IXPE

Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer

Measuring the cosmos to learn about space extreme environments

The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission is flying three space telescopes with cameras capable of measuring the polarization of the cosmic X-rays from black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars. This will allow scientists to answer fundamental questions about turbulent and extreme space environments where gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields are at their limits.

Mission Class:

Larger Missions

Mission Status:

Current

LASP Roles:

Mission Operations

Science Target:

Interstellar

Mission Focus:

Interplanetary Space, Interstellar Medium

Launch Date: December 9, 2021
Prime Mission: 2 years

Lead Institution: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Partners: Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, Italian Space Agency, McGill University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Roma Tre University, Stanford University, OHB Italia