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Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
NASA/ASI space observatory to study cosmic X-rays. Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer was launched on December 9, 2021 aboard a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral & Kennedy. Latest status in GCAT: in orbit.
COSPAR 2021-121ANORAD 49954United States
Identity
- Name in GCAT
- IXPE
- Common name
- Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
- International designator
- 2021-121A
- NORAD catalog number
- 49954
- GCAT identifier
- S49954
- UN registration
- ST/SG/SER.E/1041
Mission
- Mission type
- Astronomy
- Use
- Civil government
- Program
- SMEX
- Owner
- NASA MSFC
- Country
- United States
- Builder
- Ball Aerospace
- Platform (bus)
- BCP
Launch
- Date
- December 9, 2021 · 06:00 UTC
- Launch record
- 2021-121Success
- Rocket
- Falcon 9
- Spaceport
- Cape Canaveral & Kennedy · pad LC39A
Orbit and fate
- Orbit class (GCAT)
- LLEO/E
- Perigee
- 588 km
- Apogee
- 603 km
- Inclination
- 0.23°
- Status
- In orbit
- Last known active
- March 2023
Size
- Mass
- 330 kg
- Dry mass
- 330 kg
- Length
- 2.0 m
- Diameter
- 1.10 m
- Span
- 5.2 m
Source: GCAT payload, deep-space and lander catalogs, Jonathan C. McDowell (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata Q30750693 (CC0).