December 9, 2021, at 06:00 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1061.5)
- **Launch Site**: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A
- **Manufacturer**: Ball Aerospace & Technologies (prime contractor), with contributions from Marshall Space Flight Center, INFN, and OHB SE

### Scientific Contributions
- **X-ray Polarimetry**: IXPE measures the polarization of X-rays, revealing magnetic fields and emission mechanisms of high-energy astrophysical sources.
- **Black Hole Research**: IXPE has helped determine the shape of black hole coronas, providing insights into the extreme environments near these cosmic objects.
- **Principal Investigators**: Martin Weisskopf (2017–2022) and Philip Kaaret (2022–present)

### Cost and Funding
- **Capital Cost**: ~$214 million (2022 estimate, including development and operations)
- **Sponsors**: NASA and ASI

### Legacy and Follow-On Missions
- **Followed by**: PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere)
- **Preceded by**: Ionospheric Connection Explorer and Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer

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## References

1. [Source](https://ixpe.msfc.nasa.gov/about/IXPE_fact_sheet.pdf)
2. [Source](https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20180006418/downloads/20180006418.pdf)
3. [Source](https://ixpe.msfc.nasa.gov/about/index.html)
4. [Source](https://ixpe.msfc.nasa.gov/for_scientists/papers/2016SPIE9905-17_Weisskopf.pdf)
5. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/releases/2021/nasas-imaging-x-ray-polarimetry-explorer-prepares-for-environmental-testing.html)
6. Jonathan's Space Report
7. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/multi/explorer.html)
8. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-launch-services-contract-for-groundbreaking-astrophysics-mission)
9. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/ixpe-launch/)
10. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/explorer_ixpe.htm)
11. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-launches-new-mission-to-explore-universe-s-most-dramatic-objects)
12. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/09/ixpe-nearing-shipment-for-launch/)
13. [Source](https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?params=/context/smallsat/article/4093/&path_info=SSC18_V_08__1_.pdf)
14. [Source](https://spacenews.com/nasa-selects-x-ray-astronomy-mission/)
15. [NASA, SpaceX launch IXPE x-ray observatory atop Falcon 9](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/12/ixpe-launch/)
16. NASASpaceflight
17. [Source](https://heasarc.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/heasarc/missions/ixpe.html)
18. [Source](https://www.eoportal.org/satellite-missions/ixpe#payload)
19. [Source](https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/01/21/science-mission-begins-for-nasas-new-eye-on-the-x-ray-universe/)
20. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/ixpe/nasas-ixpe-awarded-prestigious-prize-in-high-energy-astronomy/)
21. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/ixpe/nasas-ixpe-helps-researchers-determine-shape-of-black-hole-corona/)
22. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-kaaret-37053843/)